Habitat Greenville hosts Joe Barron Golf Classic
March 30, 2026
A golf tournament that celebrates the legacy of the founder of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County returned today for its 10th anniversary.
“In 1985, Joe Barron organized the first volunteers to start building affordable housing in Greenville under the Habitat for Humanity banner,” said LaTonya Phillips, CEO and President of Habitat Greenville. “For 10 years now, we have been hosting a golf tournament to honor his vision.”
The Joe Barron Golf Classic, presented by Michael’s Janitorial, was held on Monday, March 30 at the Green Valley Country Club, 225 Green Valley Road. Kicking off at 10 a.m., the Joe Barron Golf Classic’s goal is to raise $90,000 plus to help low-income families on their journey to homeownership. It was founded by AIA Greenville.
Thirty teams are participating in today’s tournament. Other key sponsors include AIA Greenville, ADC Engineering, Sutera in Ground, Barron Residential, Evans General Contractors, Keel Concepts, Sealevel Systems, Optima Engineering and LS3P. Additionally, this year the Joe Barron Committee plans to present Southern Crown (formerly KW Beverage) with the tournament’s inaugural “Team of the Year” award in recognition of their 10 years of participation and support.
An Anderson native, who grew up in Athens, Ga., Barron earned his bachelor’s and Master of Engineering degrees from Clemson and settled in Greenville in 1984.He served as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church where he was a devoted and faithful member. He was also active in Scouting for almost 50 years, and helped to carry the torch for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games in 2002.
But it was him working with a local church to start a Habitat affiliate in Greenville in 1985 that sparked a sea change in the outlook for the Greenville community.
“This tournament is a little more special in 2026 because it comes during our 40th Anniversary celebration,” Phillips said. “What started with one house has grown to more than 430 houses built for families in our community.”
About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.
