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) andChristian (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 atdoug.smith1015@gmail.com
Follow him on Twitter @DouglasFresh8.
