(December 6, 2013)–Jabir Hassan Bilal grew up in Atlanta, GA and attended Southwest DeKalb High School. In this popular Southern city he discovered a world full of opportunities and Bilal’s interests were picqued to the core by the abundance of art, culture and history that surrounded him.
While living in the ATL Bilal, who loves to read and travel, took full advantage of the wide variety of social activities and educational programs that abounded there. Today, as a resident of Waukegan, IL he still maintains his southern roots, but has pinned his focus on one thing in particular: Golf.
“I was introduced to the game as a youngster while being involved with the Boys & Girls Club in my community,” says Bilal. Today, he is a PGA Level II Apprentice and carries a 0 handicap.
To many, his career choice may be seen as unusual—and out of the ordinary, for an African American male. And Bilal is keenly aware of his unique status in the golf industry where only a few dozen colleagues share his cultural heritage.
He has served as the Assistant Golf Professional at Foss Park Golf Course in North Chicago, IL for the past two years. In his field, he has excelled and solidly established himself as a knowledgeable and noteworthy professional with stellar credentials.
Left: Jabil chats with Lee Elder (r), first African American to compete in the Masters(1975) — at 2013 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL
Early on Bilal realized the importance of having a solid educational foundation and he prepared himself accordingly. He graduated from Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and is a Certified Junior Engineer. He also earned an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix.
With so much focus placed on his career, Bilal still manages to carve out time to play 20-25 rounds each month at his home course, Foss Park.
“I enjoy the process of continuing to improve on my game,” he says.
Foss Park is a beautiful public course that opened in 1974. It runs 6,839 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 71.9 with a slope rating of 113 on Blue grass.
Photo left: Bilal accepting 1st place at Echelon Golf Club on the IGTA Tour (Aug. 20-21) at Alpharetta, Ga.
“I love the challenges of the game….I love the outdoor atmosphere that golf presents. I love the competition,” says the well-groomed 31-year-old bachelor who participated in 2013 Chicago Open.
Foss Park has a driving range that can accommodate up to 30 golfers, a large putting green, offers discount cards, value rates and an annual golf pass. The course is managed by Gabe Monroe, a PGA Professional (who is also an African American). Monroe has been by Bilal’s side providing him with golf instruction and playing advice since 2012.
The continuity of having this training is paying off for Bilal and he declares it has helped him to better manage his game overall.
Photo left: Bilil competing in the Chicago Open.
“Looking at my goals, everyday, as a professional golfer, motivates me to play.”
Despite having all of this success there is no better place that Bilal would rather be than out on the PGA Tour. It’s been a persistent dream for him, but with the challenge of acquiring sponsorship to support his goal, it has been very difficult to bring it to reality. Nevertheless, Bilal is not giving up. His strong aspirations for playing the PGA Tour remains positive, and he is knocking on every door of opportunity that he can find.
