Fountain City Classic Launches ‘Close the Gap’ Golf Classic to Support College Students

Inaugural golf event will build on $33,000 awarded to 29 students while helping college students overcome unexpected educational expenses

After awarding a combined $33,000 in scholarships to 29 students earlier this year, the Fountain City Classic is expanding its commitment to education with a new initiative aimed at helping college students overcome unexpected financial barriers on their path to graduation.

The inaugural Fountain City Classic Close the Gap Golf Classic will be held Friday, Nov. 6, during the 36th Annual Fountain City Classic Week.

The tournament will take place at Bull Creek Golf Course, 7333 Lynch Road in Midland. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start and lunch at noon.

“For 36 years, the Fountain City Classic has brought people together through the proud traditions of Albany State University and Fort Valley State University,” said Dean Calvin Smyre, chairman of the Fountain City Classic. “Our commitment to students gives that tradition its lasting purpose. Close the Gap invites our communities to stand with students as they continue their educational path and work toward graduation.”

The Close the Gap initiative was created to assist students who are progressing through college but encounter unexpected educational expenses and fees that could threaten their ability to remain enrolled.

The effort builds on the Fountain City Classic’s longstanding scholarship program by recognizing that financial challenges do not necessarily end once a student arrives on a college campus.

“We often celebrate the moment a student gets to college, and we should,” said Robbie Branscomb, executive director of the Fountain City Classic and founder of the Close the Gap initiative. “But we also need to be there when an unexpected expense makes staying in college harder. Close the Gap grew from a simple belief: Students who have put in the work to get this far deserve a community willing to help them keep going.”

The golf tournament is open to individual golfers, teams, businesses, alumni and community supporters. Individual registration is $85.

A $1,000 event sponsorship includes a four-person team, event recognition and a two-minute speaking opportunity. A $150 supporter sponsorship includes recognition at a designated golf hole.

“Whether you play on your own, bring a foursome, or support the event as a sponsor, there is a place for you in this effort,” said Howard Pendleton, co-chair of the Close the Gap Golf Classic. “We look forward to a great day of golf, but the reason we are gathering is clear: to help students keep moving toward the education they set out to complete.”

Scholarship Applications Open Nov. 20

The Fountain City Classic Community Scholarship is open to high school seniors living within a 100-mile radius of Columbus who plan to attend an accredited college or university in the continental United States in fall 2027.

Applications open Nov. 20 and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 28, 2027.

The scholarship program and Close the Gap initiative reflect the educational mission behind one of the region’s largest annual HBCU celebrations.

Founded in 1989, the Fountain City Classic is a nonprofit organization that hosts the annual football rivalry between Albany State University and Fort Valley State University, two historically Black universities in the University System of Georgia.

The Classic has provided scholarship funding to both universities and awarded scholarships to Columbus-area students attending institutions of higher education across the country.

Organizers estimate about 50,000 fans will gather at South Commons during Classic weekend for football, fellowship, pageantry and other activities.

The 36th Annual Fountain City Classic football game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus.

From the golf course to game day, organizers say education will remain at the heart of the celebration.

For information about registering for the Close the Gap Golf Classic, purchasing game tickets, applying for scholarships or supporting the #CloseTheGap campaign, visit the Fountain City Classic website.

For additional information, contact Robbie Branscomb, executive director, at 706-577-3409 or rbranscomb@fountaincityclassic.com.

Major sponsors of the Fountain City Classic include: Georgia Power Co.; Columbus Sports and Events Council/VisitColumbusGA; Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus; Aflac; Atlanta Falcons; Chick-fil-A Foundation; Delta Air Lines; Georgia Lottery Corp.; The Home Depot; The Coca-Cola Co./Coca-Cola Bottling Company United; Liberty Utilities; Morehouse School of Medicine; Georgia-Pacific Foundation; and Georgia Access.