Golf
Merchants Join Us at the 2009 PGA Merchandise
Show & Convention at our "Diversity
Pavilion"
Hundreds of sq. ft. of
exhibit space and 45,000 attendees expected.
January 29, 30, 31, 2009 Orlando, Florida Download
the 2009 Marketing Package Here
Plus Don't Miss the AnnualAAGD Golf Tournament
and 3-Day Golf Cruise
to the Bahamas
following the PGA Show
Aric & Bobby Brown took the gross
trophhy in the Appleby Flight (214) as winners at
the
Father & Son Team Classic in Myrtle Beach,
SC.
Together they toppled more than 1,400 players from
44 states and eight countries during the 54-hole event
that is played at Grand Dunes, Wachesaw Plantation
East and the Legends Resort. The tournament fell on
Aric's birthday weekend, making it a very special
day for him and his dad.
How does he do it? Year after year; the travel,
the tournaments, the pressure!
Yet, Hall refuses to be defeated in mind, body and
spirit. In this issue he shares a very personal
account of the many lessons that he has learned
over the past year and how his experiences have
become the motivation that keeps him on the path
to becoming a successful touring professional.
Now, as the first African American to ever
win the acclaimed Hooters Tour, Hall is
showing everyone around that he does have what it
takes to be the best in his field, and then some.
As the reigning Player of
the Year in the Tennessee Golf Association Junior
Tour, Sanders is putting all 11 years of her life
experience into the game.
She has competed in 22 golf tournaments and won
first place in 13 of them and finished top tive
in eight others.
(More in the Winter/January 2008 issue.)
Dr. William "Bill" Dickey Receives Honorary
Degree
University of Maryland Eastern Shores (UMES) saluted
Dickey with an honorary degree "Doctor of Public
Service."
UMES has become the first HBCU that the PGA of America
will allow to provide a Professional Golf Management
(PGM) program for students who want to pursue a
career as a PGA Class A golf professional. (...read
more in the Winter/Jan. 2008 issue.) (Above) Dr. William "Bill" Dickey
with Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, president, UMES.
The
2008 Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic
is Jenesse Center’s inaugural golf tournament
that supports our efforts in continuing to expose
the issues around domestic violence and invites men
and women to join together in combating this societal
problem. The Golf Classic culminates the Silver Rose
Weekend and will prove to be a fun filled and rewarding
day. We are excited and proud to be able to present
this inaugural event to you.
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Location: Mountain Gate Country Club
12445 Mountain Gate Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
To register online, Click
Here. To register by telephone, please
call (866) 356-6398.
Actor/Director
Tim Reid's American Legacy Series debuts "Rainbow
on the Green" Showcasing Golf Legends and African
American Golfer’s Digest in Historic Documentary
Airing Nationwide
This historic documentary highlights the
contributions
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, Publisher, Debert
Cook and 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 Date listings)
African American
Golfer's Digest Honors Martin Luther King Jr.
on The Golf Channel
The Golf Channel celebrated MLK
Holiday with a special video tribute that was
produced at the African American Golfer's Digest
"Diversity Pavilion" during the 55th
PGA Merchandise Show & Convention in Orlando,
Fl. Take a look at what some of our exhbitors
had to say about the special legacy of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. (
Click Here To View Video )
Mertiss "Jay"
Thompson
Welcome our newest golf tips
trainer who makes his debut lesson by helping
you with your chip shot.
Jay is the teaching professional at Crossroad
Golf Course in Bellevue, Washington, author of
two golf instruction books and producer of the
"Winning Edge" CD-ROM.
His students across the country can testify to
how his instruction has helped their score's come
down.
Take your first lesson with him in our Winter/January
2008 issue.
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)
Vernoncrest Ladies Golf
Club
Penny Williams
Club President
This southern California club is in its 60th year
and has the distinction of being the oldest women's
golf club west of the Mississippi.
What's their secret? Find this out in the Winter/
January 2008 issue.
Harvey Newton (left)
and the Dove Mailing Team enjoyed the winner's circle.
IMPACT Triumphs
With Inaugural Celebrity Golf Challenge
Success roared down in Duluth, Georgia, during
the first annual tournament that benefited the
Impact Youth Development Initiative.
Celebrity guests included Isaac Carree,
Garfield Heard, Carl Seldon, Joe Forrest
and Author Johnson, Fela
and Black Boi 66.
(...more in the Winter/January 2008 issue.)
Paula Pearson Tucker
Selected Among Our "Players Of The Year"
This issue names players whom we see as being
the best in the game and our annual selection
recognizing this distinctive group with honor:
PGA Tour: Tiger Woods LPGA and Futures Tour: Paula
Pearson-Tucker, Champions Tour: Jim
Thorpe Junior Golfer: Cheyenne Woods
(...read more in the Winter/January
2008 issue.)
Golfer To WATCH!
Steve "The Predator" Monroe
Steve has established himself as one of the nations
best Long Drive Champions. His top 10 finish in
the 2007 ReMax Long Drive Championship in Mesquite,
Nevada, only reinforces his skill and talents.
This Clearwater, Florida, resident is certainly
headed for more wins and we predict that Steve
will have a good season in 2008.
(...read more in the Winter/January
2008 issue.)
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.)
Connor Graham
"LOVE AT FIRST
PUTT"
While on a family vacation in Hilton Head, South
Carolina, a life changing experience happened
to five-year-old Connor that would change her
families dynamic forever...she discover the game
of golf.
Now, the game has propelled them all to greater
heights in every aspect of life and they have
another option for how they spend their 'quality
family time.'
She has been names "The Most Improved Golfer"
2006 Georgetown-Horry Chapter. She placed 9th
at the All-Stars State Championship at Wescott
Plantation Golf Course in Summerville, SC, and
has won several medals from Mutual of Omaha Drive,
Chip and Putt Competitions.
(...read more in the Fall 2007
issue.)
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.
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.
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.)
PGA
of America/Disabled Sports USA
Military Golf Program
For 91 years, The PGA of America has made
it a mission to promote the game of golf and elevate
the role of the professional. On May 17th the Association
took a new step forward to enrich the lives of the
nation’s Wounded Warriors.
The PGA of America/Disabled Sports USA Military
Golf Program laid the foundation for what officials
believe is a new chapter in connecting golf with
those who have served this country and paid a major
sacrifice. As part of the Association’s initiative,
it has joined the America Supports You team, a Department
of Defense program that highlights and recognizes
citizens’ support for members of the U.S.
Armed Services and their families.
(...read more in the Summer 2007 issue.)
Jairus (center) with parents
Jerome and Suzanne
Jairus Gaines
Finding His Heritage and Future in Golf
It was an interview with Tiger Woods and being
asked what he expected to do for the next fifty
years, that pointed Jerome toward golf. Woods’
response was, “Play golf.” That’s
when Jerome bought his son, Jairus, (then 18-months-old)
a plastic golf club and started taking him to
the public golf course to watch adults play the
game.
Last year, Jairus, now seven, placed second in
his home state of Maryland, fifth in Virginia,
and took first place in Delaware and Pennsylvania.
This qualified him to go to the world championships
in North Carolina. He also discovered
that his fourth cousin, a slave in the 1800, was
a caddy and was inducted into the Caddy Hall of
Fame.
(...read more in
the Summer 2007 issue.)
Fore The
Kids Classic
On May 17, The First Tee of Washington, DC, held
its annual “For The Kids” classic
with special guest and golf legend Calvin Peete
in attendance.
(L-R) Jimmy Garvin, President, Langston Legacy
Golf Course with Calvin Peete and Certified Instructor,
John H. Coleman, USGTF, helped the youth to enjoy
the day while providing tips and instruction.
(...read more in the Summer 2007 issue.)
Sisters
Across America INAUGURAL GOLF
INVITATIONAL
Ladies from across the country attend the first
Sisters Across America Golf Invitational held
May 18-20 at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida.
(L-R): Tournament Director, Annie Ewins with
Renee Powell (PGA/LPGA) and Founding President,
Esther B. Wilson. Wilson is an avid golfer with
a single digit handicap who introduced the idea
of forming the group to bring together female
golfers from all over the country for fun and
networking.
(...read more in the Summer 2007 issue.)
Perseverance:
The Quincy R. Heard Story
Quincy R. Heard was born on May 17, 1969 in
Montgomery, Alabama. He was raised by his Aunt
Harriet and Uncle Earl Marsh, while his mother
completed her Bachelor of Science in Education
at Alabama State University.
In 1988, he joined the Navy and began playing
golf when he was 21 years old.
Quincy entered the PGA of America as a novice
in 1998. It took him many years of hard work
and dedication to pass the PGA of America's
Playing Ability Test requirement (PAT). In 2006,
he completed the requirements and was elected
for membership to the Professional Golfer's
Association of America, becoming Oregon's second
African American golf professional.
(...read more in the Spring 2007 issue.)
Quincy Heard
PGA Professional
Walter
"Cricket" Pritchett Inducted Into PCA Worldwide
Caddie Hall of Fame
Walter "Cricket" Pritchett was honored with
induction into the Professional Caddie Association
(PCA) Worldwide Caddie Hall of Fame in January 2007.
Pritchett’s longtime caddie buddy, Alfred “Rabbit”
Dyer, nominated him for the award.
Pritchett, now 63 years old, started caddying when
he was 10 years old in Houston, Texas. Walter, who
grew up without a father, was able to provide most
of the family’s income by caddying after school
and on weekends.
(...read more in the Spring 2007 issue.)
(L-R): Dennis Cone,
PCA President with
Walter "Cricket" Pritchett
Midnight
Golf College Tour Featured
on WDIV
TV 4
View the video of this fantastic college tour that
continues to touch and change the lives of hundreds
of Detroit youth each year.
Founder: Renee Fluker
2007
African American Golf Classic
The SOLD OUT 10th annual benefit Golf Classic sponsored
by the Hernando County African American Club will
enrich local youth endeavors by about $12,500.
"It's the most we've ever raised," according
to organizer of the annual weekend event Gordon Fleming.
The classic, held at the Brooksville Country Club
at Majestic Oaks, in Brooksville, Florida, drew an
ethnic mix of participants from across the country.
This year, an exciting Friday scramble was added to
the usual Saturday-Sunday tourney, with proceeds of
about $2,500 was designated for the Jerome Brown Community
Center in Brooksville.
(...read more in the Spring 2007 issue.)
2007
PGA Show Highlights
In 2004, when if you walked the aisles, there were
hardly any black-owned businesses on the showroom
floor.
With the hard work, dedication and determination of
thestaff and volunteers at the African
American Golfer's Digest, over 24 minority-owned
businesses have had an opportunity to display their
products and services at the world's largest golf
trade show.
The AAGD Diversity Pavilion (500 sq. ft.) was an enormous
success for the magazine and for the millions of black
golfers and black golf businesses seeking to be a
part of this industry that in 2008.
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!
Willie
McRae:A
Living Legend
For more than six decades Willie McRae has walked
the pristine and historic fairways of Pinehurst Golf
Club and Resort with a humble and quiet dignity. He
has helped carry on the proud tradition of the black
caddie and for almost 80 years the McRae family has
played a prominent role in the history of Pinehurst.
The McRae Family is just as much a part of the history
of Pinehurst as it’s more famous guests. Thaddeus
McRae, the son of a sharecropper started caddying
at the Pinehurst Golf Club in 1927. He was one of
many black caddies that traveled from the Taylortown,
NC a small town just two miles from the resort to
work at the Golf course that the Tufts Family owned.
Caddying was a way to earn money and support his wife
and twelve children.
(...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
Willie McRae
Hercules
O. Pitts Becomes Owner
Of Two Maryland Golf Courses
The Greeks described the mythological “Hercules”
as a man of prodigious size and strength and one of
very great courage.
The Greater Metropolitan Washington Area has its own
“modern day Hercules”. He is Hercules
O. Pitts, a local Developer and General Contractor,
who has become the State of Maryland’s only
African American 18-hole golf course owner. He adds
his name as another of the very few minority golf
course owners in the U.S.
(...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
Hercules O. Pitts
Ahhh...The
Rewards 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!
Loritz “Scooter”
Clark,
assistant golf course operations manager at Walt Disney
World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, helps you
with one of the most commonly neglected areas of an
amateur golfers’ game: posture. Read his helpful
tips to get in the proper position for a great round
of golf. (...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
TOURNAMENT
NEWS
The 4th Annual Communion Cup
Golf Classic and Jazz Celebration held Monday,
September 25, 2006 at Cog Hill Golf & Country
Club in Lemont, Illinois.
PGA Black Pro Golf Legend, James Black
was in attendance and congratulated winners at the
event that created lots of excitement, especially
with Kirk Whalum performing at the Meet & Greet
at Cog Hill’s Clubhouse.
(...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
(L-R) jazz performing artist Kirk Whalum
and Communion Cup Founder Dr. Ray Charles.
Cascade
United Methodist Church Golf Academy (CUMCGA)
Planning for the golf Cascade United Methodist Church
Golf Academy (CUMCGA) started in 2004. Founding members
held their first annual meeting in January 2005 and
the program kicked off their golf instruction segment
during the spring of 2005. In 2006, they were able
to negotiate 20 slots with the City of Atlanta for
the Camp Best Friends program for youth and all slots
were filled immediately!
The organization, led by President, Kenneth D. Parks
is growing golf in the religious sector with tremendous
velocity.
(...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
Dr. Betty Brabble
keeps you on the 'straight and narrow' with the rules
of golf.
As President of the Wake Robin Golf Club, the nations
oldest black women's golf group, based in Washington,
DC, she answers your toughest questions 'by the book'
according to USGA rules.
With years of golf playing experience, Dr. Betty
Brabble will help you discover the joy of playing
the game correctly.
Your tee time is called and you are ready to begin
your round. Before you make your first swing let’s
review this “hallowed ground”. By visualizing
a target in the distance it will minimize any focus
you may have on the direction the teeing area may
be pointing.
Russell Taylor first minority professional hired
by the Pebble Beach Company in 1989, Head Golf Professional
at Douglass Golf Course in Indianapolis, IN and Junior
Golf Coordinator for the golf division of Indianapolis
City Parks & Recreation.
(...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
Russell Taylor June
15, 1953 -
June 30, 2007
Billy Helmes Wins NNGA National Championship
Salute to Mr. Billy Helms, Vice President of Vera
Moore Cosmetics, based in Plainview, NY, won the The
National Negro Golf Association (NNGA) National Championship
for 2006. The tournament as held October 11-15 at
the PGA Golf Club in Point St. Lucie, Florida.
(...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
Billy Helmes
In
Memory of Better Golf With
Julius Richardson
This leading golf trainer was a leading part of our
teaching team and featured tips in each issue of the
African American Golfer's Digest.
Richarson was the first African American professional
to be included in the Top 100 Instructors in the United
States by Golf Magazine.
In 1999 Richardson was voted Teached of the Century
by the United States Golf Teacher's Federation and he
is author of "Better Golf, A Skill Building Approach."
March 3, 1921 -
Sept. 26, 2007
Bull
Creek Commemorates 10th Anniversary
Bull Creek welcomed over 70 golfers, plus family
and friends for a weekend of great golf, food, southern
hospitality, live entertainment and late night fireworks.
The tournament was great fun! It not only celebrated
Bull Creek's success, but also heightened the awareness
of prostate cancer and made screenings available onsite
to the players and the community (...read more in
the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
Addie
Cobb, our talented golf trainer and a contributing
editor, in Valdosta, Georgia, is hands on with each
of her students. This issue, she helps you practice
your putting with tips for high and low handicappers.
Follow her detailed instruction drills and see how
you can improve your roll and keeping your ball on
line.
Addie's Tip: When putting, your tempo
should be smooth. Do not hit or jab, but stroke your
putts.
(...read more in the Fall 2006 issue.)
17th
Annual Sacramento River City Golf Classic & Fundraiser
Participants
The directors, youth,
volunteers and friends of the Northern California
Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Association (NCMJGSA)
held its’ 17th Annual Sacramento River City
Golf Classic and Fundraiser July 7, 2006 at Wildhorse
Golf Club in Davis, California.
The golfers, along with founder Willie Simmons
had an enjoyable time. The weather was warm
and some very low scores were posted. Golfers dined
on delicious Bar-B-Cue beef and tri-tip and chicken
at the Awards Banquet.
(...read more in the Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)
Robin
Aikens (LPGA)
Covering the "Celebrity Beat"
Check out the latest happenings with Robin,
as she covers the celebrity beat while attending some
of the hottest golf outings and tournaments across
the country.
Along with running her own
successful golf program, and training clinics this
author, and mother of twins, also has the latest details,
sightings, and goings-on, of anybody who's who!
Mill Cove Golf Course owned and operated by
T.C. Newman (left) and his lovely wife Ruby (right)
in Jacksonville, Florida, gets the entire family involved
with their passion for golf.
Newman is a firm believer in entrepreneurship as a mandate
within the African American Community. His idea of making
his belief a reality was less conventional than most
entrepreneurs, but has been a rewarding venture, both
personally and economically.
(...read more in the Winter 2005 issue.)
Eve Wright
Former Director of Legal Affairs
LPGA
The game of golf for Eve Wright, prior to joining
the Ladies Professional Golf Association as Director
of Legal Affairs, was an elusive sport. Promoting
golf turned into being among her most challenging
accomplishments. While there, her position at the
LPGA, a non-profit corporation supporting women’s
golf, thrust her into a profession where she was able
to hone her golf skills while advancing the organization.
(...read more in the Spring 2005 issue.)
(...read more in the
Winter 2005 issue.)
Pro
Golf at Camp Creek owned by Weldon
Coleman and Shirley Henderson Coleman, the retail
shop is fast becoming the hangout for golfers on the
south side of Atlanta. With first class décor,
excellent selection, competitive prices and friendly
service, it’s a great place to purchase golfequipment.
Pro Golf at Camp Creek is the only African American
owned store in the Pro Golf International franchise
network.
First Place winners
of the Inner
City Youth Golfer's Assoc. Scholarship Tournament
are all smiles after their team effort on May
22 at the Links on Madison Green, Royal Palm Beach.
Fl.
(...read more
in the Fall 04 issue.)
History
Makers
William J. Powell is the only African American in
the world to design, build, own and operate a golf
course. What has helped keep his dream alive at his
Clearview
Golf Course in Canton, Ohio?
Let William J. Powell (right) tell you all about it
himself. The 91-year-old, WWII veteran has decades
of experience at the legendary golf course that is
now managed by his beautiful daughter and Head Golf
Professional Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA (left).
(...read more about the "Living Legacy of Clearview"
in the Spring 2004 issue.
Atlanta
Chapter of 100 Black Men
raised more than $150,000 in proceeds during
their annual golf classic at the Golf Club of Georgia.
The fundraiser benefits "Project Success",
a youth initiative aimed at helping participants develop
academic, leadership and life skills.
(...read more in the Summer 2005 issue)
The
Las Vegas Urban Chamber of Commerce at the 6th Annual
Ann Gregory Golf Tournament
Ann Gregory's daughter, JoAnn Gregory (front row, third
from left) and Hanna Brown, President (front row, fourth
from left) with Edgar "Tee" Taylor (Golf Committee
Chair, front row, far right) are all smiles as they
enjoy the success of the tournament at the Silverstone
Golf Course in Las Vegas, NV.
(,,,read more in the Summer 2005 issue.)
Dynamic
Explosion Of Black Women in the Golf Industry
