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

Tags: georgia florida golf classic, golf tournament, jekyll island golf, jekyll island golf tournament, johnny paulk
Posted in Beachscape, November 2009 | No Comments »

July 20, 2009
by Danella Crews, Jekyll Island Authority

The Jekyll Island Golf Club is taking part in Rally for the Cure, a breast cancer awareness campaign that began as a grassroots women’s golf program in 1996. More than 1.4 million people have participated in Rally for the Cure® events since its inception in 1996. This year marks the first time that the club has pledged its support and rallied against breast cancer.

A group of 72+ participants are expected for the Rally for the Cure Golf Tournament at 9:00a.m., on July 25, 2009. This event will be a 4 person scramble and is open to the public. Cost will be $50 per player (includes GF, ½ Electric cart, tee gift and prizes). To reserve a spot call (912) 635-2368.

Tags: breast cancer awareness, jekyll island golf, jekyll island golf tournament
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »