ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — America’s oldest Black golf tournament, the Skyview Golf Tournament, is returning to Asheville for its 65th year, despite a venue change due to Helene.
The long-standing community event is traditionally held at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course. However, due to ongoing repairs after the storm, this year’s tournament will take place Sept. 22–23 at the Country Club of Asheville.
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The event is the oldest Black-owned golf tournament in the U.S. and has featured high-profile players, including Lee Elder, Jim Dent, Jim and Chuck Thorpe, John Brooks Dendy, Harold Varner III and World Boxing Champion Joe Louis.
The 65th Annual Skyview Open was founded in 1960 to establish an opportunity for Black golfers to compete. This year’s event is directed by Matthew Bacoate, Jr., who has a long legacy of entrepreneurship and community activism in Asheville — including integrating the city’s first public-facing business in 1960. Now in his 90s, event organizers say Bacoate is president of the Skyview Golf Association and remains active in promoting the legacy event.
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“This tournament has been a part of my life since its inception 65 years ago. Golfers—many of whom travel from all over the county for this event—join family, friends of the community, and our many awesome members and sponsors who have made Skyview one of the largest tournaments in the South.” Bacoate said in a written statement.
Visit ExploreAsheville.com to learn more or to book special lodging for the event.