Rodney Brunson — Founder & Executive Director
Building opportunity through golf, education, and community since 2000.
Rodney Brunson is the founder and driving force behind the Brunson Invitational Scholarship Fund — an organization born from personal experience, a love of the game, and an unwavering commitment to helping students reach their full potential.
Biography
Rodney Brunson
Founder & Executive Director
Graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (1986–1990). Former student-athlete and Football Athlete from 1986–1990.
Education
Received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina A&T State University in 1990. Later earned a Master’s Degree in Education Management from Strayer University in 2012.
Golf Coach & Player
A passionate golfer since 1996, Rodney has served as a First Tee Golf Coach for 16 years, mentoring youth and sharing his love for the game with the next generation.
Business & Community Leadership
Rodney is an Advertising Consultant (2018 to present) and continues to serve as Executive Director of the Brunson Invitational Scholarship Fund. He is the proud father of two children — Jasmine Brunson (NCCU Law School & University of North Carolina at Charlotte) and Joshua Brunson (NCCU graduate).
1986
Enrolled at NC A&T
2000
Fund Founded
16+
Years as First Tee Coach
2007
First Scholarships Awarded
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 former students and athletes, he and his fellow golfing peers understood that struggle — and decided to make a difference.
They launched an annual golf tournament during North Carolina A&T State University’s Homecoming weekend. That tournament has existed since 2000, and the organization has awarded scholarships since 2007. Each year since, the weekend has expanded to more events and activities benefiting not only scholarship recipients but also youth exposed to the game of golf for the first time.
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.
Homecoming Weekend — Four Events, Three Days
Every year, the Fund anchors its signature fundraising and scholarship activities around NC A&T’s Homecoming weekend. Typically, there are 4 events across 3 days:
Youth Golf Clinic — Thursday (4–6 pm)
An average of 15–20 kids ages 7–16 receive instruction from 2–3 golf coaches covering putting, chipping, and full swing — followed by a gift bag and sponsor-provided dinner.
Meet & Greet — Thursday Night (9 pm–12 am)
Open to alumni, golfers, and guests. Participants from the golf tournament are welcomed and celebrated with a “Happy Homecoming” send-off ahead of the tournament.
Golf Tournament & Fish Fry — Friday (9 am–3 pm)
An average of 50–60 golfers compete in a stroke play format and receive gift bags, complimentary cigars, prizes, and awards. The day concludes with a Fish Fry reception where 1–2 scholarship recipients are presented and introduced to the golfers.
Brunson Invitational Social — Friday Night
A banquet room event drawing an average of 100–125 guests. Features live music, food, door prizes, and recognition of scholarship recipients who could not attend the tournament. Saturday includes tailgating on campus highlighting the golf champion and scholarship recipients.
Future Programs
The Fund is actively expanding its programming to reach more inner-city youth and award more scholarships throughout the year. Planned initiatives include:
Golf Camps
2–3 camps per year offering indoor and outdoor instruction with mentoring sessions focused on life-enhancing skills. Open to male and female youth who lack access to the game.
Seasonal Golf Clinics
Held in spring, fall, and summer sessions for youth ages 7–16, approximately one week each session.
Annual Youth Par 3 Tournament
Highlights youth skills in putting, chipping, and full swing. Youth demonstrate knowledge of rules and life-enhancing skills. Scholarship opportunities, prizes, and dinner included.
Annual Christmas Event
Highlights the year and scholarships awarded. The Fund anticipates giving out 10–12 scholarships per year, recognizing recipients and celebrating community impact.
Educational Social Events
These special gatherings honor and recognize African-American heroics in the game of golf — celebrating the individuals who have made a difference in the lives of youth and in the broader story of the game.
Additional golf tournaments are also planned throughout the year, including a 2-man best ball format, a Father/Son event, and a local HBCU Golf Tournament — all benefiting the scholarship fund.
Make a Difference Today
Help Us Change Lives Through Education & Golf
Your contribution directly supports college students who are struggling to pursue their degrees and opens the doors of the game to inner-city youth who deserve every opportunity to succeed.