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.