ATLANTA, August 17, 2026 – The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has honored Ralph Stokes, Vice President of Social Impact Partnerships and Community Relations at PGA TOUR Superstore, with the Sam Lacy Pioneer Award powered by Major League Baseball and PGA Tour. Stokes was presented the award by the NABJ Sports Task Force at a ceremony in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 14, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and representation in sport and culture.
The Sam Lacy Pioneer Award is one of NABJ’s highest honors, named after the legendary multimedia journalist whose remarkable career in advocacy and reporting spanned nearly nine decades. Lacy became the first black member of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and was inducted into the writer and broadcaster’s wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Celebrated annually at the national convention, the award recognizes some of the host city’s greatest athletes and journalists whose impact goes beyond their profession. Stokes is being recognized for his journey as a standout collegiate athlete and respected leader in the golf industry, as well as his ongoing work to create opportunities for people through programs such as the First Tee Leadership Series and Summit.
“The Sam Lacy Pioneer Award recognizes those who change the course of history by creating opportunities for others, and that is exactly what Ralph continues to do,” said Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Blank Family of Businesses. “He has spent decades proving that leadership is not measured by titles, but by the lives you impact. His passion for expanding opportunity, mentoring youth and championing inclusion has positively impacted PGATSS for the past 20 years, the game of golf and the countless communities and individuals he continues to touch. Congratulations to Ralph on this beyond well-deserved and prestigious recognition.”
At PGA TOUR Superstore, Stokes leads efforts to expand access to the game and strengthen the company’s engages with organizations across golf. His work includes partnerships with First Tee, the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA Tour), the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), and the PGA of America REACH Foundation, which includes PGA HOPE and PGA Jr. League.
“Ralph Stokes has made an extraordinary impact on the game of golf and beyond through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for others,” said Troy Rice, Chief Executive Officer, PGA TOUR Superstore. “Throughout his life, Ralph has used his voice to build connections, open doors, and inspire positive change across communities. We are proud to have his passion and perspective as part of PGA TOUR Superstore.”
Stokes has long been a leader in the game. He was the first Black president elected to the Georgia State Golf Association, where he also served on multiple committees and the board of directors for nearly a decade. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the TOUR Championship, held at East Lake Golf Club.
Stokes is also the author of One of the First, a memoir chronicling his personal experiences with integration and discrimination, including his early years as one of the first black football players at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, and his recruitment by legendary University of Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant as part of the program’s first integrated recruiting class.
“I am humbled to receive the Sam Lacy Pioneer Award, which honors the legacy of a man who helped tell the story of integration in professional sports, and to join such distinguished honorees,” said Stokes. “I am grateful to NABJ for this recognition, and for my family and the many people who have supported and encouraged me, and who have taught me the importance of perseverance and the difference we can make in the lives of others.”
Stokes is part of an outstanding class of Sam Lacy Pioneer Award honorees that includes: Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses; WNBA champion and advocate Maya Moore; sports journalists D. Orlando Ledbetter and Terence Moore; WNBA champions Renee Montgomery and Angel McCoughtry; journalist Ron Thomas and filmmaker Spike Lee; and the family of baseball legend Hank Aaron.
Founded in 1975 by 44 journalists, NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the United States. The Sam Lacy Pioneer Award powered by Major League Baseball and PGA Tour. continues its tradition of recognizing individuals whose work has helped shape progress, representation, and opportunity for future generations across sports.
What they are saying about Ralph Stokes
“Ralph Stokes has broken many barriers, from the world of football to the business world, to the world of golf. Ralph has consistently persevered through biases, blatant racism, and other challenges, paving the way for those who came after him.” Sylvester Croom, First African American Head Football Coach in the SEC
“Ralph Stokes’ support and advocacy for First Tee have created real opportunities for young people to grow as leaders through the game of golf. His career stands as proof of what sustained commitment to access and representation in sport can achieve. First Tee is proud to call him a partner and celebrate this honor with him.” Greg McLaughlin, CEO, First Tee
“Ralph has a remarkable ability to bring people together around the belief that golf should be a game of opportunity for everyone. As GSGA president, he brought extraordinary vision to the role and a genuine commitment to ensuring the game welcomes and serves more people. Ralph leads with humility, courage, and a genuine respect for others, making this prestigious recognition especially fitting and richly deserved.” Matthew Vanderpool, CEO, Georgia State Golf Association
“Ralph has served for several years as Vice-Chairman for the PGA TOUR Championship, overseeing various committees and in particular orchestrating the start of play on the first tee every tournament day. He has a commanding yet friendly presence that is essential to ensuring play begins on time, which requires him to coordinate with the PGA TOUR, the primary sponsors, and especially the players themselves. The tournament has generated more than $70 million of charitable proceeds to the Atlanta community, including the East Lake Foundation and First Tee of Metro Atlanta. Ralph’s tireless dedication gets things started without a hitch year after year.” Chuck Palmer, General Chairman, PGA TOUR Championship
About PGA TOUR Superstore
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro-Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.
