SWINGTIME GOLF USA LLC PRESENTS
AFRICAN AMERICAN GOLFER’S DIGEST
WITH CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Corporate Partnership Award Bestowed On Black Golf Magazine
Miami, Fla, December 2, 2012—The African American Golfer’s Digest, the nations leading print publication and online portal for avid Black golfers and a PGA of America Diverse Supplier was honored during the 4th Annual Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge held in Miami, Florida, on December 2nd, as Swingtime Golf USA LLC celebrated its successful inauguration of the first Adopted Golfers in the United States.
Held from November 28-December 2, during Swingtimes 4th Annual Corporate Golf Challenge at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Fla., the highly anticipated event culminated in a black-tie gala dinner wherein the African American Golfer’s Digest was presented with the organization’s Corporate Partnership Award.
“This is an amazing honor,” cited Debert Cook, publisher of the 9-year old quarterly print magazine which reaches over 80,000 readers nationwide. “I am delighted to accept this award and look forward to being a part of the ongoing efforts of Swingtime Golf USA LLC to grow the participation of African Americans and other minorities in the exciting sport of golf worldwide.” Ms. Cook, a native of West Virginia who grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, has developed a strong trust with her constituency of loyal readers who rely on the news and information disseminated through her full color magazine. Cook’s publication partners annually with over 300 programs and events domestically and abroad and also hosts several of it own signature programs throughout the year.
Presenting the award to Cook was President of Swingtime Golf USA, LLC, Alan Duval. Duval, who hails from Mauritius, has a passion for golf and conceived the Corporate Challenge as a means for developing strategic partnerships that will benefit minorities in receiving full academy scholarships for the Swingtime Golf Adopt-A-Golfer program. Over the course of the 5-day, 4th Annual Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge the first two Adopt-A-Golfer recipients were officially inducted: Kevin Halland John Montgomery.
“The future is looking very bright for these two young men, Kevin Hall and John Montgomery, who aim to make playing professional golf their careers, says Alan Duval, CEO, Swingtime Golf USA, which publishes golf magazines worldwide with distribution in 22 countries. Duval believes, “If one can do it, imagine what Every-One can do.”
The Adopt-A-Golfer program for the United States is about helping those who have the talent, but lack the financial sustenance needed for proper training, guidance and competition. Through sponsorship, the aspiring amateur golfers are ‘adopted’ and receive full player assistance for a one to three-year term. The goal of the program is to increase minority participation on the professional golfing tours.
“This program is predominantly aimed to assist disadvantaged and underprivileged amateur and aspiring people, regardless of their race, sex, religion or creed who are, or have been, oppressed by virtue of their sheer misfortune,” cites Duval, visionary and founder of the program conceived in Knysna, South Africa in 2005.
“I am certain that the Adopt-A-Golfer program will be a success in making a difference in the lives of many talented African American golfers who seek to turn professional,” said Cook. “All they need is an opportunity like this. One that will help sustain their professional needs and develop their skills towards earning their Tour cards.”
The Adopt-A-Golfer program relies on corporate partners and it continues to expand sponsorship opportunities to supply sponsored golfers with funding for their professional needs. “It is our vision and mission to help these promising champions, who are ready to take their rightful place in all sectors of the golfing industry, including playing on the professional circuit and internationally,” says Duval. “Golf around the world has an untapped mine of talented, yet neglected golfers. We’ve aspired to change the golfing culture in South Africa, and around the world through this program. America’s underprivileged minorities now have the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase their talents to the world and, with our help, be engineered to succeed to the pinnacle of their golfing careers,” says Duval.
The first two adopted golfers in the United States selected by Swingtime Golf USA are: Kevin Hall, 30, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who has played on the NGA (Hooters Tour) and the National Professional Golf Tour. John Montgomery, 22, of Orlando, Florida, who made history as a college freshman by becoming the first Alabama State golfer to participate in the NCAA tournament. As part of their full underwritten player development academy sponsorships the two have began a daily practice regimen and are working with a certified fitness trainer. They will commence national and international Tour play sometime in 2013. The Adopt-A-Golfer program includes with mentoring, coaching, travel, lodging and lessons. Eligibility requirements maintain that nominated golfers have a handicap of 10 or under. Currently there is no age or gender restriction.
For more information on participating in the Adopt-A-Golfer program or aligning your company with the limited number of corporate sponsorships that are available, please contact Lynn Powers at Lynn@swingtimegolfUSA.com or call (407) 566-2252. Visit www.swingtimegolfusa.com/adopt-a-golfer.html
ABOUT:
The African American Golfer’s Digest is a PGA of America Diverse Supplier in the United States and launched in March 2003. It is the nations leading print publication and online portal for avid black golfers. It is headquartered in New York City’s financial district and is a 100% minority-owned, woman-owned publication and operated business and the only golf magazine specifically targeting the African American demographic. The massive editorial appeal of the African American Golfer’s Digest derives from its grass roots approach, sophisticated readership and partnerships generated with more than 250 top, Black-focused golf tournaments and events annually around the country. The 40-page, full-color quarterly enjoys a circulation of 20,000 and reaches 80,000 readers nationwide. Its editorial content focuses on news, tips, information and activities in the “soulful” world of golf including travel destinations, golf course reviews, product and equipment reviews and youth/teen and professional golfer profiles. The publication hosts several of its own signature events annually: Bayou Golf Tournament (July, New Orleans, La.), Diversity Pavilion at the PGA Merchandise Show & Convention (January, Orlando, Fla.), Outstanding Leaders in Golf Awards (January, Orlando, Fla.); Friends & Family Golf Cruise (February/Mexico) and Augusta GolfFEST (Augusta, Ga., April). Promotional, marketing and advertising opportunities are available for the print edition, online at its website and its programs and events. The magazine’s memberships include the United States’ Golf Association (USGA), National Golf Foundation (NGF), International Network of Golf (ING) and Metropolitan Golf Writers Association. To learn more visit www.AfricanAmericanGolfersDigest.com
ABOUT: Swingtime Golf USA
Swingtime Golf USA is headquartered at 1420 Celebration Boulevard, Celebration, Florida 34747. It is located just 5 miles from Disney World and at the epicenter of Florida golf. 83 beautiful golf courses are within 10 miles of its headquarters offering challenging rounds of play. Swingtime Golf USA publishes golf magazines worldwide with distribution in 22 countries. It is a worldwide leader in the sale of executive golf vacations at exclusive destinations throughout the world and provides a complete package of business marketing, property ownership, investment, rewards, and travel services available through exclusive membership programs. Swingtime Mauritius is headquartered in Port Louis, from its humble beginnings Mauritius now boasts 10 world-renowned golf courses. www.swingtimegolfusa.com
