Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational at Baha Mar contributes over $1M to Turn 2 foundation

Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter hosted the 2022 Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational golf tournament at Baha Mar Resorts in Nassau, Bahamas, from April 28 through May 1. The tournament raised over $1 million for Jeter’s foundation, Turn 2 Foundation. This event was hosted in partnership with Baha Mar, Icon International, JP Sports + Entertainment and Warner Brothers Discovery. 

The Turn 2 Foundation works with young kids in different communities to inspire and motivate them to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” a healthy lifestyle through community service, various specialized programs and events. 

The celebrities in attendance ranged from professional athletes, entertainers, media personalities, influencers, trick-shot artists and more. Anthony Anderson, D-Nice, Ken Griffey Jr., Tino Martinez, Jorge Posada, CC Sabathia, Joey Fatone, Paige Spiranac and Ryan Rustand were just a few of the notable names of the weekend. 

A reception was held on the first night at Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House. The reception was hosted by Hall of Fame radio personality, Angie Martinez and featured music from award-winning DJ, D-Nice. The Turn 2 Foundation presented $25,000 to the Baha Mar Foundation, which will support youth development and healthy lifestyle initiatives in the local Nassau area. The venue served a seafood buffet, comfort foods, cocktails, appetizers, and desserts. 

The weekend consisted of two rounds of golf at Royal Blue Golf Club of Baha Mar Resorts. Royal Blue is a Jack Nicklaus design with carpet-like fairways, rolling white sand dunes, fluffy bunkers, waterfront holes and untouched greens. The event featured closest to the pin contests, long drive contests, multiple bar stations and food stations. The Turn 2 Foundation team brought a party to every hole. Following round one of the tournament, the celebrities competed in a competitive shootout. 

After the second round, the event’s signature DJCI Gala at Baha Mar’s Performing Arts & Convention Center took place. Guests experienced a star-filled red carpet, enjoyed a lobster and filet mignon dinner and were able to bid on live auctions. The evening closed with a performance from Grammy award-winning International artist, Pitbull.

Guests had the option of staying in one of the three hotels at the Baha Mar Resort, the Grand Hyatt, Rosewood or SLS. Baha Mar has over 2,300 rooms, more than 45 restaurants, over 30 retail shops, miniature golf, bars, water park, 100,000 square foot casino, spa, fitness center, kid zone, multiple pools and private beach entrances. The Turn 2 event used to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, but they selected Baha Mar as a more family-friendly location.

Each hotel within Baha Mar has a different energy. The Grand Hyatt is family-friendly and has access to different activities that will keep the kids busy and the adults relaxed. The Rosewood is elegant and quieter. This hotel features upscale bars, tea lounges and calming scents. SLS is a more modern, high-energy environment with pool clubs, nightclubs and rooftop bars. As a guest of Baha Mar, you have access to most of the other hotel’s amenities. 

“I think a lot of the Icon International sponsors and clients thought it would be great to go to a place with more family involvement,” said Sharlee Jeter, Derek’s sister. We thought it would be nice where you could bring your family this time and it acts as a vacation also.”

Derek and Sharlee Jeter at gala. (Jeffery Salter/ Turn 2 Foundation, Inc.)

The tournament concluded with an 18-hole celebrity-only tournament on May 1 at Royal Blue. When asked about his favorite part of the weekend, Jeter said, “You always hear how athletes and entertainers talk about how good they are at golf and then you actually see how bad they are, that’s always a highlight.”