Jim Beatty, CEO of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures and founder of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum, announced that Mr. John Haigler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pro-Duffers USA Inc. National Foundation, will be a featured speaker/panelist at EXPO 2027. The EXPO is a series of community and educational events designed to inform and educate communities of color about the recreational, competitive and business opportunities in the $102B golf industry. Mr. Haigler will be speaking in the “Building Excellence in Our Communities” segment of the EXPO. Mr. Haigler stated that the Pro-Duffers Foundation is pleased to support the EXPO and eager to join the EXPO in informing the community about opportunities in golf.
Mr. Haigler will discuss the Pro-Duffers sponsorship and involvement in the historic inaugural Charlie Sifford Golf Academy held in 2026 at Eastern Michigan University in which 8 elite African American juniors participated in the week-long event. The academy was co-sponsored by PGA Tour Superstores.
EXPO 2027 will be held from Jan. 24-28 in Orlando, FL and will present a free golf clinic for youth and adults, the Jim Beatty 2 Person Scramble, the Diversity Roundtable and educational workshops, awards and exhibits. Donations and registration for the events can be made at aaexpo.com. The EXPO is proud to be collocated with the PGA Show at the Orange County Convention Center.
About the African American Golf EXPO and Forum
Since its inception in 2021, the EXPO has directly and indirectly served an estimated 6,000 people in the various cities where it has been held. Its economic impact has been estimated at $3 million. Over 100 companies and organizations have exhibited at the EXPO during that same timeframe. In 2025, the EXPO was held in conjunction with the PGA Show where it is now collocated at the Orange County Convention Center. It is viewed as the premier gathering for people of color and supporters in the golf industry. Register here to attend.
About the Pro-Duffers Foundation
The Pro-Duffers Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities and financial resources for African-Americans to develop the skills to grow and aspire to excellence for leveraging a career in golf.
The mission of the Foundation is to support and promote the development of self-esteem, academic excellence, character and sportsmanship among young people through active achievement of excellence in the classroom while learning the game of golf. The Foundation assists in providing life experiences for aspiring disadvantaged youth and junior golfers by setting high standards to preserve the integrity and traditions of the game of golf while focusing on the educational aspects of today’s disadvantaged youth and offering financial resources where needed.
