In 2005, twenty golfers competed for the very first Ellington Cup, a match-play competition similar to the Ryder Cup. The event was named in honor of long-time PGA professional and retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Bernice Wayne "Duke" Ellington. 

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In 2024, as The Ellington Cup celebrated its 20th year, a handful of players looked for ways to leave a legacy that would outlive both themselves and the event. The Duke Ellington Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, was born.

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The mission of The Duke Ellington Foundation is to grow the game of golf in our community. Duke was passionate about many things, but if two stand out, they would be teaching juniors & becoming a PGA professional. Money raised by the foundation will be used to facilitate junior golf clinics, introduce youth and adults to the game of golf, fund golf tournaments, and help military members become PGA professionals.