Jim Beatty, president of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures and Founder of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum announced that  former World Golf Foundation CEO, Steve Mona will receive the prestigious Jerry Tarde Courage Award. Steve will be recognized on Thursday at 11:30 in room W206 at the Orange County Convention Center during the EXPO which is being held coincident with the PGA Show. 

Throughout his 30 years in the golf industry Steve has been a leader and pioneer in leading initiatives regarding Diversity  and Equality. Golf Digest  magazine has recognized him as one of the “Most Powerful People in Golf.”  

Steve currently serves as Senior Advisor to the American Golf Industry Coalition as well as Director of Governance & Leadership with Club Benchmarking. Steve’s leadership roles in the industry have included:

Executive Director – We Are Golf

CEO – World Golf Foundation where he was responsible for performance of World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that serves as the umbrella organization of The First Tee, the World Golf Hall of Fame and Golf 20/20.

CEO – Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Executive Director- Georgia State Golf Association

Steve is also a 2021 inductee into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. The National Black Hall of Fame was founded in 1986 and  celebrates and honors exemplary achievements of Blacks in the golf industry. The organization also recognizes business and community leaders, regardless of race or ethnicity  who ensure Blacks are presented opportunities to participate in any facet of golf.

About The Jerry Tarde Courage Award

The award was instituted by the African American Golf EXPO and Forum in 2023 and  is named in honor of Jerry Tarde Editor- in –  Chief of Golf Digest. Jerry has played a significant role in moving the golf industry toward a more inclusive environment for many years  His efforts have served as an inspiration for others to pursue equality at all times regardless of popular  or prevailing opinions. Past recipients are former PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem and  Jim Awtrey who was the first CEO of the PGA of America.

About the EXPO

The mission of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum is to promote the game, the business, the industry, the careers and the opportunities in golf for African Americans and to grow the game

The objectives are to promote economic growth, diversity and inclusion in golf for African Americans and other underrepresented groups  The EXPO provides a friendly and welcoming environment for golf industry leaders to develop relationships with African American and other underrepresented entrepreneurs, community programmers, and golf enthusiasts.

The EXPO helps grow golf and the industry by featuring subject matter experts in learning forums, seminars and networking opportunities.

The EXPO was founded in 2021 by Jim Beatty  and has been held in Atlanta, GA Charlotte, NC, Louisville, KY,  Palm Beach, FL and is celebrating its 5^th year anniversary in Orlando coincident with the PGA Show.