Steve Sobel (PEGT), Jefe Allums, Paige Gossett (PEGT) & Kevin Lindsay (IT) at the NIV 15 in 2017.

The Golden Tee world was taken aback earlier this week with the news of Jeff “Jefe” Allums’ passing.

For more than two decades, Jefe was a pillar of the competitive scene—one of the game’s biggest promoters during the 2000s and a friend to hundreds, if not thousands, of players across the country. His passion for Golden Tee wasn’t just about the competition; it was about bringing people together, creating memories, and building a community that felt like family.

The players from NIV 16 in 2018

Almost always known simply as “Jefe,” he founded the Not In Vegas tournament in 2003—forever known as NIV—as a gathering place for Golden Tee players who weren’t competing at IT’s World Championship in Las Vegas. What started as an alternative event quickly became a destination of its own. Free Beer Friday, Saturday poker tournaments, complimentary tacos, and the legendary pig roast were staples at the basement bar in Richmond, Virginia. But beyond the food and festivities, NIV was about camaraderie. It was about laughs between rounds, stories shared over drinks, and friendships that lasted long after the final tournament matches were played.

In its later years as part of the Power Events Golden Tee Tour, NIV typically marked the first major tournament following the annual course update—adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation. For years, it stood as the longest-running tournament event in Golden Tee, a testament to Jefe’s dedication and the loyalty of the players he inspired. Though the Baja Bean Richmond closed its doors in October 2019 shortly after the 17th and final NIV, Jefe remained closely connected to so many of the friends he made along the way.

Steve Sobel from Power Events shared a touching tribute to Jefe on the Golden Tee Fan Facebook page. “We, Power Events Golden Tee Tour, would not be doing what we do today if not for Jeffrey Allums.  Period. When Russ Layton had the idea of doing Golden Tee tournaments, it was first and foremost, Jefe who allowed us to host a tourney and take over the NIV.”

Jefe, the Power Events Team and the top 4 players from the 17th and final NIV in 2019.

While Jefe may be gone, his spirit and love for the game of Golden Tee, this community, and his family and friends will last forever. He helped shape an era of competitive Golden Tee and, more importantly, created a place where players felt at home.

On a personal note, I first met Jefe in October 2015 at my first NIV, and he welcomed me like family from the start.  I was driving to Richmond with Russ Layton and the Power Events crew to help set up for the tournament.  From the moment we met, it felt like we’d known each other for years, and I quickly understood why so many people thought so highly of him.

When I joined the IT team in March 2017, Jefe was genuinely excited for me, and he always took care of our crew at events.  Even after the NIV ended, we stayed in touch through the occasional check-in and birthday messages.  He always found a way to make me laugh.  I’ll always be grateful for the kindness and support he showed me.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jefe’s immediate family—his wife, Liz, and his children, Abi and Charlotte—and to the countless friends whose lives he touched.

In Loving Memory of Jeffrey "Jefe" Allums

Source: Legacy.com

We have lost a giant this week. Jeff died peacefully at VCU Hospital on Monday morning, listening to yacht rock, after fighting a four-month battle.

His children, Abigail "Abi" Allums and Charlotte Allums, and his wife, Elizabeth "Liz" Payne Allums, would like everyone to remember him as he lived. He was full of life, had a huge belly laugh, he loved hard, and aimed to be of service to all who needed him. Jeff never met a stranger. As a result, there are people he loved from all over.

Jeff grew up in Williamsburg, playing baseball, basketball, and football. He attended William and Mary before moving to Charlottesville to manage Baja Bean Co, where he made lifelong friends. After becoming a movie star and meeting Liz while on location in Ashland, VA, then a brief stint in Blacksburg, he and Liz moved to Richmond to open a new Baja Bean and welcome Ram Nation, the Golden Tee community, and what seemed like the entire city. He recently pivoted to the golf industry, where he enjoyed a different side of the hospitality industry. He was a proud Girl Dad, getting very enthusiastic with his love for Taylor Swift, cheesy movies, swim meets, and field hockey games. He equaled that out with his love for team sports, including fantasy football, meat, smoked meat, barbecued meat, and Diet Dr Pepper.

Along with Liz, Abi, and Charlotte, Jeff is survived by his mother, Katheryne Richard Dishner; his siblings, Michael, Scott, and Beth; and his stepfather, Jim.

To celebrate Jeff, please join us for a service of remembrance at Brandermill Church, 4500 Millridge Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23112, on March 7 at 2:00 pm. We will gather afterwards at Station 2, 2016 E. Main St, Richmond, VA 23223, from 4-6:00.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider supporting a charity very personal to Jeff, The Hines Foundation, hinesinrva.org.