Al B. “Kapone” Quarles
(June 6, 2012)–Al B. Quarles Jr., AKA Kapone, grew up in Abington, Penn., and was introduced to the game of golf at age 5 by his father, the late Alfred B. Quarles Sr. Today Kapone resides in Willow Grove and carries a 12 handicap. He has won numerous golf titles, however, he says that he is still trying to attain the 6 handicap that his father carried.
Kapone is a member and co-founder of the 6-year old Bogey Boyz Golf Club. He has served as the Program Director for 4-years and his efforts have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of youth.
He is also co-founder of the Bogey Kidz Junior Golf and tirelessly works in developing programming and activities to keep the youngsters interested in continuing to participate in golf.
As a former Tour Director of the Callaway/Golf Galaxy Philadelphia Golf Tour (3 years), and the soon to be announced XPROEGO Golf Association and Tour (Coming in mid-late 2012) the bachelor has his hands full of game enrichment ideas.
“Youth are our future, and if we hope to get more Blacks into the professional and industrial ranks, we must start them out at an early age,” says the father of one daughter. He continues, “My 6-year old daughter Alayna Michelle has played golf for 3 years and I am working to having her love the game without explaining too many ‘technical’ things to her.”
Kapone graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a Master of Education and holds a BS degree in Speech Communications from Millersville University of PA.
He finds his work in Education Administration as an Administrator of Homeless/Emergency Services very fulfilling and for the last 7 years has enjoyed being a part of the School District of Philadelphia.
“Golf is a passion for me. I have been trying to get as good as my dad,” he chuckles. Kapone took a a few lessons at Golftec a while back, but credits his consistent, yet basic, swing to the Medicus golf training club that he purchased about 6 years ago.
“Golf also gives me the ability to compete with my friends, escape from my daily grind, create business opportunities and to give back to the community. Through golf, I am able to see the world from a perspective that many people may have been unable to appreciate. After God and family, Golf is life as I see it.”
In his home Kapone, 44, has a room full of glistening trophies that surround him. He won the 2011 Bogey Boyz Club Championship in Cape Charles Virginia (Bay Creek Resort) by coming back 6 strokes on a Sunday, the final day to pull out the victory. Looking around, he’s got plenty of fond memories of exciting golf trip and challenges to recall.
“My golf season usually ends in October and starts back in April. I DO NOT play winter golf in Philadelphia—unless I go away somewhere on vacation,” he says.
“This keeps me ‘hungry’ for the game when the weather breaks!”
Kapone always seems to know what’s happening when and makes it a point to stay up on golf industry programs and events and the activities of his many friends. In fact, he keeps a calendar jam packed full of exciting social mixers, networking functions, expos, trade shows and many other enviable events.
He admits that he particularly loves going down to Orlando, Florida to attend the PGA Merchandise Show with the African American Golfer’s Digest each January. There he sees and tests out the latest golf equipment and training aids while being able to and meet new folks in the industry.
When not on the golf course, Kapone is an avid photographer who loves documenting family, friends and golf outings, an addicted fisherman and —hey, single ladies— he’s a gourmet chef!
“As much as I love golf, I do not take it too seriously. I have realized that it is not to be conquered. It is to be respected and enjoyed.”
