African American Golfer's Digest

SPRING 2009 Edition

On The Cover:
Darlene Stowers
Her Focused Journey Towards
The LPGA

A natural athlete, Stowers has come a long way when it comes to sports, participating in track and field, cheerleading, volleyball and basketball in high school. She earned a full scholarship to Texas Southern University in Houston majoring in accounting and joined the N.A.I.A All-American team.

Today, in her 40's, with a handicap of 3, Stowers is pursuing a career as a pro golfer and has gone through great lengths towards becoming a full time player. “I have devoted eighteen years to this game with an undying passion and strong perseverance. I have learned through trial and error that in order to become your best at what you do you must position yourself to perform...” (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

Bill Powell Named Recipient of 2009 PGA Distinguished Service Award

William J. (Bill) Powell of East Canton, Ohio, who overcame racial barriers to become the only African American to design, build, own and operate a golf course (Clearview Golf Course) while pioneering diversity in the game, has been named the recipient of the 2009 PGA Distinguished Service Award.

Powell, 92, a PGA Life Member, will be honored and receive the award on August 12, in downtown Minneapolis. The PGA Distinguished Service Award is the Association’s highest annual honor. (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

Fitness Guru Donna Richardson- Joyner Becomes First African American Spokeswoman for
Women’s Golf Month

(L-R) Nancy Lopez, Suzy Whaley and
Donna Richardson-Joyner.

Women's Golf Month celebrates its fifth anniversary this June with a trio of spokeswomen to help promote the Play Golf America program. "I am sharing my love for the game of golf with a passion to improve people's lives spiritually, mentally and physically," Richardson Joyner said. (Read the Spring 2009 issue.)

Sistas On The Links

When Founder, Janet Johnson started this Northern California ladies golf group, she had no idea that just a few months later the organization would become an official member club of the Western States Golf Association (WSGA), distinguishing them as the only all African American women’s club in the WSGA. (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

AHOY GOLFERS ~ Join Us
February 1-5
Book Now & Save!
TravelinSingle@aol.com

FIST BUMP at the 16th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Spouses’ Mervyn L. Jones Golf and Tennis Classic (Kevin Hall-right)

Husband and wives of Congress joined with family and friends to celebrated their 16th Annual Golf and Tennis Classic at Kingsmill Resort and Spa in Williamsburg, VA. In association with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc., the CBC Spouses have devoted over twenty-five years of service towards the individual and educational empowerment of various high school and college students throughout the nation. (Read the Winter/Jan. 2009 issue)

Youth Caddie Golf Association
...These Girls Are Special!

Six African American girls make up the 41 member association based in Stockton, California and all are hoping to become Class A caddies. The program was established in 2006. (Read the Spring 2009 issue)

SPECIAL 2009 OBAMA PULL-OUT CALENDAR!
Get this special issue and receive the FREE double-sided poster calendar inside.
(Jan. 2009 issue.)

Outstanding Leaders In Golf Awards Champagne Toast
(L-R) Debert Cook, publisher of the African American Golfer's Digest and Brian Whitcomb, Honorary Past President of the PGA of America, share a celebration champaign toast during the publication's inaugural awards program held at the Jan. 2009 PGA Show. (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

2009 Celebration
HONOREE LISTING

Iain Paige
Doing What He Loves

In September, 1996 Iain joined ESPN and hosted Sports Center, ESPNews and was a play-by-play announcer for college basketball. During that time, he was a regular contributor to ABC World News Now. To say he caught the television bug would be an understatement. In 2004, Iain joined The Golf Channel. He has reported from 30 PGA tournaments and hosts Grey Goose 19th Hole, Updates and the Approach. (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

Innisbrook Resort
and Golf Club Appoints
Rodney Green as
Director of Golf
Innisbrook, which hosts the annual PGA TOUR Transitions Championship, has named Rodney Green as its new director of golf. Green will oversee all golf operations including daily oversight of all four of the championship golf courses. (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

Sam Barnes Golf Art
Augusta, GA
Email: Foresam@aol.com

Pro Golf At Camp Creek Closes its Doors

Just a few weeks prior to the start of the Christmas season, owners Weldon and Shirley Coleman announced the closing of their East point store, located on the Southside near Atlanta (GA), it originally opened in May 2005 and was the only African American-owned golf store in the franchise. (Read more in the Winter/Jan. 2009 issue.)

Tiger Hubbard

Parents, George and Barbara Hubbard loved the game, so much, that when their son was born 10 days after Tiger Woods completed his first grand slam in April 2001, they named him after the champion...not as a nickname, but as his legal name. Now, the youngster is making a name for himself and involved with the US Kids Tour.
(Read the Spring 2009 issue.)

L-R: Chuck Stafford, Otis Windham

Pro Duffers of Orlando
Chuck Stradford, president, Pro Duffers USA, recently installed Pro Duffers Orlando as a sanctioned chapter. Twenty golfers in the greater Orlando area are charter members of the new organization. "Pro Duffer's 50 year tradition of brotherhood and community service was a definite attraction for our desire for a national club membership affiliation," said Otis Windham, president of the new Orlando group. (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

New Owners of the
Grand Marais Golf Club
Despite the blatant appearance, jagged fairways, overgrown areas and under managed greens, businessmen Houston Topps (L) and Bob Bonner (R) foresaw prime land and opportunity. Along with partner, Willie Williams, the three put forth a plan to greatly transform the course and enlighten the city of East St. Louis. (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

Getting Your Insides Fit Using Atomi Golf
It’s a new season, and time for your fitness resolutions to pay dividends towards your golf game. So let’s head to the gym and get to work. (Read more in the Spring 2009 issue)

Jozi Ainley of Nakuru, Kenya, smiled during the Duramed FUTURES Tour 2009 Qualifying Tournament. Understandably, she felt a strong kinship with President-elect Barack Obama.

(Read more in the Winter/Jan. 2009 issue)

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

Naomi Mitchell: Jr Champion

Naomi Mitchell of Virginia Beach may only be 8 years old be she already has a major golf win to her credit.

She returned from Pinehurst in 2008 after one of the biggest tournaments for juniors as
Age Group Champion and the
US Kids Golf World Championship.

She is only the third African Americans to ever win a title, Tiger's niece is one of the others.
(August 12th, 2008)

Thorpe Is A Big Winner With
Golf4Youth, Inc.

PGA Certified Teaching Professional, Jim Thorpe hosts golf clinics around the country throughout the year, at Golf4Youth in October more than 40 youngsters and adults joined him for lessons.

While there, Thorpe also explained his "Foundations of Golf" and the "Foundations of Life" principles to them.(Read more in the Winter/January 2008 issue)

Ahhh...TheRewards of Subscribing!!...
Each issue of the quarterly magazine includes notable personality profiles with contact telephone numbers, emails and more, to become your personal 'Rolodex' of information for connecting and networking with top golf enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who share your passion for golf. Subscribe Today and start growing your network!

Edward S. Wanambwa
Senior Editor

contact Ed Wanambwa at Golf_Writer@comcast.net

CALLING ALL
GOLF MERCHANTS:

Join Us at
the 2010
PGA Merchandise
Show & Convention
with your product or service for our
5th Annual

"Diversity Pavilion"

Grow and promote your golf business and professional service at this dynamic Show.
40,000 attendees expected!

January 28, 29, 30, 2010
Orlando, Florida

Discounted Hotel & Air
Rates Available.

Ask About Our FREE
12 Month Marketing Program
For Your Business Exposure

Download Form

"The Last Colored Caddy"
This phenominal documentary is narriated by Edward Wanambwa and the film should be part of every personal library and educational institution.

It has received top honors and reviews and was selected by Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival for a four-day showing in August 2006. The fun-filled retreat is dedicated to showcasing and honoring the works of independent and established filmmakers and touted as the hottest African-American film festival in the country.

To View film clip CLICK HERE

7th Annual Tournament
Sat./Sun. June 27-28, 2009
at the
Historic Clearview Golf Course
East Canton, Ohio
Tee Off: 9:00AM daily
Stroke Play
Registration Fee*: $150.00

REGISTER HERE
Registration Deadline:
May 25!

To register visit: www.hbgclub.org
or call: (516) 292-3447

MILL COVE GOLF COURSE
IN FORECLOSURE

(Jacksonville, FL) After eight years of serving golf groups and notable organizations, Owners, T.C. and Ruby Newman announced to employees that as of Monday, October 27, 2008, the title to the leasehold improvements of Mill Cove Golf Course was assumed by Silver Point Capital. (...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2009 issue.) And, read the entire employee letter at the link below:
Dec. 3, 2008
UPDATE: (READ MORE...)

Ridgewood Ladies Golf Club

These ladies proudly presented a $2,000 fundraising check to the Sistercare organization to assist battered women. The 40 member club made the contribution on behalf of their annual tournament at the Ridgewood Ladies Family and Friends Day in Columbia, S.C. Their 10th annual tournament will be held on April 23, 2009 and will honor World Golf Hall of Famer Dr. Charlie Sifford. For information contact Julia Boyd at (803)600-2558 or visit www.rlgcsc.com

(...more in the Winter/Jan. 2009 issue.)

Paula Pearson-Tucker:
The Heart Of A Champion

This Miami, FL golf instructor knows a thing, or two, about possibilities, as she is currently the only active African American competing on the Duramed FUTURES Tour.

“I had been a stockbroker for 17 years and I hated my job. It was a cut-throat business and I was under a lot of pressure, so I quit and moved back to Miami. While I was trying to decide what to do, I played golf...I was broke, but I was finally happy. That’s when I realized that this game had changed my life,” says Pearson-Tucker.

(Read more in the Summer 2008 issue.)

Willie Richardson
A former NFL player, Richardson is to be congratulated on his recent purchase of the Brookwood Byram Country Club.

The beautiful, 18 hole, semi-private course in Byram, Mississippi. It's located just 15 minutes from downtown Jackson, 30 minutes from the Jackson airport and sits on 165 acres. Among Richardson's plans is to include a lot of new upgrades to the property.
(Read more in the Fall 2008 issue.)

Shasta C. Averyhardt

The results are in: Ms. Shasta Averyhardt has been elected by Sisters Across America, Inc., as a candidate for assistance with becoming an LPGA Tour Professional.

Shasta selected Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi and will graduate in December 2008 with a degree in Accounting. She played under Coach Eddie Payton and Jackson State has always been first or second in the South West Athletic Conference (SWAC) standings.

“I am very grateful to be selected as a recipient by Sisters Across America. Their financial support means so much to me and I am thankful for that! My primary goal is to play on the Ladies’ Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour,” says Shasta. For four consecutive years, she received the ladies medalist honors in the SWAC. (Read the Fall 2008 issue.)

The NAACP-Las Vegas Branch

This year, President Andy Brewer partnered with the Ann Gregory Scholarship Foundation, Inc. and presented their NAACP H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Excel) - Ann Gregory Scholarship Golf Classic, October 23, 2008 at the Palm Valley Golf Course in Sun City-Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV. Special guest, Lee Elder joined a full field of golfers from across the country for an overwhelming successful outing.

(...more in the Winter/Jan. 2009 issue.)

Diane Lang smiles with great pride as she claimed her third USGA Senior Women’s Amateur title in four years at the Tulsa Country Club.

(Read more in the Fall 2008 issue.)

Tennessee Golf Trail

Jessie Brooks
shares his fantastic golfing experiences--after playing the Tennessee Golf Trail, "It's sure to please you," he says.

Discover exactly why, as he recounts stories of his rounds at many great golf courses that he finds in some of the best 'out of the' way places.
(...more in the Spring 2009 issue.)

The Addie Cobb Golf Academy Opens And Receives Sponsorship by Mediacom

Golf Teaching Professional, Addie Cobb, has received sponsorship by Mediacom of Valdosta, GA, to cover the expenses of her six-month golf school that began operating in June 2008. Over100 youth (age 6-13) will participate in the classes five days a week and receive free instruction and equipment.

(...more in the Summer 2008 issue.)

Elaine “Pepper” Bolden-Peete

Pepper is a phenomenal Black woman in today’s fast-growing golf industry. She has served as the Executive Director for The First Tee of Jacksonville since 2005. Under her leadership the organization is presently in negotiations for a $2.8 million “Capital Improvement” Learning Center for the Old Brentwood Golf Course in Jacksonville.

Pepper is also the lovely wife of legendary golfing professional Calvin Peete. Growing up in Denver, CO, she knew that one day her life would have a broader purpose. (more in the Spring 2008 issue.)

Amber Peden
(ABOVE)
Born and raised in Detroit,
Amber says that she feels that her city is always portrayed negatively. “I come from a city where all you see on the news are negative things and where no one really plays golf.” While on her high school swim team, she wasn’t gaining much fulfillment, so she turned to golf. It took her a while to learn the rules but once she did, she quickly caught on.

Now, she has enjoyed a “Hollywood” experience, while participating in a PGA of America (public service announcement) and the former Midnight Golf student is at Kalamazoo College, majoring in chemistry and on the girls’ golf team leading the way for others to follow their dreams. (...read more in the Spring 2008 issue.)

A full field of excited golfers, including legend Lee Elder, gathered with Tom & Donna Joyner for the Herc Golf Tournament held at the Dorado Beach Resort in Puerto Rico during the
9th Annual Fantastic Voyage in May 2008.
(...read more in the Summer 2008 issue.)

AFRICAN AMERICAN GOLFER'S DIGEST
Celebrating 6 YEARS As The Nations
Leading Publication For Avid Black Golfers!

2008 PGA Show Highlights
Jan. 17, 18, 19 -
Orlando, FL
Orange County Convention Center

The African American Golfer's Digest "Diversity Pavilion" encompassed 300 square feet of exhibit space and successfully aided minority exhibitors in participating in this golf trade-only show with over 45,000 attendees.

Show visitors had an opportunity to receive free AAGD tote bags, calendars, attend the official AAGD press conference, meet celebrity guests, AAGD writers, editors and BlackPGA Pros.

Special television interviews of booth exhibitors was conducted onsite by The Golf Channel (in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and aired on Golf Central, others included PGA Magazine and Golf For Women and ESPN.

(L) Lawrence (BogeyBoyz) with
Preston Williams, inventor, Club Down golf bag security system.
(L-R) Dara Broadus, Addie Cobb,
John Walton.

Golf Merchants!
Join us at the Show
January 29, 30, 31, 2009

If you are in the business of golf you won't want to miss this exciting Show!

Author, M. Mikell Johnson

Handy-Tee booth and staff

Bogey Boyz booth and staff

Jamie Reid and Rochelle Smith

AAGD Annual PGA Show
Press Conference

(L-R) Percy Hall, Corey King and
Tour Player, Kevin Hall.

Selina Johnson, Hollywood Golf
Institute with "Tiger's Double"
celebrity impersonator:
Mr. Herme Chua.

Willie Johnson, caddy legend
Alfred "Rabbit" Dyre and
Stan Banks.

"The Twister" Golf Ball Washer. Inventor, Alfonzo Dowe, Sr. (R).

Omarosa Stallworth (L)
LaJean Gould (R)

Celebrity Apprentice,
Omarosa Stallworth chats with
Golf Digest writer, Peete McDaniel
while signing hundreds of autographs for AAGD booth visitors.

Debert Cook (L) and Show visitors with Madam President of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2nd R). The school is the first HBCU designated by the PGA to offer the PGM program.

American Legacy Series
Historic Documentary:
"Rainbow on the Green"
Showcases Golf Legends in
National Debut

This historic documentary highlights the contribution of women and people of color to the sport of golf over the last 112 years. Legendary golfers Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, Lee Trevino, Renee Powell, Nancy Lopez, PGA Foundation's Earnie Ellison, African American Golfer's Digest Publisher, Debert Cook and many notable others are featured in the film.

The exciting dodumentary was written and produced by Byron Hunter and Omar Akil and is currently in syndication nationwide as part of the American Legacy Series, a historical documentary television series created by noted actor and director, Tim Reid (WKRP in Cincinnati, Sister Sister, That 70s Show). The American Legacy Series is syndicated to more than 150 US television markets, primarily via ABC Television stations, reaching more than 80-million homes.
(Click Here To View Press Release and Air Dates)

Congratulations
Ulysses "Junior" Bridgeman

The PGA of America has appointed Bridgeman, a former University of Louisville and NBA standout, to serve on the PGA Board of Directors. Bridgeman, 54, one of the most respected restaurant entrepreneurs in the country, will succeed lt. Gen. Normand (Norm) Lezy of Garden Ridge, Texas, and was sworn in at the 92st PGA Annual Meeting, January 16, 2008, at the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The event coincided with the 55th Annual PGA Merchandise Show & Convention.

(...read more in the Winter 2008 issue.)

Dr. Anthony C. Griffin
star of the hit reality television series
“Extreme Makeover”

If you happen to be playing golf in Los Angeles at the Country Club or Rancho Park courses, chances are you’ll run into Dr. Anthony C. Griffin, star of the hit reality television series “Extreme Makeover” and pioneer in the field of African American and ethnic plastic surgery.

The world-renowned plastic surgeon plays with an 8 handicap and has taken lessons from legends like Ben Doyle, Mac O’Grady and Eddie Merrins. Despite having a flourishing Beverly Hills practice that attracts celebrities and others from around the world, Griffin, 46, still finds time to play a few times a week and work with coach Bobby Laskin on consistent iron play.
(...read more in the Summer 2007 issue.)

Mr. Lindsey Mason, III is a friendly champion golfer. He serves as head golf pro for the new course and welcomes your groups and tournaments.

www.GreaterGrace.org

Greater Grace Temple Purchases
Detroit Golf Course

The City of Detroit recently sold the WM ROGELL golf course to the famed Greater Grace Temple church in Detroit. The 6, 5000 member Pentecostal church is headed by Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III.

The public course has been renamed the “New” Rogell Golf Course and is located at 18601 Berg Road (the northwest section of Detroit), just around the corner from the church. This golfing gem is now open for your golfing pleasure and being upgraded to make it better than ever.

The course is a par 70, (5,828 yardage)
18 holes with open space on the front 9 and water hazards on the back 9.
(...more in the Summer 2007 issue.)