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Doug Smith
Blog: July-September 2012
There is not a lack of talented African American golfers, and
this month I would like to share the story of two players that
were able to team up to pursue their dreams in tandem –
Willie
Mack (Flint, Michigan) and Christian Heavens (St. Louis, Illinois).
The
Florida Professional Golf Tour (FPGT) is a central Florida developmental
tour designed to keep players sharp during the winter months.
During its 2011-2012 season, both Willie (pictured
left) and Christian (pictured below) contended
week in and week out with some of the best professional golfers
in the country. More remarkable than their stellar play on the
tour was the obstacles off the course they had to overcome just
to compete.
The
two players forged a relationship during the
Bill Dickey Invitational Junior Golf Tournament (BDI) during
their high schools days and remained close friends throughout
college. Both Christian and Willie were standout players at Georgetown
College and Bethune-Cookman University, respectively; the pair
accounted for 16 individual intercollegiate titles during their
college careers. Pretty impressive, huh?
Faced with the challenge of most college graduates, the two left
college with little money, if any, to their names. Unable to afford
a place to stay, Willie convinced a member of the Lady Wildcats
golf team to take in twostray professional golfers.
Imagine this… three people living in a studio apartment.
What seems like a plot for a network sitcom was reality for Christian
and Willie. The two golfers slept head-to-toe on a pullout sofa
in the “living room area” of a one-bathroom studio
apartment.
With their tight living quarters, and marriage-like sleeping arrangements,
it was almost a relief for the two to get out to practice at near
by LPGA International. Throughout the winter months, if Christian
and Willie were not competing in events, they could be found sharpening
their skills on the practice tee at LPGA.
To make a long story short –Christian cashed some checks
on the FPGT, and Willie went on to win twice and finished atop
the money list.
These two players have what it takes to succeed at golfs highest
level. They have displayed resilience that is rarely seen by young
golfers in this day and age. Every week these players put their
livelihood on the line for the opportunity to chase their dream.
In my opinion, that’s the definition of #TourDriven.
Follow them on Twitter…. @Willie_Mack_III & @I_am_C_HEAVENS
Talk to you next month,
Doug Smith
Doug Smith is an Account Executive in the College division of
IMG Worldwide. Doug played his college golf at the University
of Louisville and Florida A&M University. If you would like
to reach Doug email him at doug.smith1015@gmail.com
Follow him on Twitter @DouglasFresh8.
The
Florida Professional Golf Tour (FPGT) is a central Florida developmental
tour designed to keep players sharp during the winter months.
The
two players forged a relationship during the