Empowering Students Through the Game of Golf
Founded in 2000 — awarding scholarships and changing lives since 2007.
The Brunson Invitational Scholarship Fund financially assists college students who are struggling in their pursuit of a degree, while positively impacting the lives of inner-city youth through golf instruction, training, and exposure.
Our Vision
The Brunson Invitational Golf Scholarship Fund is to financially assist college students who are struggling in their pursuit of a college degree.
Our Mission
To positively impact the lives of inner-city youth through golf instruction, training, and exposure. These enriching opportunities will help support young kids’ thirst for knowledge and their desire to make a difference in the world.
History of the Organization
The Brunson Invitational Golf Scholarship Fund was founded in 2000 by Rodney Brunson. Mr. Brunson created the organization after seeing and witnessing financially challenged college students struggle to obtain their college degree due to lack of resources and scholarship opportunities.
As a former student-athlete, Mr. Brunson understood the struggle these students go through. He inspired his fellow golfing peers and classmates to hold a golf tournament during the North Carolina A&T State University’s Homecoming weekend. This golfing event has existed since 2000, but the organization has awarded scholarships since 2007.
Every year since 2007, the weekend has expanded to more events and activities that benefit not only scholarship recipients, but also expose the game of golf to our youth. Typically, we hold 4 events in 3 days during Homecoming weekend.
Rodney Brunson — Founder & Executive Director
Graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (1986–1990) • B.S. in Agricultural Education, 1990 • Master’s Degree in Education Management, Strayer University, 2012 • Former Student-Athlete (Football, 1986–1990) • First Tee Golf Coach (3–4 years) • Playing golf since 1996.
— Learn more about our founder
Our Annual Homecoming Weekend: 4 Events in 3 Days
Each year during NC A&T Homecoming weekend, the Brunson Invitational brings together golfers, alumni, youth, and the community for a series of signature events.
01
Youth Golf Clinic — Thursday Afternoon
Our annual Brunson Invitational Youth Golf Clinic brings out an average of 15–20 kids ages 7–16. Two to three instructors cover Putting, Chipping, and Full Swing. Every participant receives a gift bag and a sponsored dinner. Time frame: 4–6 pm.
02
Meet & Greet — Thursday Night
Open to alumni, golfers, and the community. We welcome tournament participants, celebrate Homecoming, and kick off the weekend together. Time frame: 9 pm–12 am.
03
Golf Tournament & Fish Fry — Friday Morning
Our annual stroke-play tournament draws 50–60 golfers. Players receive a gift bag, complimentary cigars, prizes, and awards, followed by a Fish Fry reception. Scholarship recipients are presented and recognized at the dinner. Time frame: 9 am–3 pm.
04
Brunson Invitational Social — Friday Night
A reserved banquet room hosting an average of 100–125 guests with live music, food, door prizes, and additional scholarship recognitions for recipients who couldn’t attend the tournament.
05
Tailgating on Campus — Saturday Morning
We gather on the university campus to celebrate our golf champion and scholarship recipients, serve food, and bring together golfers, volunteers, and alumni in a spirit of community.
Our Impact by the Numbers
More than two decades of golf, community, and opportunity.
2000
Year Founded
2007
Scholarships Since
50–60
Golfers per Tournament
15–20
Youth per Golf Clinic
Future Programs & Expansion
The Brunson Invitational Scholarship Fund is committed to growing its reach and deepening its impact on inner-city youth through a range of new programs designed to provide mentorship, instruction, and life-enhancing skills through golf.
Golf Camps
2–3 golf camps held throughout the year offering indoor and outdoor instruction. Camps include mentoring sessions focused on life-enhancing skills, with a focus on inner-city youth who lack access to the game. Open to male and female participants.
Seasonal Golf Clinics
Clinics held in spring, fall, and summer sessions for youth ages 7–16, one week each. Instruction covers the fundamentals of the game and reinforces the values of discipline and perseverance.
Annual Youth Par 3 Tournament
This tournament will highlight youth skills in Putting, Chipping, and Full Swing. Participants will demonstrate knowledge of the rules and life-enhancing skills, with scholarship opportunities, prizes, and dinner.
Additional Tournaments
1–2 more golf tournaments per year in formats including 2-man best ball, Father/Son, and a local HBCU Golf Tournament — all benefiting the scholarship fund.
Annual Christmas Event
A year-end celebration highlighting accomplishments and scholarships awarded throughout the year. The goal is to award 10–12 scholarships annually to deserving college students.
Educational Social Events
Events designed to honor and recognize African-American heroes in the game of golf who have made a difference in the lives of youth and in the sport itself.
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Support the Fund
Help Us Open Doors for the Next Generation
Your generosity directly funds college scholarships and golf instruction for inner-city youth. Every contribution keeps a student’s dream alive.