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Close the Gap Scholarship Tournament

About the Tournament

The annual William E. Shack Jr. Close the Gap Scholarship Tournament, now in its 15th year directly benefits the William E. Shack Jr. Close the Gap Scholarship established to provide scholarships to hundreds of young men and women who struggle to complete their college education. The tournament will be held on Monday, October 21st at Flat Creek Country Club. This year’s tournament will be included in the event lineup for CAU Homecoming 2024.  

William E. (Bill) Shack, Jr., is an entrepreneur, businessman, civic leader, and auto industry pioneer. Upon leaving the automobile industry, Shack put his efforts into giving back to students who struggle to stay in school and complete their education. Unfortunately, in today’s economy, a quality education comes with insurmountable debt for students. The Closing the Gap Scholarship Fund has played an essential role in helping student to meet their financial needs. Today, more than 97% of Clark Atlanta University students are dependent on multiple forms of financial aid. Student who face extreme financial hardship are faced with withdrawing from school because of insufficient funds. Even worse, student who withdraw are likely to not return to finish their degree, a story very familiar to Bill Shack. This event ensures funds are available for students who need funding to achieve their goals.

Location

Flat Creek Country Club is a 27-hole facility located in Peachtree City, GA. It is home to a Joe Lee designed championship golf course with 27 holes comprised of three diverse nines. The course features a variety of elevation changes, and beautiful views of the Flat Creek, which meanders throughout the course.  

Flat Creek Country Club: 100 Flat Creek Rd, Peachtree City, GA 30269 

For guests needing overnight accommodations, reservations can be made at the Hilton Conference Center 

Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Hotel & Conference Center  
2443 Hwy 54 W 
Peachtree City, GA 30269 
Rate $179 + tax per night 

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HONORARY CHAIRS AND KEY PERSONNEL

Chair: William E. “Bill” Shack, Jr. 
Honorary Chair: Celebrity TBD 
Honorary Co-Chairs: Trustees TBD 
Tournament Director: Dr. Markesha McWilliams Henderson, CAU Office of Institutional Advancement 
Head Golf Professional: Mark Owen, Flat Creek Country Club 
Event Manager: Karey Bentz, Flat Creek Country Club

EVENT SCHEDULE

Monday, October 21st, 2024 

8:00 a.m. Registration/Breakfast/Range Opens for Warm-Up 

9:40 a.m. Opening Ceremony 

10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start 

Noon Beginners Clinic  

3:00 pm Celebration Luncheon 

REGISTRATION

Registration is available on the CAU website. The deadline for registration is October 9th, 2024.  

Team Foursome   $1,250 

Individual Registration   $315 

Beginners Clinic   $250  

Student Registration $250 (includes transportation to the course) 

Celebration Luncheon Guest $100 

Raffle   $100 (grand prize 2 tickets to Masters) 

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

Presenting Sponsor $50,000 

  • 4 Foursomes 
  • Co-Branding on all marketing 
  • Table/Display at Celebration Reception 
  • Website Presence 
  • Press Release Announcement 
  • Social Media Posts 
  • Award Presentation  
  • Table/Tent at first hole tee box 
  • Commemorative Hole Signs at First and 18th Hole 

Eagle Sponsor $25,000 

  • 4 Foursomes 
  • Table/Tent at 1 hole tee box 
  • 1 Commemorative Hole Sign  
  • Magnetic logo on all player carts 
  • Website Presence 
  • Social Media Posts 

Birdie Sponsor $10,000 

  • 2 Foursomes 
  • 1 Commemorative Hole Sign 
  • Driving Range Signage 
  • Website Presence
  • Social Media Posts 

Par Sponsor  $5,000 (each) 

  • Celebration Reception Sponsor (also includes 8 non-golf tickets to Celebration Reception) 
  • Spirits Sponsor 
  • Tournament Gift Sponsor (may either be cash or an in-kind donation of 100 items with value of $5000)  
  • Awards Sponsor  
  • Raffle Grand Prize Sponsor 
  • All opportunities Includes 1 Foursome  
  • Logo included on Sponsorship Hole sign 
  • Website Presence 
  • Recognition at Celebration Luncheon 

Friend of CAU $1,000 (non-golf sponsor) 

  • 2 tickets to Celebration Luncheon 
  • Name/Company inclusion on Sponsorship Hole Sign  
  • Recognition at Celebration Luncheon  

Student Golfer Sponsor $500 

  • Sponsor a student to participate. Includes golf and transportation to the course. 

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