African American Golfer's Digest

SUMMER 2009
Edition

On The Cover:
William J. Powell
Tribute Issue

Relive a lifetime of historic memories as we honor PGA Life Member, Dr. William "Bill" Powell and his Clearview Golf Course with this special tribute issue.

A recipient of the PGA of America's Distinguished Service Award in August, 92-year-old Powell is best known for establishing his Clearview Golf Course in 1946. However, his work as a citizen of the world is a true example of masterful living that has crossed ethnic boundaries and economic classes while touching young and old golfers alike.

We could not find a more befitting way in which to capture all of the wonders of his years than with this special tribute issue dedicated especially to him. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.) NEWS ALERT: African American golf hero Bill Powell dies at 93. For Bill Powell obituary link click here.

Caddie, Carl Jackson Ignites His New Foundation And Brings Golf
To The Inner City

(Read more in the
Summer 2009 issue.)

Joseph Hall - "The Golf Life"

Hall leads a fulfilling life of golf in the beautiful crescent city of New Orleans. His love for the game began at age ten, as a caddie at Metairie Country Club in Metairie, Louisiana. Today, as President of the Southern Association of Amateur Golfers (SAAG) his strong organization has 16 chapters, supports youth with scholarsips and is growing. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Vern Burns Plays 'Down Under' at the PGA Legends Tour Australia

Mini-tour play, Vern Burns, left his Oviedo, Fla., home in July to play in the PGA Legends Tour in Australia. Discover how Burns plans on preparing now for a successful run of tournaments followed with Q school in January. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Vic Conedy knows How To Never Slice...Except When Getting A Piece of The Pie, and this author and trainer demonstrates it to you in an easy way. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Otis Windham Retires From TGC

Windham (center) enjoyed a festive retirement party with co-workers during his last season at The Golf Channel, chronicling a work history filled with success in uniting cultures and content for the TV network. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Steve Hogan Golf Course Unveiled
The Steve Hogan Golf Course (formerly Miller Park Golf Course) was officially unveiled on May 1, 2009 and honors Nebraska’s first African American PGA Professional Steve Hogan.
(Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

SPECIAL COLLECTIBLE POSTER OBAMA PULL-OUT CALENDAR! --FREE inside of the Winter/ Jan. 2009 issue.) ORDER HERE.

John Shippen Youth Golf Academy
The 501(c)3 non-profit foundation was established in 1996 to commemorate the historical significance of the former Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, now the Scotch Hills (NJ) Country Club, and celebrated its 3rd annual youth golf tournament this summer. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Join Us - February 1-5
TravelinSingle@aol.com

Donald L. Hollowell 10th Annual Golf Classic A Grand Success
April 20, 2009, Cannongate Golf Club in Sharpsburg, GA. Established in 2000 the 501(c)3 non-profit organization upholds the values and principles of Mr. Hollowell and his legacy by fulfilling the needs of the greater community. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Black Jewels Ladies Golf Association Launch Atlanta Chapter

(L-R) Frandora Jackson-Hill, President, Atlanta Chapter and Rasheena Wilson, CEO/Founder, Black Jewels Ladies Golf Association were all smiles during their June 14 membership kick-off held at the John A. White golf course in Atlanta, GA. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

FEBRUARY 2ND & 3RD 2010
SUPER BOWL WEEK
MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB

KG Kids Celebrate

King Golf and its "Kids Know" (KG) How to Play golf program celebrated the completion of its 3rd session of classes in May. Based on the principles that make golf great and creative social implementations, King Golf was honored to work with 17 excited kids from Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Evansville, IN. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Ginger Howard Wins U.S. Women’s Local Qualifier

Howard was one of four DLGA girls to make it through the first stage of qualifying. The 14-year-old is a 2012 graduate and won the event on the 6,600 yard course with a one-under par 71. “My putting was great which allowed me 5 birdies in my round,” said Howard, while thanking her caddie Cameron Morton. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

William “Bill” Neal Opens New Woodridge
Plantation Golf Course

It’s been called a “little piece of paradise” in Mineral Wells, West Virginia and now, it's new owner, Bill Neal has tripled the revenues with growth of 3,000 rounds a year. Learn why his course is drawing rave reviews from all across the country with its opening. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Brandon Chapman
Lake Chabot Golf Course

Take a lesson in this issue from Chapman, a San Diego Golf Academy graduate, mini-tour player and coach to learn exactly how good golf shots are really made. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Edward S. Wanambwa
Senior Editor
MASTERS 2009 COMMENTARY

CALLING ALL
GOLF MERCHANTS:
Join Us at the 2011 Show

We're Taking 2010 Off!

Grow and promote
your golf business
and professional service
at this dynamic Show.

See Past
Show Highlights Here

Lee Elder (center) Enjoying Paine College’s “Purple on the Green” Masters Reception

The annual candle light program provides an opportunity to meet members of Paine’s golf team and donate to the First Tee of Augusta. This year, as droves of out of town guests embarked on the city for the world famous Masters Tournament, the team got a real treat when golf legend Lee Elder stepped into the room.
(Read the Summer 2009 issue.)

Anthony Miller
Competing on the Moonlight Golf Tour is this passionate 24-year-old, New Jersery native's way of making his mark, while gaining additional skills to eventually qualify for the PGA Tour. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Shasta Averyhardt Earns First Pro Victory
Michigan's Shasta Averyhardt, 22, claimed her first victory as a professional taking the Championship, as the SunCoast Ladies Series wrapped up in June at Stoneybrook West Golf Club in Winter Garden, Florida. The pro, out of Jackson State University, carded rounds of 72-73-77=222 to win at six over par on the 6,200 yard, par 72 golf course. (Read more in the Summer 2009 issue.)

Nevin Phillips, a PGA director of golf at Mahogany Run Golf Course in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, has been named the recipient of the 2009 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award for Public Facilities. Phillips becomes the first African American to receive this illustrous award. (Read the Summer 2009 issue)

Jamila Johnson
Named New Head Coach, As University of Maryland Eastern Shore Announces Addition of Men’s Golf
It has been 48 seasons since the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) fielded a men's golf team. Now, new Head Coach, Jamila Johnson looks forward to the season and her duties as the first woman to coach men's golf at the school.
(Read the Summer 2009 issue)

(L-R) Hooter's Tour Players
Get Loose Between Rounds
George Bradford, Kevin Hall, Scott Yancy III. (Read the Summer 2009 issue)

Kwame Foundation Golf Tournament Reigns Again
The 6th annual outing raised more than $65,000 in August at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. The scholarships and grants aid to improve educational opportunities for minority students. To date, the Kwame Foundation has contributed more than $670,000 towards its goal.
(Read the Summer 2009 issue)

Bogey Kidz
on NBC 10

"Golf can be more than a game," says Al Quarles, who leads the successful Bogey Boyz, a Philadelphia-based golfing organization that teaches youth how golf can help them to go from the classroom to the boardroom.

Naomi Mitchell:
Jr Champion

Naomi Mitchell of Virginia Beach was only 8 years old and already had 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 was only the third African American to ever win a title;
Tiger's niece is one of the others.

New York Giants’
Michael Strahan's annual charity golf tournament helps Benefit Children’s Rights and Keep A Child Alive. Alicia Keys charmed hundreds with an awesome musical performance (...Summer 2009 issue)

Pro. Golfer, Kevin Hall (R) gives a solid FIST BUMP to players at the
16th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Spouses’ Mervyn L. Jones
Golf and Tennis Classic

"Ask Betty"
our rules columnist, Dr. Betty Brabble keeps you on the 'straight and narrow' with the rules of golf for playing your golf game fairly.

As President of the Wake Robin Golf Club, the nations oldest black women's golf group and based in Washington, DC, Brabble and her organization have overseen tournament rulings for many of the historic 'chitterling circuit' Black golf tournaments. Now, she joins us to answer your toughest questions 'by the book' according to USGA rules. With her years of golf playing experience, Dr. Brabble will help you discover the joy of playing the game correctly. Submit your questions to our "Ask Betty" column via E-mail at: Betty2811@aol.com

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...)

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.)

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.)

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!

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.)