April Proclaimed As National Black Golf Month
To Spur Continued Growth in Golf Among Blacks
New York, NY, March 14, 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, is off to another rousing start and receiving wide-spread support for its Second Annual National Black Golf Month (NBGM) campaign. The initiative, launched in 2011, spans the entire month of April as an incentive to continue to grow the game among African Americans.
“Our desire is to have African Americans throughout our great country exposed to this wonderful game that can be played for a lifetime. Golf is the fastest growing sport among our demographic and by declaring April as National Black Golf Month we hope to see citizens, young and old, in all of our communities and at all income levels become involved in this game that is a $50 billion industry,” says Ms. Cook, who has published the national print publication during its nine years and achieved recognition as a PGA of America Diverse Supplier.
Appointed to the helm for this year’s campaign isVerda Lyons, Director of National Programs. Lyons will oversee programs and relationship development for the many outings, clinics, events, and other FREE offerings that are being scheduled across the country.
“This is an open invitation, regardless of ethnicity or social base to all golf clubs, organizations, industries, communities and political leaders nationwide to help propel our effort in raising awareness of golf among African Americans,” says Ms. Lyons, who is also President of her own firm, Par Tee Golf Event Management in Long Beach, CA. The firm hosts dozens of events annually and will hold the Jazz n’ Tee Golf Classic on October 5, 2012.
According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF) research report, Minority Golf Participation in the U.S, 2010 edition, the estimated number of African American, Asian and Hispanic golfers in the U.S. reported the number of minority golfers in 2009 at 1.4 million African American; 1.1 million Asian; and 3.2 million Hispanic. That is a total of 5.7 million minority golfers, or 21% of the total 27.1 million.
These same three ethnic groups make up 33% of the total U.S. population. Thus, minorities are under-represented in golf vs. the total population, but not significantly. In addition the report states the participation rate for African Americans with incomes under $50,000 is 2.4% vs. 11.0% for those $125,000 or more.
The campaign’s website carries a listing of outings and events being offered and all programs are FREE for participants. Some events do require pre-registration, but all of them are complimentary to attendees of any nationality. Listings for FREE programs are being solicited now from golf groups and organizations to be posted in the National Black Golf Month Calendar of Events. Or by calling (866)927-7026, Ext. 40; (562) 591-9742 or (212) 571-6559. For more information visitwww.africanamericangolfersdigest.com/nbgm_calendar2012.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
