The National Black Golf Hall of Fame (NBGHF) will induct its 30th Anniversary Class at the Wyndham Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center in Peachtree City, Georgia on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
In addition to the induction ceremony, the Advocates Pro Tour hosts their second event of the 2016 campaign. There will a tribute to the NBGHF Founder, the late Harold Dunovant, PGA, a 36-hole amateur tournament at the Flat Creek Golf & Country Club, which is adjacent to the host hotel, and a forum focusing on participation by African Americans in the golf industry. All events are open to the public but tickets/entry fees are required.
Jeff Dunovant, PGA member, Board Chairman and son of the NBGHF founder said,
“my father would be so proud of what has been accomplished from that little idea he had in the early eighties … let’s continue our goal to recognize individuals who have done the most to promote golf in the Black communities!”
Jeff, who serves as the Assistant Director of The First Tee at East Lake and the Head Golf Professional at the Charlie Yates Course in Atlanta also noted,
“I continue to appreciate the support we have received from the industry and especially Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation, who led the way for a permanent exhibit honoring African American players and contributions at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida.”
The NBGHF will celebrate the contributions of four new members:
- Jerry Bruner – a Los Angeles native, Jerry has played on the European Senior Tour since 1999 winning over $2 million and Best Player award three years in a row.
- Chicago Women’s Golf Club – the country’s second oldest African American women’s golf club has been a stalwart in the Chicago Black community since its founding in 1937.
- Tom & Ann Cousins – real estate developers, the Cousins were responsible for the development of the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta but more importantly, the redevelopment of the East Lake Community surrounding the golf course providing opportunities for thousands of African American youth through its many golf programs.
- Larry Powell – part of the legendary Powell family who developed, own and operate the historical Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, Larry has served as its superintendent for over 25 years and is currently a member of the Golf Course Superintendents’ of America and Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute.
With attendees coming from throughout the country, the weekend will also include the Advocates Pro Tour event, with approximately $20,000 in prize monies.
The mission of the Advocates Pro Tour is to bring greater diversity to the game of golf, and its industry. In addition, the NBGHF exhibit will feature historian Valada Parker-Flewellyn, plus an update on the traveling exhibit “Remember Them: African American Champion in Golf” by noted artist Mario Chiodo. When complete, the exhibit will be interactive and modular in its design, and travel throughout the country telling stories in compelling ways to enliven history and inspire both the young and old with truthful life lessons in courage, perseverance and honor.
The mission of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame is “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 organization was founded in 1986 by the late Harold Dunovant, the first African American to complete the PGA business school. For more information contact John Simpson at 407.497.2233 (john@nationalblackgolfhalloffame.com) or Dr. Michael Cooper at 813.495.3962 (mcooper2@springfieldcollege.edu).
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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.
