Roster Of Distinguished Winners Encompass Various Professions, Industries and Ethnicities.
New York, NY (January 31, 2009)–The African American Golfer’s Digest held its inaugural “Outstanding Leaders In Golf” awards program and honored a distinguished list of honorees at the PGA Merchandise Show & Convention in Orlando, Fla. Recipients represented various professions, industries and ethnicities and represented themselves and their organizations as a beacon of the strong leaders and diversity present in the game of golf today.
The recognition program was presented by the African American Golfer’s Digest, Diversity Pavilion and took place in the upstairs meeting room of the convention center. Brian Whitcomb, PGA of America Honorary President presented the closing remarks.
“Each of those who are being honored here today has made a substantial impact on the game, and the golf industry, as it relates to the African American community in particular. I am happy to salute their contributions with this award and I am pleased to introduce each of them to you personally through our publication,” said Debert Cook, CMP, publisher of the national quarterly magazine that is heading into its sixth year of publication.
The honorees were selected from among dozens of nominations that arrived over the spring and summer 2008 season and winners were personally selected by Ms. Cook for their commitment to professional excellence and dedication in growing the sport, business, careers and participation of golf among African Americans.
“Our 2009 honorees are exceptional individuals whose endeavors are opening doors and extending opportunities in the game throughout the industry to African Americans. Their efforts, foresight, courage, and devotion are very deserving of this prized honor,” said Cook who made the individual presentations.
To commemorate this special tribute, honorees profiles were featured in the Winter/January 2009 (PGA Show edition) of the African American Golfer’s Digest. They were officially congratulated on Friday, January 30, 2009, from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. during a special champagne toast and reception and received their awards.
The awards program conveniently coincided with the second day of the 56th annual PGA Merchandise Show & Convention and is presented by the African American Golfer’s Digest, exhibiting onsite for the fifth consecutive year to more than an estimated 45,000 attendees and over 1,200 exhibitors at this, the largest golf trade-only showcase of its kind in the U.S. and an ideal environment to advance careers and business.
Honorees included:
African American Golfer’s Digest, Publisher, Debert Cook, CMP
(L-R) Debert Cook, publisher of the African American Golfer’s Digest presents Brian Whitcomb, Honorary Past President of the PGA of America, with his award.
Awards Champagne Toast (L-R) Debert Cook, publisher of the African American Golfer’s Digest and Brian Whitcomb, Honorary Past President of the PGA of America
Honoree, Robin Aikens (LPGA) graced the audience with lovely classical music on her violin during the reception.
L-R: Debert Cook presents award to Pam Swensen, CEO, Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA)
(center) Wendel Haskins, Original Tee Golf Classic showcases his award among close friends.
(center) Wendel Haskins, founder, Original Tee Golf Classic, showcases his award among close friends in attendance.
L-R:Iain Page, Host Reporter, The Golf Channel (Orlando, FL) with fellow award winner Bill Fullard, President, BF Golf Tournament Services.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
