DR. MICHAEL COOPER
Blog: November 2011
United We Stand
In 2009, I was given a dream assignment as Director of Diversity for the World Golf Foundation. I reported directly to the CEO, and my primary roles were (1) to evaluate the organization’s role in promoting diversity, and (2) to develop a strategic plan to increase diverse participation in the game of golf and its industry.
I was especially excited for the time and travel budget to connect with friends and acquaintances with rich traditions in African American golf, who operated with little fanfare and virtually no financial support.
My contacts included Tamera Baxter, Debbie Moaning, and others from the Western States Golf Association. I traveled to Lima, OH for time with Dennis Morgan, Selina Johnson and loyal supporters of the Midwest District Golf Association.
There, I experienced overwhelming feelings of emotions, nostalgia, and gratitude as I approached the small group seated in the clubhouse. My memories reflected back to my teenage days as a junior golfer, traveling with my Dad or the Bob O’ Links, sponsored by the Chicago Women’s Golf Club. It was as if time had stood still, and the same groups were still promoting golf in our communities 40 years later. I was misty-eyed, to say the least.
In Phoenix, Bill Dickey and company were gracious and allowed me and a colleague to host roundtable discussions on issues of diversity, and we did the same at an event in Tampa, FL. Later, I met with Dr. Tommy Dorsey in Orlando to discuss how we might become more relevant.
Throughout my journeys, I had the privilege of speaking with Barbara Douglas, Renee Powell, Lew Horne, John Merchant, and Pete McDaniel, all veterans in this sort of work, and was introduced to the Advocates USA club, a group dedicated to mentoring and gathering resources for African American communities. There were many more, but you get the picture.
My objectives were to immerse myself in our unique culture, to hear and see the challenges of survival for small, minority-led golf organizations, and to bring these realities back to the leaders of golf. I was convinced these leaders knew little about our local champions, and that their noble deeds received far too little attention; much less access to resources.
Our local champions were not the people participating in the fancy golf industry tradeshows. Their opinions weren’t considered in the think-tanks and strategic planning sessions designed to create initiatives for our people, but rarely with our people. There had to be a better way.
It’s no secret that the sport of golf is big business.
With a reported economic impact of $195 billion, approximately two million jobs, and wages of $61 billion, being involved with the sport is said to have social capital; which undoubtedly is why major corporations continue to invest in events, advertising, and the sport in general.
The golf economy has struggled in recent years, though, and statistics report an estimated 25% decrease in golfers since 2003. What a contradiction from golf’s slick communication campaigns and alleged social capital. Two major contributors to the decline and struggles are the inabilities to attract and retain diverse populations, and perceptions of elitism.
Therefore, a critical strategy going forward must be a united front for our voices to be heard. We need to connect select community leaders with industry leaders in a welcome and comfortable environment, for open and honest dialogue. Only then will levels of trust, respect, and ultimate inclusion be achieved, thus leading (we hope) to future collaboration and shared resources. That would result in a win-win for the golf industry, and our grass roots organizations.
Oh, by the way, my dream assignment turned into a one-year sabbatical, as the role of Director of Diversity was eliminated at the end of 2009. The short stint was extremely exciting, and the experience will always be remembered as one of the highlights of my professional career. Thank you for allowing me to share my opinion. I’d like to hear yours too! Please share your thoughts by contacting me.
Please share your thoughts by contacting me at urbangolf@aol.com, and stay tuned for future blogs.
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ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D.
Dr. Michael Cooper is the Director of Southeast Region Affairs for The First Tee. He also teaches Social Change and Leadership at Springfield College – Tampa, FL campus.
