Golfers are some of the most optimistic people on earth, in my opinion. We consistently expect the next round of golf to be better than the last, often times without exerting any effort to improve since we last threw the set of clubs in the trunk of the car. No matter, we somehow believe what didn’t work before will magically click today, and each shot will be purely executed, and on target.
Similarly, every New Year typically begins with renewed enthusiasm and optimism, too! We convince ourselves that this will be the year to lose that extra 10 pounds, earn that extra dollar, shoot lower scores, be more organized, etc. The list of New Year resolutions goes on and on!
As a person connected to the golf industry, I am very optimistic about 2016. Those who know me, understand my passion for trying to bring more diversity to the game of golf, and its industry. With that in mind, here are some of the things I look forward to in 2016 with great enthusiasm and optimism….
The Advocates Pro Tour (APT) enters its seventh season. Five tournaments are scheduled, beginning March 12-13, 2016, at Rogers Park Golf Course, in Tampa, FL. Other locations include New Orleans, Pensacola, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Last year, total prize monies in APT events increased by 26%, and participation was up by 21%. I serve on the board of directors and am proud that we have added over $300,000 to the pro purse since our inception. I’ve been involved in the sport for over 40 years, and can say with confidence that adding dollars of this significance are not customary for other developmental tours in America. We are unique in many ways!
Last year we also held a Player Development Day, complete with certified trainers, physical conditioning assessments, and swing analysis. More player development sessions are planned for APT members in 2016. The number of sponsors and community partners continues to grow, too, which helped us garner support in advocating for renaming the street leading into Chester Washington Golf Course, in Los Angeles. It’s now Charlie Sifford Drive, in honor of this great man.
Charlie Sifford was in the inaugural class inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. That was in 1986, the year the organization was founded by the late Harold Dunovant, a Class A member of the PGA of America. The organization still holds true to its original mission: “To recognize and honor the contributions of black golfers for their skills, and to honor persons, regardless of race or ethnicity, who have done the most to promote golf in the Black communities.” The National Black Golf Hall of Fame will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2016, and a grand celebration is being planned. Stay tuned for more details!
Clearview Golf Club will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2016! Renee Powell, and her brother Larry, have a calendar filled with outings and occasions to celebrate and recognize the historic location, built by the late Dr. William Powell, with the help of his late wife, Marcella, and the entire Powell family. Construction began in 1946, and the golf course opened to the public in 1948. Clearview GC is still noted as the only golf course in America, built, owned, and operated by an African American.
Speaking of history, I am the Executive Director for the Remember Them: African Americans in Golf traveling exhibit. Designed by nationally renowned sculptor Mario Chiodo, the exhibit will continue his vision of creating “art for the people,” using his unique talent for telling stories in compelling ways to enliven history, and inspire both the young and old with truthful life lessons in courage, perseverance, and honor.
There are several reasons why this project is so important. First and foremost, the history of those who contributed to golf in our communities must be accurately captured and presented to current and future generations. Sure, there have been a dozen or so books written on the topic, and most are great. There’s also been a documentary or two effectively capturing stories and interviews from past contributors. Yes, we now have a permanent exhibit on the contributions of African American people at the World Golf Hall of Fame, in St. Augustine, FL. I’m honored to have played a small part in making that happen! Nevertheless, too few people read the history books, and even fewer will make the time and effort to visit the museum in Florida.
So, we’re taking this remarkable history and inspiring stories into our communities! I’m often reminded by my good friend Renee Powell that our stories are part of American history, not just African American history. She’s correct, of course. And who better to tell our stories than us. If we don’t, who will? When you think of it, who else should? These stories of triumph, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, have been marginalized, and all but ignored for too long!
I serve on several other golf diversity committees and initiatives, including the Golf 20/20 Diversity Task Force, the Women of Color golf movement (based in Tampa, FL), and the professional golf management program, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shores. These, and the abovementioned groups/events, will be the focus of my future blogs throughout 2016.
Meanwhile, I invite you to share your enthusiasm and optimism for diversity and inclusion with me, and let’s join forces to help bring more females and minorities into golf.
Send Michael a Comment!
ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D. Dr. Michael W. Cooper is the former Director of Diversity for the World Golf Foundation/The First Tee and past Assistant Dean/Campus Director for Springfield College-Tampa Bay campus. Contact him at mcooper2@springfieldcollege.edu.
