Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 311: Lacey, Coach Andre; Paine College golf teams; outstanding achievements and contributions to the growth of collegiate golf and for fostering diversity and inclusion in the sport; commend

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 19, 2025 · Passed

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House Resolution 311

By: Representatives Heffner of the 130th, Howard of the 129th, Prince of the 132nd, and Myles of the 126th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Coach Andre Lacey and the Paine College golf teams for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the growth of collegiate golf and for fostering diversity and inclusion in the sport; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Coach Andre Lacey, an Augusta native and proud alumnus of Paine College, has established himself as a transformative leader in collegiate golf, building on the legacy of his grandfather, golf legend and Hall of Famer Jim Dent, while forging a path as the only Black PGA Professional in Augusta since 2016; and

WHEREAS, under Coach Lacey's leadership, Paine College's golf teams have made significant strides, achieving four national championship appearances within 18 months, including the Women's NCCAA (October 2023), Women in Golf (April 2023), the Men's NCCAA (2024), and the 2024 Women's NCCAA; and

WHEREAS, Coach Lacey's unwavering commitment to excellence has guided the women's golf team to unprecedented milestones during the 2023-2024 season, including winning the Women in Golf National Championship in Katy, Texas; the Stitch Invitational; the Snead State Invitational; and the Paine College Fall Invitational while also earning second place at the Pointe University Invitational and tying for second place at the NCCAA Championship; and

WHEREAS, team members Ashley Michel and Helena Rios have earned All-American honors, becoming the first female All-American golfers in Paine College history, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination; and

WHEREAS, the men's golf team, despite facing challenges, has displayed resilience and growth, advancing to the NCCAA National Championship and implementing initiatives to improve physical well-being and mental toughness, ensuring future success; and

WHEREAS, Coach Lacey has been recognized as a trailblazer in the golf community, with accolades including recognition by EPOCH Black History and the Lucy C. Laney Museum of Black History, where his contributions were showcased in a golf exhibit; and

WHEREAS, Assistant Coach Rashad Wilson, a seasoned PGA professional and 2023 PGA Game Changer Award recipient, has joined the program, bringing unparalleled expertise and further enhancing the value of the Paine College golf family; and

WHEREAS, Paine College's golf teams have actively engaged with the community through educational initiatives, volunteering with local organizations, and hosting events such as an Indoor Golf Day for adaptive sports and free golf clinics; and

WHEREAS, Coach Lacey and Paine College have proposed the creation of a Golf Community Room on campus to provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and the community, offering Jr. PGA programs, small golf repair services, golf lesson packages, and opportunities for revenue generation; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of the Golf Community Room aligns with Paine College's mission to provide holistic education, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance diversity and inclusion in the sport, positioning the college as a leader among HBCUs; and

WHEREAS, this innovative programming has the potential to generate significant revenue, attract national attention, and inspire young athletes across Georgia while preserving the rich history of Black golf through the donation of a historic museum collection by Romana Harriet.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Coach Andre Lacey and the Paine College golf teams for their remarkable achievements, applaud their dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in collegiate golf, and extend best wishes for continued success. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body express their support for the proposed Golf Community Room and encourage collaboration with stakeholders to elevate the visibility and impact of these initiatives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Coach Andre Lacey and Paine College.