The 2nd Annual Black Golf Alliance Juneteenth Golf Weekend took place in Dublin, Ohio. The second year of an event that has taken the lead to help HBCU golf programs around the country. This year the event proceeds were awarded to Wilberforce University. The Alliance Juneteenth event this year marked the first collaboration between the Black Golf Alliance, PGA Tour, and The Memorial Tournament. A fitting partnership considering this year
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday was honoring Dr. Charles Sifford. Dr. Sifford was one of the pioneers in breaking down the color barrier that was implemented on the PGA Tour in the form of the caucasian only clause which was added to the bylaws of the organization to prevent other races from competing at their tournaments, specifically Blacks.
Juneteenth Golf Weekend is the celebration of the fellowship of shared experiences of African Americans in the game of golf. During that golf weekend, The Alliance not only just brings African American golfers together but it also makes an effort to promote and patronize the businesses and services of African American business owners as well.
The first course stop on Juneteenth was a bus trip to the historical Clearview golf course in East Canton, OH. The only golf course built, designed, and owned by an African American in the country.
Golfers were greeted by the legend herself Ms. Renee Powell (PGA/LPGA) the owner and head pro of the course. Ms. Powell, who was the 2nd African American woman to play on the LPGA, gave an account to the group of the history of the course. She told of the struggle and the passion her father, William “Bill” Powell, had for the game and how that manifested into the course they now stood on in a time period where something like that would be next to impossible.
That evening the special event was a Cigar Social hosted at Pipes and Pleasures owned by Andre Young. This locally Black-owned and operated cigar lounge was a perfect venue for cigar aficionados and newbies.
JLMP Sifford Centennial was also there featuring the Centennial Cigar – made exclusively for Charlie Sifford by Legend Brand Cigars. NBA legend John Starks also stopped by and also joined the group for a round of golf the next day.
The next two rounds were played on Golf Club of Dublin and The Country Club of Muirfield, sister courses to The Golf Club of Muirfield that actually hosts The Memorial Tournament, respectively. Derek Brown, Mia Jackson, Kevin Parker, and Latrease Ricks were the flight winners of 2023 Juneteenth Golf Weekend.
Golfers and organizations from all over the nation came together in support of the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Golf Weekend to help with the cause and combined with The Memorial Tournament and Workday a check for $30,000 was awarded to Wilberforce University Golf Team.
