Arcis-HBCU Golf Championship Photo

The second annual Arcis-HBCU Golf Championship is set for Saturday, Feb. 22 to Monday, Feb. 24, at The Club at Weston Hills in Weston, Fla., owned and operated by Arcis Golf, the second largest owner and operator of private, resort, and daily fee golf facilities in the United States. The tournament will feature 17 men’s and women’s teams from Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) playing 54 holes of competition.

This lively and intense event—with the first of three 18-hole rounds teeing off at 8 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 23)—will be held on The Players Course, one of two 18-hole golf courses at the club created by world-renowned designer Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and former home of the Honda Classic and the LPGA’s Chrysler Plymouth Tournament of Champions. The second round will be played Sunday afternoon, with the final round teeing off at 8 a.m. Monday (Feb. 24), followed by an awards ceremony.

A field of 100 players (7 women’s teams, 13 men’s teams) will compete, including Howard University’s Kendall Jackson, the 2024 women’s winner, who returns to defend her individual title.  The inaugural champions from 2024 were Florida A&M University (men’s Div. I), Miles College (men’s Div. II), and Howard University (women’s).

Along with Howard University, other participating schools are: Chicago State University, Southern University, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Delaware State University, Virginia State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Livingston College, Winston-Salem State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Alabama A&M University, Miles College, Savannah State University, Alabama State University, and Florida A&M University.

The three-day event includes receptions and dinners, a career expo, and numerous learning and networking opportunities. Chefs from several Arcis Golf facilities will be on-site to showcase their culinary talents for the competitors, guests, and invited dignitaries.

Two additional events have been planned to showcase the power of the game:

Saturday, Feb. 22. Arcis Golf will stage a “Club-in-Hand Event” in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Nan Knox Club from 11:30am -1:30pm, ET. This grow-the-game event will engage young people who have never played golf. Participants will learn how to drive, chip, and putt under the tutelage of three PGA professionals from the South Florida PGA Section: Sean Kicker, Chris Cupp, and Steve Voguit. Additionally, the youths will be able to watch the talented collegiate athletes in action.

Sunday, Feb. 23 and Monday, Feb. 24. The HBCU Alumni and Divine Nine Challenge, featuring participating college alumni and members from black sororities and fraternities as well as sports and entertainment celebrities, will begin with a Sunday reception, 6 to 9 p.m., sponsored by Flecha Azul Tequila. The friendly challenge for alumni and guests tees off at 10 a.m. Monday on The Club at Weston Hills’ Tour Course. There are still playing spots in this limited field event ($500 per person), and interested participants should contact the club.

“We are thrilled to again serve as host of this event highlighting so many amazing young student-athletes,” said Blake Walker, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Arcis Golf. “All the events over the three days paint a picture of how golf can change the path of someone’s life trajectory. This tournament goes well beyond what transpires on the golf course as the participants come away having learned about the industry, the business of golf, and much more.”

In addition to its title sponsorship, Arcis Golf is joined by presenting sponsors UKG and Great Place To Work. Additional corporate support is from PepsiCo, Club Car, Under Armour, Golf Genius, Flecha Azul Tequila, Ahead, Syngenta, EZ-GO, Golf Galaxy, LPGA, USGA, AJGA, Toro, OTGC, Nextera Foundation, Winners Awards, and Workday.

Linnet Carty, Arcis Golf’s Corporate Director of Representation and Access, said, “Arcis’ strategic initiatives and curated events are in alignment with our pillars and commitment. By being proactive, creating pathways, and providing access and career opportunities, we set the example and help to build a strong foundation for growth. This inspiring approach will continue to grow the game and the business of golf for all.”

Throughout the year, Arcis Golf provides HBCU student-athletes complimentary access to clubs within its network to practice and hone their skills. This ensures they have dedicated places to practice and play beyond the tournament schedule and/or their collegiate home courses.

The Arcis-HBCU Golf Championship is one of the numerous ways Arcis Golf supports national philanthropic organizations, including Els for Autism Foundation, United States Adaptive Golf Alliance, Love Hope Strength Foundation, and Women In Golf Foundation, as well as many local charities in the communities it serves.

To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit www.arcisgolf.com.

To donate to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, access LINK.