The AJGA is proud to name the Babygrande Atlanta Classic honoring Gene Siller as the 2024 Newcomer of the Year, recognizing an inaugural event that delivered one of the most impactful, meaningful and memorable tournament experiences of the season.
From July 7-10, Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw, Georgia welcomed 78 junior golfers to celebrate the life and legacy of Gene Siller, a beloved PGA professional and member of the Pinetree community. The tournament not only honored his memory but set a new standard for hospitality, fundraising and community engagement.
“This award is an incredible honor, and it truly reflects a team effort from our staff and Pinetree Country Club to the outstanding Tournament Committee and the AJGA team. As we looked to expand our support of the AJGA, Gene’s story deeply resonated with us, and we knew we wanted to be part of this special event. We are beyond thrilled to accept this award for the second time and couldn’t imagine a more meaningful way to celebrate and honor Gene’s life.”
The Babygrande Atlanta Classic was anchored in its mission to make an impact through the Gene Siller Memorial Grant, which supports junior golfers in their pursuit of the game. Through incredible sponsor and community support, the event raised nearly $60,000 in net proceeds, with $30,000 directly benefiting the grant fund.
Highlights included a title sponsor from Babygrande, Piedmont Bank (now United Bank) title sponsoring the Junior-Am and Pinetree’s MGA contributing $5,000 toward event staffing and food and beverage. The tournament committee and club staff worked tirelessly to secure vendor donations, streamline logistics and go above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. This tournament could not have been possible without the support of a full committee. Volunteers filled every shuttle, spotter and timing station role — with 25-30 volunteers per day — all dressed in the tournament’s signature red attire for the final round.
“One of our goals for 2024 was for the Babygrande Atlanta Classic honoring Gene Siller to provide the players with their best and most memorable AJGA tournament experience. Thanks to the tremendous support of the Pinetree volunteers, the Pinetree tournament committee was able to accomplish that goal. Providing that "Special Experience" surely played a big part in us earning the recognition as Newcomer of the Year. Like last year, this event will once again offer the players the same exciting experience.”
The most impactful day of the tournament came during the final round, when more than 90% of the field wore red pants, skirts or shorts in honor of Gene. Thanks to Babygrande and the AJGA, every player received tournament-themed gifts, including shirts, hats, tote bags and signature red bottoms. Pinetree Country Club also provided custom bag tags to all players. Players and families were treated to a full buffet following the first round, and volunteers were provided meals throughout the week. The Babygrande media team interviewed leaders and low rounds after each day and the entire Siller family was also onsite throughout the event.
“The Siller Family and the Gene Siller Memorial Grant Team are incredibly grateful to AJGA, Babygrande Golf and Pinetree Country Club for their extraordinary contribution to our mission. Our inaugural #RedPantsGrant Tournament was such a memorable, unique and fun experience for all the players and their families. Most importantly, it keeps Gene’s legacy alive for my boys and our family. We are so appreciative for your contributions.”
Behind the scenes, AJGA interns and staff were treated like family. Before the tournament began, interns enjoyed a buffet dinner and fireworks show at Pinetree Country Club. Throughout the week, they were hosted in homes, provided meals and took part in team bonding experiences — including a welcome dinner and cornhole tournament, pizza and movie night and group dinners at local restaurants.
“It was a pleasure meeting and hosting interns. These young adults are on the road for 14 weeks, living in hotels and various host homes and we were able to provide all interns host homes and gave them a week to remember. Not only did they work hard but were entertained with July 4th fireworks, a cornhole tournament with a food truck, pizza movie night dinners out at nice restaurants that allowed them to dress up and go out as a group. Home hosts have continued to stay in contact with the team as they have secured jobs and pursued their dreams. We hope to give the 2025 interns another great experience here at Pinetree Country Club.”
The Babygrande Atlanta Classic honoring Gene Siller will return to Pinetree Country Club for a second year, July 21-24.
About Babygrande Golf
Babygrande Golf was founded to support the worldwide growth and development of junior, amateur and collegiate golf. It was launched in 2022 as a division of Babygrande Global, Inc., an American diversified corporation based in New York with holdings in the music, film, sports, media, and supercar industries. Since launch, Babygrande Golf has sponsored, produced and marketed content related to several high visibility junior tournaments such as the AJGA Golf Performance Center Junior at Salem Golf Club in Westchester, New York, The Mack Champ Invitational in Houston, Texas, the Three Little Birds Memorial AJGA Open at the Piedmont Club in Haymarket, Virginia, and the 2024 ANNIKA Invitational in Orlando, Florida. The Babygrande D.C. Classic, which debuted in 2023 with the AJGA and the National Links Trust, will return in 2024 along with many other high-profile events that will be announced later this year.
For more information about Babygrande Golf visit babygrandegolf.org and follow us on Instagram and X @babygrandegolf.