Thirty years ago, PGA Golf Pro Johnny Paulk and friends, H.P. Weldon and Frank Inman, decided to put together a “little” golf tournament geared toward University of Georgia football fans . . .

Every October, these three avid golfers watched as UGA fans flocked to Jekyll Island before the big Georgia-Florida football showdown in Jacksonville, FL. The island was filled with team spirit and competitiveness. Paulk, Weldon, and Inman decided to channel this excitement into a one-day golf tournament. This “little” golf tournament was the birth of the annual Georgia-Florida Golf Classic which is now celebrating its thirtieth anniversary and has become the biggest amateur golf tournament in Georgia.

Forty golfers teed off for that first tournament in 1979 to play one round, in one day, with the winning team taking home new golf bags. The Georgia-Florida Golf Classic has evolved since then with 576 players participating last year in the two-day, 36-hole competition. Now, the winning team not only receives bragging rights, but also the exclusive Georgia- Florida Golf Classic ring. Additionally, the top 75 teams receive prizes from vendors like Nike, Callaway, Odyssey, Cobra, TaylorMade and Cleveland. And, if that’s not enough, the players and their dates enjoy a cocktail party, an oyster roast with entertainment by the Swingin’ Medallions, a putting contest, a wine & cheese party, a doubles tennis tournament, and a ladies’ luncheon.

Today Mr. Paulk continues to lead the tournament as Tournament Director. However, he will tell you he could not pull this tournament together if it were not for his lovely wife, Virginia, the Jekyll Island Authority, and 110 volunteers.

“It is a lot of work, but it is worth it,” says Paulk. “A golf tournament is just what Jekyll Island and the fans need to get the party started.”

By encouraging camaraderie and promoting good sportsmanship during one of the most competitive rivalries in college sports, Johnny Paulk embodies his legacy as one of Georgia’s, and Jekyll Island’s, greatest sportsmen. The Jekyll Island Authority, tournament players, and volunteers all appreciate his dedication and hard work. We look forward to another great Georgia-Florida Golf Classic and many more years to come.

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The Georgia-Florida Golf Classic runs October 28-30th at the Jekyll Island Golf Course. For more information and GA /FL Golf Classic Registration, please visit us online: www.jekyllisland.com/georgiaflorida

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Posted in Beachscape, November 2009 | No Comments »

We asked some of the ladies playing in the putting contest and some of the guys warming up on the driving range, what was their favorite part of the Georgia Florida Golf Classic:

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If you wait too long it will be too late! The 30th annual Georgia-Florida Golf Classic is filling up and less than twenty team slots remain available! The Georgia-Florida Golf Classic is a great way to celebrate college football and the annual Dawg vs. Gators rivalry. Stay on Jekyll Island and be part of the celebration. Hotel Packages including game day transportation and tailgating at the stadium available. Teams of four compete for top prizes and bragging rights in two-day, 36-hole competition that takes full advantage of the college football celebration. $300 registration fee per person. Enter today, only 20 team openings remain! Get your team together or enter as an individual player. Individual players will be placed into competitive teams with A, B, C and D players. Registration is per person and all-inclusive of the following: Two rounds of tournament golf Breakfast at the tee for players (coffee, Bloody Marys, Orange Blossom Special and alka seltzer included) Lunch at the tee and turn for players (Soft drinks and beer provided) Two tickets for player and guest to the Get Acquainted Cocktail Party with food and drinks included Two tickets for player and guest to Oyster Roast, entertainment by Swingin’ Medallions Prizes for top 75 teams (prizes range from $600 - $80 value) Tournament goodie bag Free putting contest for players and guests, prizes awarded. Wine & Cheese Party for players’ guest Doubles Tennis Tournament for players’ guest (optional) Annual Ladies Luncheon

Tags: georgia beaches, georgia florida golf classic, golf tournament, jekyll island golf
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