Driving Community Impact
at Gillespie Golf Course
Join the Greensboro Parks Foundation on Friday, October 9, 2026, for our signature annual golf tournament at historic Gillespie Golf Course. More than a day on the links, the Greensboro Parks Foundation Open brings together golfers, businesses, community leaders, and supporters to invest in one of Greensboro’s most significant public spaces.
Every registration and sponsorship helps preserve Gillespie’s remarkable legacy while supporting improvements that expand access to the game, enhance the course, and create opportunities for future generations.
Quick Info
Thursday, October 8, 2026 – 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Pre-Tournament Short Course Social
(New for 2026!)
Kick off the excitement with a relaxed, come-and-go event featuring quick rounds on the short course, food, drinks, music, and networking. Join as a standalone participant or add it to your tournament registration.
Friday, October 9, 2026
Greensboro Parks Foundation Open
Registration & Breakfast | 8:00 AM
Shotgun Start | 9:00 AM
Lunch & Awards | 1:30 PM
More Than a Tournament
The Greensboro Parks Foundation Open is more than a golf tournament—it’s a celebration of community, history, and progress.
Each year, golfers, sponsors, and community partners come together to support the ongoing revitalization of Gillespie Golf Course, one of Greensboro’s most treasured public assets. Proceeds from the tournament help expand access to golf, enhance facilities, and preserve the course’s important civil rights legacy while ensuring Gillespie continues to serve players of every age, background, and ability.
Whether you’re playing, sponsoring, or cheering on the event, you’re helping strengthen a place that has brought people together for generations—and will continue to do so for many more.
A Historic Course With a Powerful Legacy
Gillespie Golf Course is more than a place to play—it’s a landmark of perseverance, inclusion, and community history.
In 1955, six Black golfers led by Dr. George Simkins challenged segregation by playing the course in defiance of its whites-only policy. Their courage helped pave the way for the desegregation of public golf in Greensboro and across North Carolina, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the fairways.
Today, Gillespie continues that tradition of opportunity and belonging as a welcoming public course where youth, veterans, families, and golfers of all abilities can learn, play, compete, and connect.
A Legacy Through the Years
1941
Gillespie Golf Course opens as one of Greensboro’s earliest public courses.
1955
The Greensboro Six challenge segregation, helping change access to the game.
1966
A renewed chapter begins as Gillespie continues to evolve as a public asset.
Today
A thriving public course serving thousands of golfers each year while inspiring future generations.
36,000+
Rounds of golf played annually at Gillespie
366
Youth served each year through First Tee – Triad
25–35
Veterans participate weekly through PGA HOPE
Home Course
For local middle and high school golf teams
Part of a Larger Vision
Supporting the continued revitalization of Gillespie
TOURNAMENT DAY
Friday, October 9
Enjoy a memorable day of golf, camaraderie, and community impact at one of North Carolina’s most historic public golf courses.
Schedule
8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM
Welcome & Shotgun Start
1:30 PM
Lunch, Awards & Celebration
From the opening tee shot to the final awards presentation, every moment supports the future of Gillespie Golf Course and the people it serves.
NEW FOR 2026
Short Course Social
Thursday, October 8 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Kick off tournament weekend with a relaxed, come-and-go experience at Gillespie Golf Course.
The new Short Course Social offers a fun, flexible way to enjoy the game—whether you’re warming up for tournament day or simply looking for a unique golf outing with friends and colleagues.
How It Works
Arrive anytime between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
Jump onto the short course whenever you’re ready—no assigned tee times, no pressure.
Play a quick round in approximately 30 minutes, then stay to enjoy the food, music, and great company for as long as you’d like during the event.
Two Ways to Join
Add It On
Already registered for the Greensboro Parks Foundation Open? Make the most of tournament weekend by joining us the day before. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a feel for the course, reconnect with fellow players, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon before the competition begins.
Play It Your Way
Short on time or not participating in Friday’s tournament? The Short Course Social is also a standalone event, making it easy to experience Gillespie without committing to a full day of golf.
What to Expect
- Fast, fun short-course play for every skill level
- A casual, come-and-go atmosphere
- Friendly on-course challenges
- Food and beverages
- Music and a lively pre-tournament vibe
- Opportunities to connect with fellow golfers, sponsors, and community supporters
Like the tournament itself, the Short Course Social directly supports the continued transformation of Gillespie Golf Course into a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant community destination.
Sponsor the Greensboro Parks Foundation Open
Every sponsorship tells part of Gillespie’s story while helping write its next chapter.
Your investment supports course improvements, expands access to golf, strengthens youth programming, and helps preserve one of Greensboro’s most important historic landmarks.
Whether you’re a returning sponsor or joining us for the first time, your partnership demonstrates a commitment to community, recreation, and opportunity.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
1955 Legacy Sponsor
$10,000
Honoring the moment that changed access to the game.
- Premier logo placement throughout tournament marketing
- Year-round signage at Gillespie Golf Course
- Lead recognition in press releases and premier social media visibility
1941 Founders Sponsor
$5,000
Building on the course’s origins to expand access for everyone.
- Logo featured on tournament signage and promotional materials
- Recognition in press releases and marketing communications
- Complimentary foursome and team registration discount
1966 Renewal Sponsor
$2,500
Investing in Gillespie’s future while honoring its past.
- Logo included on tournament signage
- Recognition in promotional emails and social media
- Recognition in press releases and newsletters
Access Sponsor
$1,000
Helping create opportunities for youth, veterans, and golfers of all abilities.
- Tournament signage
- Social media and e-newsletter recognition
- Hole sponsorship
Community Sponsor
$500
Supporting parks, recreation, and community connection.
- Hole sponsorship
- Newsletter recognition
- Social media recognition
Hole Sponsor
$250
Show your support where the action happens.
- On-course signage
- Recognition as a community supporter
- Help invest in Gillespie’s future
ADDITIONAL SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES
Short Course Social Sponsor
$3,500
Lunch Sponsor
$3,000
Beverage Cart Sponsor
$2,500
Breakfast Sponsor
$1,500
Contest Sponsor
$1,000
Play for a Purpose
Spend a day on one of Greensboro’s most historic golf courses while making a lasting impact in the community.
Whether you’re registering a foursome, joining as an individual player, or inviting clients and colleagues, your participation helps preserve Gillespie Golf Course and expand opportunities for future generations.
Tournament space is limited and consistently sells out, so early registration is encouraged.
Community Partners Driving This Work
The Greensboro Parks Foundation is grateful to the businesses, organizations, and individuals whose generosity helps make the Greensboro Parks Foundation Open possible.
Together, we are preserving history, expanding opportunity, and strengthening one of Greensboro’s most cherished public spaces.
Join Us in Driving Gillespie’s Next Chapter
Every swing, every sponsorship, and every contribution helps ensure that Gillespie Golf Course continues to inspire, connect, and serve our community for generations to come.
Join us in celebrating a remarkable legacy while investing in an even brighter future.