25 LC 129 0089
House Resolution 311
By: Representatives Heffner of the 130
th
, Howard of the 129
th
, Prince of the 132
nd
, and Myles
of the 126
th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Coach Andre Lacey and the Paine College golf teams for their
1
outstanding achievements and contributions to the growth of collegiate golf and for fostering2
diversity and inclusion in the sport; and for other purposes.3
WHEREAS, Coach Andre Lacey, an Augusta native and proud alumnus of Paine College,4
has established himself as a transformative leader in collegiate golf, building on the legacy5
of his grandfather, golf legend and Hall of Famer Jim Dent, while forging a path as the only6
Black PGA Professional in Augusta since 2016; and7
WHEREAS, under Coach Lacey's leadership, Paine College's golf teams have made8
significant strides, achieving four national championship appearances within 18 months,9
including the Women's NCCAA (October 2023), Women in Golf (April 2023), the Men's10
NCCAA (2024), and the 2024 Women's NCCAA; and11
WHEREAS, Coach Lacey's unwavering commitment to excellence has guided the women's12
golf team to unprecedented milestones during the 2023-2024 season, including winning the13
Women in Golf National Championship in Katy, Texas; the Stitch Invitational; the Snead14
State Invitational; and the Paine College Fall Invitational while also earning second place at15
H. R. 311
- 1 - 25 LC 129 0089
the Pointe University Invitational and tying for second place at the NCCAA Championship;
16
and17
WHEREAS, team members Ashley Michel and Helena Rios have earned All-American18
honors, becoming the first female All-American golfers in Paine College history,19
demonstrating exceptional skill and determination; and20
WHEREAS, the men's golf team, despite facing challenges, has displayed resilience and21
growth, advancing to the NCCAA National Championship and implementing initiatives to22
improve physical well-being and mental toughness, ensuring future success; and23
WHEREAS, Coach Lacey has been recognized as a trailblazer in the golf community, with24
accolades including recognition by EPOCH Black History and the Lucy C. Laney Museum25
of Black History, where his contributions were showcased in a golf exhibit; and26
WHEREAS, Assistant Coach Rashad Wilson, a seasoned PGA professional and 2023 PGA27
Game Changer Award recipient, has joined the program, bringing unparalleled expertise and28
further enhancing the value of the Paine College golf family; and29
WHEREAS, Paine College's golf teams have actively engaged with the community through30
educational initiatives, volunteering with local organizations, and hosting events such as an31
Indoor Golf Day for adaptive sports and free golf clinics; and32
WHEREAS, Coach Lacey and Paine College have proposed the creation of a Golf33
Community Room on campus to provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and the34
community, offering Jr. PGA programs, small golf repair services, golf lesson packages, and35
opportunities for revenue generation; and36
H. R. 311
- 2 - 25 LC 129 0089
WHEREAS, the establishment of the Golf Community Room aligns with Paine College's
37
mission to provide holistic education, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance diversity and38
inclusion in the sport, positioning the college as a leader among HBCUs; and39
WHEREAS, this innovative programming has the potential to generate significant revenue,40
attract national attention, and inspire young athletes across Georgia while preserving the rich41
history of Black golf through the donation of a historic museum collection by Romana42
Harriet.43
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that44
the members of this body recognize and commend Coach Andre Lacey and the Paine College45
golf teams for their remarkable achievements, applaud their dedication to fostering diversity46
and inclusion in collegiate golf, and extend best wishes for continued success.47
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body express their support for the48
proposed Golf Community Room and encourage collaboration with stakeholders to elevate49
the visibility and impact of these initiatives.50
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized51
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to52
Coach Andre Lacey and Paine College.53
H. R. 311
- 3 -