Golf tournament raises more than $22,000 to benefit Africa University

By William Hamilton

ORANGEBURG—The recent Bishop L. Jonathan Holston Golf Tournament held at the Orangeburg Country Club Sept. 30 raised more than $22,000, which will benefit Africa University and students throughout the African continent.

Some 88 golfers participated in the five-year-old event, which was played in Orangeburg for the first time after four years in Columbia. The event also included a silent auction and awards luncheon, with prizes going to the top four teams and several individuals showing off their skills.

Taking top team honors in the tournament was the foursome of Marvin Williams, Robbie Thomas, Henry Odom and Bubba Eaves, representing the law firm of Corey Williams of Orangeburg, at 18-under par. Second place went to Frank Hough, James Liton and Elbert Warren (17-under par), while the foursome of Lamont Green, Ed Johnson, Arthur Green and Dan Myers, representing Jo Jo’s Home Improvement, was third (15-under par). Finishing fourth was the foursome of Robert Kirton, Stanley Rivers, Marcus Burgess and Chevron Scott, representing Claflin University (14-under par).

Closest to the Pin honors went to Robby Thomas (Hole #3) of Fairfax, Matt Stewart (Hole #6) of North Augusta and Henry Odom (Hole #12) of Denmark. Marcus Burgess took Sand Pocket honors.

The tournament, with substantial support from the United Methodist Church community, was warmly embraced by the Orangeburg community, according to Orangeburg native James H. “Jim” Salley, Africa University’s chief advancement officer, and tournament director Robert Harper.

“The funds raised are significant and we hope to grow the contributions in future years,” Salley said. “We thank all the participants, the sponsors and volunteers for their efforts in supporting Africa University and making a difference in the lives of persons around the world.”

“We are pleased to be in Orangeburg and would like to thank the community, the participants, our sponsors and supporters who found it worthwhile to invest in Africa University and young men and women from all over Africa,” Bishop Holston said.

Among the local celebrities joining Holston in making remarks at the tournament were Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler, Vice Mayor L. Zimmerman Keitt and lead sponsor representatives Joe Halwax and Bill Stewart of Wespath Institutional Investments, the pensions agency of the United Methodist Church.

“Golf brings people from many disciplines together, fosters camaraderie and fellowship, as well as good times,” said Harper, a PGA expert who was in his first year as tournament director.