The 65th Annual Skyview Golf Tournament is returning to Asheville, North Carolina,
despite a venue change due to Hurricane Helene. This long-standing community event is
America’s oldest Black golf tournament and has featured high-profile players such as Lee
Elder and Harold Varner III. The tournament is directed by Matthew Bacoate, Jr. and is
scheduled to take place on September 22-23 at the Country Club of Asheville.
The event has been a part of the community for 65 years and continues to promote
the legacy of Black golfers. Golfers from all over the country travel to participate
in this event, which is one of the largest tournaments in the South.
This year’s Sky View Golf Tournament is set to make history, returning to Asheville for its 65th anniversary. Despite a dramatic shift in venue due to Hurricane Helen, what was once a staple at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course is now taking place at the Country Club of Asheville. A decision that has sparked both admiration and debate among locals and golf enthusiasts alike. Let’s break this down. The Sky View Golf Tournament isn’t just any event. It’s America’s longestrunn blackowned golf tournament, a symbol of resilience and community. For decades, it’s brought together players, families, and fans from across the region, celebrating the sport’s rich cultural heritage. This year’s edition, directed by Matthew Backawway Jr., will honor its legacy while navigating the challenges posed by nature’s wrath. But here’s where it gets controversial. the move to the Country Club of Asheville. While the decision ensures the tournament can proceed, some argue that shifting the event undermines its deep roots in the city’s historic municipal course, others see it as a necessary compromise to preserve the tournament’s future. And this is the part most people miss, how the storm’s damage forced a re-evaluation of where the event could thrive. The tournament’s origins in 1960 were rooted in giving black golfers a platform to compete, a mission that continues today. Stars like Lee Elder and Joe Lewis have graced its stages, proving that talent knows no color. Now with Bakote, a 90-year-old icon of Asheville’s entrepreneurial spirit, steering the ship, the event remains a beacon of unity. Golfers face tough choices after Helen left courses in disarray. The municipal golf courses front nine holes are still under repair, but the country club’s facilities offer a temporary solution. Yet, this shift raises questions. Is it fair to prioritize logistics over tradition? Should the tournament stay true to its founding location or adapt to modern realities? As the tournament kicks off on September 22nd to 23rd, one thing is clear. It’s more than a game. It’s a celebration of history, community, and the unyielding spirit of those who fought to make golf accessible to all. What do you think? Should the Sky View Golf Tournament stay put or embrace change to ensure its survival? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
