Julius Thaxter Arterberry is pleased to call Sacramento, California his home. “It is Sacramento’s great weather, its social environment, and the great job our Mayor Kevin Johnson is doing to grow our city,” says the 27-year old Arterberry. The city’s downtown has been revitalized and a new arena is in the works for the Sacramento Kings (NBA team).
With plenty of great friends and relationships, Arterberry maintains a balanced lifestyle that centers on his love of golf. “My father, Thaxter Arterberry, along with two close family friends: Dr. Ronald T. Blanchette and Dr. Nathan Allen, introduced me and my brother to the game. I was just seven years old at the time, my brother Sterling was five.”
The impact that exposure had on him still rings true this day.
Arterberry is absorbed by the sport and, has become an excellent player, too. As an active member of the Valley Hi- Country Club (since 2012) and the Sacramento Area Black Golf Club (since 2004) he carries a handicap of +2.
The devoted single father believes in the goodness of the game and purchased a set of plastic golf clubs for his son Sebastian when he was only three-years old (now five). “He and I swing around the house….My goal was to introduce him to golf formally at age 5,” the doting dad proclaims.
Until then, Arterberry will continue playing with his adult buddies. However, he admits to enjoying playing golf alone, saying: “It’s important for me to stay focused.” He also relishes playing with his buddy Willie Toney, an African American golf pro at the world renowned San Francisco Olympic Club. Additionally, he finds time to share rounds with several of his other great golfing friends: Ron Blanchett (Del Paso Country Club), Rick Jennings (Sacramento City Councilmember), childhood friend—and college golf teammate, Christian; and, of course, the President of the Sacramento Area Black Golf Club, Ed Gill.
True, he’s a very busy man—holding down roles as a student and assistant golf coach, who trains, golfs and works out regularly. Yet, he does a good job staying on top of it all.
As Assistant Varsity Golf Coach at Kennedy High School (Sacramento) he has a heart-felt passion for training the youth. Then, over at Step One Real Estate, as Assistant to the owner (his father) he switches gears, puts on his “management cap” and makes sure the business of the day gets done. Other occupations for the tall, 6′ 2″ handsome gentleman include working as a Brand Ambassador and promotional model.
Arterberry gets in at least 5 rounds per week. “Honestly, I’m a natural for the game of golf. It fits my style, my personality and character. I play the game intelligently and with passion. This is exactly how I live my daily life.” A true athlete, Arterberry can run the 100 yard dash in under 11 seconds, play basketball above-the-rim, swim like a fish, and is an excellent soccer player and can bowl.
Arterberry has matched success in golf with his ambition, winning the CCC Armature tournament at Boundary Oaks Golf Course. He was also a member of the Jackson State golf team, in 2010, winning its Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC).
There is a long, robust list of notable profession golf instructors who have helped Arterberry along his path of success: Dave Pelz (PGA pro and short game specialist), Willie Toney (Olympic Club), Clyde Daniels (African American, former PGA senior pro), Eddie Payton (former PGA professional) and golf coach at Jackson State along with his brother, NFL hall of famer Walter Payton, Don Levine (PGA professional, coach and father of PGA pro Spencer Levin), Steve Edingburgh, Mike Smith, Willie Simmons and John Langston.
Above: Arterberry at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina at the 2014 U.S. Open Golf Championship holding the trophy that players would battle for.
“Lessons with these individuals it what has helped me embrace the mental aspect of golf. My instructors help me gain the confidence that is required to compete at a professional level, which I am ready to pursue.”
When it comes to challenges, Atlerberry admits that, “…not allowing my emotions to get the best of me while playing competitive golf; Learning to leave the last “golf shot” (good or bad) behind me – and not carrying my last score with me to the next hole.”
“I am motivated to keep playing by knowing that I have the full support of my family, friends and community….This has been inspirational and it continues to keep me playing golf at a high level.” With his mother battling cervical cancer since 2010, Atlerberry sees the situation as a constant reminder of perseverance, motivation and determination. “Her positive spirit while battling this disease is inspirational, and infectious, to our family members— and all who come in contact with her infectious smile.”
Nothing seems to be able to stoop Arterberry whose quest is to become the number one golfer in the world. In fact, goal-setting keeps him from feeling adrift.
“Engraved on my bedroom wall (since 2008) are the following goals:
#1: Get my Associates of Arts Degree – DONE.
#2: Get my Bachelor of Arts Degree – DONE.
#3: Get my MBA – In progress.
#4: Become the number one golfer on the PGA tour – “Obtainable.”
“Being African American in the world of golf is lonely at times yet rewarding. Knowing that I can compete against, and beat, some of the best golfers in the game is personally rewarding, and well worth the many hours of practice. …And yes, Tiger Woods is my on-line/television mentor (who I have yet to meet personally).”
