Louisville, Kentucky, witnessed a remarkable moment on August 22 when Greenwood Golf, headed by CEO Chris Word, received the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from African American Golfer’s Digest. The award was presented before several hundreds of attendees at the 3rd Annual African American Golf EXPO & Forum held at the historic Gault House in downtown Louisville.
Greenwood Golf, an online retailer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, was lauded for its outstanding contributions to the golf industry. Known for its tour-level golf balls and uniquely designed blade (putter) covers, Greenwood Golf has been making waves in the marketplace and recently announced that its products have become available on WalMart.com, becoming the first Black-owned golf company to work with the global retailer.
Debert Cook, the Publisher of African American Golfer’s Digest, expressed her excitement as she presented the award to Greenwood Golf and said, “Chris Word, President and CEO of Greenwood Golf, takes immense pride in the quality and innovation behind their offerings and I believe that this company is a shining example of how Black entrepreneurs can succeed in this $102 Billion golf industry.”
Chris Word, a University of Notre Dame graduate and a CPA with extensive industry experience, alongside his wife, Nitra Word, the couple has a history of providing accounting consultancy services to Fortune 100 companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Wells Fargo.
Today, Chris Word has channeled his passion for golf into Greenwood Golf, a 100% Black-owned business that aims to enhance the golfing experience. Chris expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award, stating, “The award means so much to me. I feel honored to be recognized by the community and Greenwood Golf is honored to be the recipient. It is my goal to continue to bring quality products to the industry and I appreciate all of the support we have received.”
Chris established Greenwood Golf in 2021 and places a strong emphasis on product functionality and affordability. Their three-layer golf ball is a testament to this commitment, expertly crafted with a high cis-polybutadiene rubber core, surlyn mantle, and injectable urethane cover. The result is an exceptional tour-level ball that has garnered attention in the market.
In addition to golf balls, the company offers a range of golf wear and accessories for both men and women. For more information about Greenwood Golf and its products, you can visit their website at www.greenwood.golf or follow them on Facebook (@greenwoodgolfbrand) and Instagram (@golfgreenwood).
About Greenwood GOLF
Paying homage to history, Greenwood GOLF recognizes the similarity between the successful community of passionate golfers and the success of the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 2021 to celebrate and promote diversity in the game of GOLF. Our products are designed to not only for quality and performance but to also represent more than the game.
Whether you are on the golf course, in your career, or working the community, Greenwood GOLF believes that every shot is rooted in the hope that it is the one. Our customers work hard to make their first shot their best shot and our products are designed to make them confident in their approach.
About WalMart
Walmart Inc is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of supercenters, discount department stores, and grocery stores from the United States, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. The company was founded by Sam Walton in nearby Rogers, Arkansas in 1962
As of October 31, 2022, Walmart has 10,586 stores and clubs in 24 countries, operating under 46 different names.
About African American Golf EXPO & Forum
The AAGE&F was founded and organized by Jim Beatty, President of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures. Beatty is the Executive Editor of the African American Golfer’s Digest. He is an economic development expert based in Omaha, Nebraska and has been involved in golf as a committee member and board member of several golf initiatives and programs, including the formation of the First Tee in Omaha. He has also been a board member of the Omaha Nike Tour, now known as the Korn Ferry Tour. The Expo is based on the principles that “We Play, We Pay, and We Count.”
