Peach Bowl Challenge to Feature Current, Former Coaches

© Joshua L. Jones/USA TODAY NETWORK

As the Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge gears up for its 17th annual charity golf tournament, Georgia coach Kirby Smart is poised to represent the Bulldogs in a competition that not only celebrates collegiate football excellence but also champions charitable giving.

Since its inception in 2007, the Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge has been a beacon of philanthropy within the college football community. With a cumulative contribution of $9.3 million in scholarships and charity, it stands as the epitome of sportsmanship and generosity in the realm of collegiate athletics. This year’s event, scheduled from April 28-30 at the scenic Reynolds Lake Oconee resort just outside Atlanta, promises another exciting showcase of talent and goodwill as 23 current and former college football coaches vie for a share of the $300,000 charity purse.

Dual Purpose Event

Smart’s participation in the Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge holds special significance, marking his eighth appearance in the prestigious tournament. With previous winnings totaling an impressive $325,000, Smart exemplifies a commitment not only to coaching excellence but also to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. This year, Smart’s winnings will further bolster the Kirby Smart Family Foundation, dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and families facing adversity, embodying the spirit of community upliftment synonymous with the event.

Joining Smart in the lineup is South Carolina coach Shane Beamer, representing the Beamer Family Foundation, which channels its efforts toward education, law enforcement, and other noble causes, particularly within the greater Columbia, S.C. area. With charitable winnings totaling $50,000 from past appearances, Beamer brings a legacy of giving to the tournament as he embarks on his fourth participation in the challenge.

The Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge not only provides a platform for friendly competition among esteemed coaches but also serves as a beacon of hope for numerous charitable organizations.

“Many of college football’s best rivalries extend to the green in this annual tradition, but it’s the charities who are the real winners as we’re set to raise another $300,000 this year,” said Peach Bowl Inc. CEO and President Gary Stokan, emphasizing the event’s dual purpose.

17th Peach Bowl Challenge Participants

This year’s tournament boasts an illustrious roster of college football luminaries, including three former Dodd Trophy winners and a collective group of coaches with an impressive array of accolades. With a total of 20 coaches returning to the challenge and newcomers like Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck, Georgia Tech coach Brent Key and Oregon coach Dan Lanning making their inaugural appearances, anticipation runs high for an exhilarating showdown on the greens.

As pairings for the 2024 Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge are unveiled in the lead-up to the tournament, excitement mounts among fans and participants alike. With a rich history of giving back to communities in need, Peach Bowl Inc. continues to uphold its legacy as college football’s most charitable bowl organization, dedicated to making a lasting impact both on and off the field.

In addition to the Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge, Peach Bowl Inc. spearheads other initiatives, including the renowned Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Aflac Kickoff Game, each contributing to the organization’s mission of fostering excellence and philanthropy within the collegiate sports landscape. With a steadfast commitment to scholarship, leadership, and integrity, Peach Bowl Inc. remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations of athletes and philanthropists alike.