DR. MICHAEL COOPER
Blog: December 2011
Hope For The Future!
I love the holiday season. It encourages personal reflection, and expressions of gratitude. I am humbled by my good fortunes, and deeply grateful for good health, a job, friends and family.
On a smaller scale, but in context with this publication, things are looking up in the world of golf, and I am hopeful and optimistic for a brighter future. Optimism and hope are important, for as Zig Ziglar, one of my favorite motivational speakers, reminds us: “When there’s hope for the future, there is power in the present.”
From a golfing perspective, here are a few reasons for optimism and hope: Tiger Woods’ performance at the Presidents Cup; hope for the future.
The PGA of America announced a national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs; hope for the future.
The USGA continues to collect artifacts from African American pioneers for display in its Jersey museum; hope for the future.
The World Golf Hall of Fame, in St. Augustine, FL, announced it will create and feature an exhibit telling the story of African American contributions to the game, open and on display by late 2012; hope for the future.
The First Tee celebrated its 14th anniversary, and revealed an ambitious plan for diversity and overall growth through 2017; hope for the future.
Christian Heavens, a recent Georgetown College graduate, won his first professional event in Jacksonville, FL; hope for the future.
And Shasta Averyhardt and Ginger Howard are in the final field at the LPGA Q-School; hope for the future!
Baby steps, for sure, but (still) forward progress. As it relates to golf, what are you optimistic about? What do you hope for in the future?
Please share your thoughts by contacting me at urbangolf@aol.com, and stay tuned for future blogs.
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ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D.
Dr. Michael Cooper is the Director of Southeast Region Affairs for The First Tee. He also teaches Social Change and Leadership at Springfield College – Tampa, FL campus.
