In a spirited display of golfing talent and camaraderie, Brent Key, the esteemed head coach of Georgia Tech football, alongside the well-regarded former coach Rick Neuheisel, known for his tenures at Colorado, Washington, and UCLA, made a notable appearance at the 2024 Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge. This event, which stands out as the premier golf event in the college football landscape, saw 24 current and former head coaches come together to form 12 two-man teams for the competition. Among the participants were additional representatives from Georgia Tech, including former coaches Chan Gailey and Paul Johnson.
Rising to the Challenge
The duo of Key and Neuheisel showcased their golfing prowess at Reynolds Lake Oconee, tying for sixth place amidst a competitive field. The scoring format, a two-man scramble with Stableford rules, saw them post a commendable score of 41. Their performance not only highlighted their golf skills but also earned a generous $10,000 donation for Key’s chosen beneficiary, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This cause, among others, was at the heart of the event, underscoring the charitable spirit that the Peach Bowl Challenge champions.
Georgia Tech’s Charitable Impact
Chan Gailey and his playing partner, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi, also secured a tie for the sixth position, contributing another $10,000 to Gailey’s charity of choice, the Georgia Region of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Furthermore, Paul Johnson, partnering with Jeff Monken, the current head coach at Army West Point and a former Tech assistant, added to the Yellow Jackets’ philanthropic efforts with a $5,000 donation to the Paul and Susan Johnson Family Foundation following their score of 38. Together, the trio from Georgia Tech ensured a total contribution of $25,000 to various charities from the $300,000 overall that was awarded through the competition.
Broader Contributions and Anticipation for the Season Ahead
Apart from the coaches’ contributions, Georgia Tech’s connection to the event was further highlighted by alumnus and PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar, who managed to raise $2,850 for charity through his involvement in the Peach Bowl Challenge festivities. The event not only served as a platform for fundraising but also as an opportunity for the Georgia Tech community to come together and support meaningful causes.
With the 2024 football season on the horizon, Georgia Tech is gearing up for a promising schedule that features significant ACC confrontations and a highly anticipated match against Notre Dame. Season tickets, with packages starting at $225, are now available, promising fans the best seats to witness these thrilling encounters.
Supporting the Yellow Jackets goes beyond the field, with the Alexander-Tharpe Fund playing a crucial role in ensuring the continuous development of student-athletes. Contributions to this fund directly benefit Georgia Tech’s athletic and academic aspirations, showcasing the community’s unwavering commitment to excellence in all spheres.
As the anticipation for the upcoming football season builds, the Georgia Tech community remains steadfast in its support for the team and its charitable endeavors, demonstrating the spirit of unity and generosity that defines Yellow Jacket football.
