Driving For Unity

March 2022 Issue
By Kelly Hunter

When she was approached last year with the idea of a golf tournament fundraiser, Eta Gamma Zeta Chapter President Darleen Smith wasn’t sold on the idea. But then she said, “It’s the year of the woman, why not take a chance? That’s what we as women do. We take chances every day.” She took the idea to her chapter of Zeta Phi Beta national sorority, and everyone agreed that it was time for a golf tournament specifically for women in Glynn County. It’s the perfect activity as we come out of the pandemic since it gets everyone out in the fresh air.

“I wanted to have something in the community that women of all colors could come together and unite and have a good time,” said Darleen, “It gives women a chance to shine in a sport that we don’t see them much in.” As if a day on the course with other women doesn’t make you feel fabulous enough, you can take extra pride in knowing all proceeds go to the Eta Gamma Zeta scholarship fund, which supports the educational goals of young women in Glynn County. Considering that goal, the chapter’s decision for the tournament’s namesake was easy.

Bessie Fulks is the oldest living member of Eta Gamma Zeta and a retired educator who taught in
Glynn County’s elementary schools for more than 40 years. Always active in her church and community, she is a Zeta Dove, a distinction given to those members who have served within the organization for more than 50 years. “It was our way to pay tribute to our Dove, as well as uniting women in a common cause,” said Darleen Smith.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded at Howard University in 1920. For more than 100 years, it has stood for Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood. These ladies are proud to wear their royal blue and white, but they want to stress that women from all backgrounds are invited to the tournament.

Paisley Magazine is proud to sponsor a hole in this exciting new tournament. We feel it is just the event to “Celebrate Your Womentality!” The tournament is open to golfers of all levels, so there’s no reason not to join in. All play will be from red tees. Regardless of how low or high your score is, you’ll have a terrific time on an historic course with other women.  

The Tournament is scheduled for a 9:00 am shotgun start on March 12th at Jekyll Island Golf Club, 322 Captain Wylly Road, Jekyll Island, Georgia. It is a scramble format, and lunch will be provided. The fee is $75 per individual or $300 per team of four. To get the provided lunch, golfers must register by March 4, but registration for the tournament itself will be available up until the start time. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place teams, closest to pin and longest drive. In order to register or get more information about the tournament, please call Soror Daviada Harris at 210-380-2455 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pictured above: Daviada Harris (left) & Darleen Smith (right)