The tournament competitors line up for a panoramic group photo at the 18th hole.
[CALABASAS, CA—July 28, 2025] The Los Angeles Urban League held its annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, on Monday, July 28 at the picturesque Calabasas Country Club assembling nearly 300 participants, leaders, sponsors and celebrities to celebrate a day of generous philanthropy and friendly competition.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have you with us today — from our sponsors and civic leaders to our incredible celebrity guests, thank you for making this day possible. said Cynthia Mitchell-Heard, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League. “Today, each swing of the club, each new relationship built, and each dollar raised brings us closer to our mission.”
The weather was spectacular with golfers hitting the greens following opening ceremonies, just after 10:00 a.m. The golf carts chugged from their parking spots to the various assigned holes where the participants were designated to start their round of play. Ladies and gents, all donning their latest golf gear ranging in tones from bright pink and turquoise to some dressed in all black.
Included in various foursomes were the names of ballers Byron Scott, Norm Nixon, Mitch Richmond, Olden Polynice, Willie Gault, Marcellus Wiley, actors Chris Spencer, Adrian Holmes, Michael Irby, Alex Thomas, Model/Actress Kathleen Bradley, semi-pro golfer Maranie Jaslowski and sportscaster Mike Hill. Participants competed in various categories, including, the Closest to the Pin, and a Hole-in-One Challenge and the Longest Drive.
Long ball specialist Marley Franklin stands over her tee, eases back her driver then obliterates the golf ball seemingly into Ventura County. One onlooker mutters to himself, “Incredible,” as he watches the ball disappear some 225 yards away into the middle of the fairway. That’s a typical drive by Marley and a scene metaphoric of this entire event. Yes certainly a big hit, but somewhat too, a stroke of genius.
The Los Angeles Urban League’s Celebrity Golf Tournament had hit somewhat of a rough patch becoming dormant for a couple years, but last year (then) new CEO and President Mitchell-Heard got the idea to bring it back. Partnered now with Bill Hammond of Hammond Entertainment, a world-class event promoter and a respected name in the celebrity world, the Urban League’s golf tournament has once again become a pretty big deal.
Corey Sutton, Owner of FUELSTATION, with Scottie Pippen and the custom laser engraved “PIP33” water bottle
That onlooker muttering to himself, “Incredible,” as he watched long ball guru Marley Franklin strike the ball was none other than 6-time Chicago Bulls NBA Champion Scottie Pippen. Pippen’s children have attended nearby Sierra Canyon High School, and one now plays in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies. The San Fernando Valley in the northern tier of LA County, has become Pippen’s new adopted home. “I got an invitation to play and yeah why not come out and support an important and worthwhile cause, the Los Angeles Urban League,” said Pippen. “There are some good golfers here too. Next year I gotta raise my game.” That’s “33PIP” always the competitor.
2024’s tournament was highlighted by the attendance of comedian Cedric the Entertainer, actor Anthony Anderson, singer songwriter Jonathan Butler and a slew of other A-list athletes and actors. Cedric and Anthony had previous commitments this year, but Hammond says hopefully those two will both come back again next year. We owe much of the turnaround success also to the event’s committee, including co-chairs Stanley Washington and Keith Drake, along with Marc Jones, Mark Cornwell and Ricardo Barragan; five committed board members, all avid golfers who were determined to bring back the tournament.
Next year’s event is already in the planning stages as sponsors and vendors are lining up. This is the second straight year the tournament has been held on the final Monday of July. With the promise of next year’s charity tournament becoming grander, celebrity golfer names like Jackson, Romo, Curry, Timberlake and Barkley have even been mentioned.
After the competition, everyone gathered in the clubhouse for food, beverages, fellowship, laughter and other amenities followed by a live auction with all proceeds going to support our four action pillars of Advocacy, Education, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development.
Special thanks to our three presenting sponsors Stocker Street Creative, U.S. Bank and AIDS Healthcare Foundation along with others; First American Title Insurance, Comerica Bank, Farwest Corrosion Control Company, Jenkins,/Gales & Martinez Inc, Loeb & Loeb, Butterfli, RIM, JP Morgan Chase and African American Male Wellness Agency.
Shout out as well to our vendors and donors; Debonair Cigar Lounge, Asombroso Tequila, Nebula9 Vodka, A Family Affair Soul Food, Roots of Fight, Cookie Dip Company, LA Body Work, Mercedes Benz Beverly Hills, Compass Timepieces, FuelStation, It’s In the Sauce BBQ, Ommomie Helen’s Pies, Long Driver Marley Franklin, DJ Reggie, Auctioneer Nick DiNieri, Reggie Simon Videography, Arnold Turner Photography, Microsoft and Bridgestone.
And finally gratitude to our ground support team; the crew at Calababas Country Club, the detail-oriented team of Hammond Entertainment, our board members and staff. We look forward to our tee-time next year. Same place. Date still yet to be determined. And you just never know who might show up.