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Golf as a Bridge to Opportunity
The spirit of unity, mentorship, and empowerment was on full display as four South Florida natives — Cliff Addison, Ed Ponder, Anthony Robinson, and Travis Daniels — joined forces to celebrate the revival of Booker T. Washington Senior High School’s golf program.
Hosted in the school’s Library and Innovation Center, the event marked a meaningful milestone in Miami’s community legacy. In partnership with the Future Leaders of Hospitality and Tourism (FLHAT) and the Overtown Children & Youth Coalition (OCYC), Urban Golf Weekend (UGW) presented the school’s newly revived golf program with brand-new clubs and uniforms—symbolizing a renewed commitment to youth development and access to opportunity through sport.
The celebration brought together school administrators, athletes, and community leaders, including:
Anthony E. Simons III, Principal, Booker T. Washington Senior High School
Dr. Lisa Starks, Director of Athletics, Booker T. Washington Senior High School
Cliff Addison, Co-founder, Urban Golf Weekend
Woody Remy, Co-founder, Urban Golfweekend, Founder, Brainstorm
Travis Daniels, Former Miami Dolphins Player & Founder, Jus Birdie Golf Apparel
Ed Ponder, Founder, Future Leaders of Hospitality and Tourism (FLHAT)
Anthony Robinson, Executive Director, Overtown Children & Youth Coalition
UGW Board Members: Melvin Rodriguez (Mielle Organics), Chris Simon (BTST Services), Josiah Graham (Graham Law Firm), Cam Murphy (FEAM Aero), and Wilton L. Triggs II, MD.
UGW Logistics Director-Shonta McCord
This initiative reflects Urban Golf Weekend’s mission to make golf more inclusive—connecting culture, community, and philanthropy. Over the past two years, UGW has donated more than $40,000 to youth and collegiate programs, including Fore Life and Florida A&M University (FAMU). Reviving Booker T. Washington’s golf program builds on this momentum, expanding access for young athletes of color.
“This was such a special opportunity for our students to be introduced to the game of golf—a sport that reflects discipline, focus, and perseverance,” said Anthony E. Simons III, Principal of Booker T. Washington Senior High School. “They witnessed entrepreneurship, sponsorship, and philanthropy come together in one place, and the guest speakers poured into them with powerful lessons about overcoming challenges and daring to dream big.”
Cliff Addison, UGW Co-founder, emphasized the deeper mission:
“Urban Golf Weekend was created to do more than celebrate the game—it’s about opening doors. Golf has always been a bridge, and through this initiative, we’re ensuring that young people of color have access to opportunities that go far beyond the course.”
Anthony Robinson, Executive Director of OCYC, echoed that sentiment:
“Collaborations like this demonstrate the power of community partnerships. By introducing youth to golf—a sport that teaches patience, focus, and integrity—we’re helping them develop the confidence and life skills they need to succeed both on and off the course.”
Ed Ponder, founder of FLHAT, added:
“Nurturing and empowering future leaders is at the heart of who we are. This partnership reflects our dedication to uplifting youth—expanding their knowledge, enhancing their skills, and enriching their experiences—so they can succeed with confidence and purpose.”
Former Miami Dolphins player and Jus Birdie Golf Apparel founder Travis Daniels shared a personal reflection:
“The vision that Urban Golf had about giving back and elevating the experience of young people is something I hold dear. I remember being a kid wishing I had the opportunities that Urban Golf is now presenting to students.”
About Urban Golf Weekend
Founded by Clifton Addission and Woody Remy, Urban Golf Weekend was created to diversify the golf experience and make the sport more accessible to all. What began as a vision has evolved into a Labor Day tradition celebrating competition, culture, and community impact. The event supports HBCU golf scholarships and will launch its inaugural Youth Golf Clinic, to be held at the Urban Golf Weekend in 2026, continuing its mission to engage and empower the next generation of golfers. For more information, visit:https://www.urbangolfweekend.com/.
About the Future Leaders of Hospitality and Tourism (FLHAT)
FLHAT mentors and trains young people, introducing them to economic and professional opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industries. The program builds leadership, communication, and service skills—preparing participants not just to be hireable, but promotable. Visit:https://www.flhat.org/services/
About the Overtown Children & Youth Coalition (OCYC)
Since 2012, OCYC has united the Overtown community to create lasting opportunities for children, youth, and families. Its mission is to ensure all Overtown youth succeed and reach their full potential through education, collaboration, and community partnerships. For more information, visit:https://overtowncyc.org/.
