The Tribune

Derek Jeter’s Turn 2-Foundation announced the highly anticipated return of the Derek Jeter Invitational (DJI) in partnership with Baha Mar – The Bahamas’ luxury resort destination – from September 19 to September 22.

Dozens of stars from the worlds of sports and entertainment will join the Baseball Hall of Famer for two days of competitive golf at Baha Mar’s Jack Nicklaus signature design Royal Blue Golf Course, along with special events held throughout the resort, benefitting Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation and its programs empowering youth. 

Some of the biggest stars in sports and entertainment will attend this year’s golf tournament, including: Anthony Anderson, Kevin Connolly, Johnny Damon, Kevin Dillon, D-Nice, Jerry Ferrara, Cliff Floyd, Dexter Fowler, Flo Rida, Natalie Gulbis, Andruw Jones, Nancy Lieberman, Kenny Lofton, Angie Martinez, Tino Martinez, Fred McGriff, Charles Oakley, Jorge Posada, Ahmad Rashad, David Ross, CC Sabathia, Ramon Sessions, Paige Spiranac, Tanyon Sturtze, Nick Swisher, Chris Tucker, Heidi Watney and Deron Williams. 

“As young people immerse themselves in Turn 2’s programs, they not only recognize their ability to achieve their goals, but they also discover they hold the power to make a difference in their local communities and beyond,” Jeter said. 

“This event is about so much more than a golf tournament - it plays a pivotal role in enabling The Turn 2 Foundation to drive meaningful change every day. We’re very proud to partner with Baha Mar once again and we are so grateful to our friends and supporters for joining us.” 

The 2024 DJI kicks off Thursday, September 19, with a welcome party at Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House emceed by Angie Martinez, which will feature music by legendary, award-winning artist, DJ, and philanthropist D-Nice. 

The two-round celebrity-amateur golf tournament, which pairs one celebrity with four amateur participants, will begin Friday, September 20, at the 18-hole Royal Blue Golf Course, followed by a competitive celebrity shootout. 

The tournament will continue Saturday, September 21, and the festivities will conclude that evening at the DJI Gala. The Gala, which will take place at The Grand Hyatt Convention Center and will be emceed by Angie Martinez, will include a star-studded red carpet and live musical performance by world-renowned rapper and artist Flo Rida. 

As part of its partnership with Baha Mar, The Turn 2 Foundation will contribute to the local community in The Bahamas by donating $50,000 to the Baha Mar ResortFoundation. 

Since its opening in 2017, Baha Mar has supported a wide array of causes pertaining to community, culture and conservation throughout The Bahamas. 

“We are proud to support Derek Jeter and The Turn 2 Foundation on this incredible invitational for a third consecutive year, continuing our commitment to two incredible charities that are igniting movements for change,” said Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. 

“We deeply appreciate the Turn 2 Foundation’s generous contribution to the Baha Mar Resort Foundation, which will be used to fund crucial programs benefiting the Bahamian community.” 

Proceeds from this year’s DJI will support The Turn 2 Foundation’s programs, which empower youth to rise above negative influences, strengthen their leadership skills, create positive change, and achieve their full potential. 

Turn 2 started its golf event in Tampa in 2003, and over the years has grown the initiative into events that have been held in Las Vegas and The Bahamas, contributing millions of funds to advance its mission. 

Previous guests have included stars such as Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Ken Griffey, Jr., Cal Ripken, Jr., Russell Wilson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Tyler Cameron, Jorge Posada, Rob Riggle, Nate Burleson, Bode Miller, Brandi Chastain, Tino Martinez, Miles Teller, Brian Baumgartner, Joey Fatone, Benjamin Bratt, Frankie Muniz, Haley Joel Osment, Paige Spiranac, Blair O’Neal and Jerome Bettis, among others, along with past performances by Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo, T.I., Ludacris, Miguel and Busta Rhymes. 

Derek Jeter established The Turn 2 Foundation during his rookie year with the New York Yankees in 1996. Since its launch, Turn 2 has worked to help young people reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change.