The Bishop L. Jonathan Holston Golf Tournament held at the Orangeburg Country Club on Sept. 28, 2020 raised over $36,000 to benefit Africa University and students throughout the African continent.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
Ninety-eight (98) golfers participated in the six-year-old event, which was played in Orangeburg for the second consecutive year after four years in Columbia. The event also included an individual skills test.
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. All 12 districts of the South Carolina Conference supported the tournament with gifts and teams.
“The funds raised are significant and we hope to grow the contributions in future years,” said Salley. “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,” said Bishop Holston.
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 Litton 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, SC; Matt Stewart (Hole #6) of North Augusta, SC, and Henry Odom (Hole #12) of Denmark. Marcus Burgess took Sand Pocket honors.
Among the local celebrities joining Bishop Holston of Columbia in making remarks at the tournament were Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler, Vice Mayor L. Zimmerman Keitt and lead sponsor representative Joe Halwax 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.
Andra M. Stevens, Director, Communications, Africa University Development Office
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
