By Jovani Davis
(Source: CNW)
Urban Golf Weekend (UGW), the nation’s premier celebration of golf, culture, and community, will tee off August 29–31, 2025, across iconic Miami venues including Eden Roc Miami Beach, Miami Beach Golf Club, and Miami Marina.
What began as a vision to diversify golf and make the sport more approachable for newcomers has evolved into a powerhouse Labor Day tradition—blending high-level networking, dynamic conversations, cultural celebrations, and a charity golf tournament that directly supports HBCU golf scholarships. The mission of Urban Golf Weekend is to provide resources to organizations that extend the game of golf to people of color. To register for this Labor Day tradition uniting sport, culture, and community to expand access and fund HBCU golf scholarships, attendees can visit www.urbangolfweekend.com/urban-golf-weekend-tickets.
UGW Founder Clifton Addison traces his love for golf back to age five, when his father first placed a club in his hand. Over the years, he saw golf as a bridge connecting people from diverse walks of life—but also recognized the glaring lack of diversity on the course. That realization inspired him to create a networking weekend where professionals of color, both golfers and non-golfers, could gather, connect, and explore the game in an inclusive space.
“In just two years, Urban Golf Weekend has emerged as one of the top golf events in the country for professionals of color,” said Addison. “Urban Golf Weekend is about more than a swing—it’s about building bridges, breaking barriers, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome on the course. Golf is our backdrop, but our mission is about representation, access, and leaving a legacy that will outlast us all.”
Last year, UGW donated $10,000 each to Fore Life and FAMU—and they’re giving again this year. The organization is also teaming up with the Future Leaders of Hospitality and Tourism (FLHAT) and the Overtown Children & Youth Coalition, while supporting Booker T. Washington Senior High School with a donation to revive their golf program.
This year’s programming offers something for everyone—from beginners stepping onto the green for the first time to seasoned golfers looking to connect with fellow leaders and changemakers. Attendees can expect fireside chats with industry trailblazers, exclusive panels with top CEOs, interactive wealth-building sessions, and lifestyle experiences that reflect the vibrant spirit of Miami.
Discussion with Monique Rodriguez (Founder & CEO, Mielle Organics), moderated by Hope Wiseman (Founder & CEO, WISECO)
Using golf as a metaphor for leadership, Monique and Hope will explore how faith anchors vision, how embracing your unique “swing” sets you apart, and how women of color can lead with courage, authenticity, and staying power. Following the discussion, Monique will host a signing for her memoir, The Glory in Your Story.
Panel – Elevation: A CEO Conversation on Focus, Leadership & the Fairway-Moderator NBC6 Anchor Jawan Strader
Panelists: Melvin Rodriguez (Co Founder of Mielle Organics), Chris Simon (CEO of BTST & Simon Enterprises), Cam Murphy (President of FEAM Aero), Josiah Graham (Founder of The Graham Injury Firm)
A deep dive into building sustainable success rooted in discipline, purpose, and values.
Interactive Session – Ask Your Millionaire Mentor: Real Wealth, Real Answers-Moderator Celebrity Emcee Ramces Rouzard
Moderator & Panelists: Cedric Nash, Tall Guy Tycoon, TJ Millionaire Mentor
An unfiltered Q&A delivering actionable, no-fluff strategies for wealth creation.
Founders in Golf – Breaking Barriers & Building Legacy-Moderator: Stacey Santiago (The Nurse Practitioner Group, LLC)
Speakers: Jordan Griffin (Blackballed Golf), Sierra Balgar (City Girls Golf), Dr. Robin Barrett (The Ladies of the Table)
Spotlighting entrepreneurs redefining the golf industry and expanding access to the game.
Event schedule
UGW Expo
Friday, August 29 | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Eden Roc Miami Beach
Immersive marketplace featuring vendors, panels, and networking opportunities.
Participating vendors: Golf & Lifestyle Brands: Blackballed Golf – Golf Apparel, MasterPiece – Golf Apparel, LBOW Golf – Golf Apparel, KUNI – Golf Apparel, JusBirdie – Golf Apparel, City Girls Golf, Fairway – Golf Apparel, We Go Golf – Simulation, Kinbridge Living, Lux Mobile Cigars, Fluxx Funding, Mielle Organics – Hair Care, Northwestern Mutual – Boca Raton, Le Ebon Fleur, LLC
Joint Happy Hour with the Orange Blossom Classic
Friday, August 29 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Lobby Bar, Eden Roc
Kick off the weekend in style with networking and cocktails.
Welcome Reception
Friday, August 29 | 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Puttery Wynwood
An evening of oceanfront views, music, and mingling.
Charity Golf Tournament & After Par-Tee
Saturday, August 30 | 11:00 AM – Evening | Miami Beach Golf Club
Competitive play, golf clinics, and an epic after-party.
Power Brunch
Sunday, August 31 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Puttery Wynwood
Networking over an elevated dining experience.
UGW Yacht Party
Monday, September 1 | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Miami Beach
Closing out the weekend in luxury on the water.
Tickets & Information: www.urbangolfweekend.com/urban-golf-weekend-tickets
