OVER 100 GOLFERS PARTICIPATE IN GOLF TOURNAMENT

ORANGEBURG, SC – Over 100 golfers from South Carolina and across the nation participated in the 10^th annual Bishop L. Jonathan Holston Golf Invitational benefitting Africa University Monday (Sept. 25) at the Orangeburg Country Club. The tournament, an initiative of the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, was played in Orangeburg for a fifth consecutive year after several years in the Columbia area.

Local foursome Lamont Green, Edward Johnson, Michael Jarvis, and Arthur Green — making up the New Beginning Home Care team — won the tournament for a second consecutive year. They carded an 18-hole total of 15-under par 57 to edge runner-up Claflin University, which finished two strokes back with a 13-under 59, the same score as Bethany United Methodist Church #1. Claflin won the scorecard playoff to finish second.

This year’s tournament saw the return of many longtime supporters, along with some new teams on the roster.

“I’m supporting Africa University because it’s a miracle,” said Rev. Jim Arant, a congregational and leadership development specialist serving in the Columbia District. Team Arant has participated in the tournament since its inception.

Rev. Morris Waymer, chair of the conference’s Board of Ordained Ministry, joined others on the greens at the Orangeburg Country Club for his first tournament outing.

“It is a very vital and important institution in our denomination and all that we do to support Africa University is of tremendous value,” said Waymer. “I thought it would be great to share time with colleagues, have fun playing together, but most importantly, know that the dollars we have raised will support a dynamic institution going forward.”

For Rev. Matt Turner and fellow clergy as well as the lay, business and community leaders who sponsor and play in the tournament, it’s about the connection and mission.

“Africa University is a wonderful ministry that reminds us that we are a connectional church, present and working for change all around the world,” said Turner. “It is an honor to support this university and get out to fellowship with others.”

Wespath Institutional Investments was the lead sponsor for the tournament for the fourth straight year. Joe Halwax, the group’s Institutional Services Manager, spoke about the company’s commitment to the event.

“It was easy to get behind Africa University, and we are happy to support its efforts to change the lives of people around the world,” Halwax said. “We are proud to be a partner in the event and look to continue our sponsorship.”

Bishop Holston thanked the golfers and sponsors assembled for their support of the tournament, which provides scholarships, among other support, to students at Africa University in Zimbabwe.

 “We are grateful for your presence today,” Holston told the participants. “Your participation enables us to provide a great deal of service to Africa University, which today, has graduated over 12,000 students. By your participation, you have made this event a success and we thank you for making the tournament a great occasion.”

The tournament has been spearheaded by Orangeburg native James Salley, President & CEO of Africa University Tennessee and Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement of Africa University Zimbabwe, and Rev. Robert Harper, tournament director and pastor of Knightsville UMC in Summerville, SC.