UNA GOLF ENDOWMENT HONORS BURNS AND SLOAN
March 12, 2008
FLORENCE, Ala. – As a former University of North Alabama golfer, Robert Tyree couldn’t think of a better way to honor two influential men in his life, Chris Burns and Alex Sloan. With the support of several of Burns’ and Sloan’s former players, he recently spearheaded the UNA Golf Program Endowment Fund in honor of the two coaches.
“Thousands of juniors have grown up taking lessons with these two men,” Tyree said, “and they have both served their profession far above the call of duty.”
Sloan, who served as head golf professional at Florence Golf & Country Club and then at Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club until retiring in 2004, helped establish the UNA golf team and served as the team’s first coach.
“I had fantastic friendships over those 15 years with the young men I worked with at UNA.” Sloan said. “It was a life experience I would have never missed for the world.”
Burns, head golf professional for more than 30 years at Florence Golf & Country Club, said he is “truly humbled” by the UNA golf endowment. “It’s a great honor, and I really appreciate it.”
Burns has been an influential instructor to well over 1,000 juniors and still continues even now in retirement. Among his accomplishments have been two Men’s State Amateur Champions, one Women’s State Amateur Champion, two Boys’ State Amateur Champions, one Girls’ State Amateur Champion, more than 50 Boys’ College Scholarships, seven Girls’ College Scholarships, seven PGA teaching members and PGA tour professional Stewart Cink. He has also assisted with the golf programs at Bradshaw and Coffee high schools in Florence.
The new UNA Golf Program Endowment fund will offer golf scholarships while also providing operating expenses for the UNA golf program.
“Mr. Burns and Mr. Sloan have had a positive impact on thousands of lives, and we’re honored that Robert Tyree and others have chosen to honor them by helping touch more lives through the UNA golf program,” said Dr. Alan Medders, UNA vice president for advancement.
For more information on making an endowed or planned gift at UNA, contact the Office of Advancement at 256-765-4670.
