New York, NY (August 1, 2009) The African American Golfer’s Digest presented its inaugural Outstanding Leaders in Golf award recipients, Jan. 30, with a list of 30 honorees who represent the strong leadership and diversity present in the game of golf today. The winners encompassed various professions, industries, and ethnicities.
Among the recipients were PGA of America Honorary President Brian Whitcomb of Bend, Ore., golf legend Gary Player, 1999 PGA Distinguished Service Award winner Bill Dickey of Phoenix, Ariz., founder of the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association; Renee Powell of East Canton, Ohio, the 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf; Sgt. Charles Eggleston (Ret.), representing golf operations of the Salute Military Golf Association; Pam Swensen, chief executive officer of the Executive Women’s Golf Association and PGA Director of Business and Community Relations Earnie Ellison Jr., representing the PGA Foundation.
The award reception was conducted at the 56th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.
“Each of the honorees has made a substantial impact on the game, and the golf industry, as it relates to the African American community, in particular, and I am happy to salute their contributions with this award and look forward to introducing each of them personally through our publication,” said Debert Cook, CMP, publisher of the national quarterly magazine which will celebrate its sixth anniversary in March.
“I am so honored to be part of this special occasion and to be a part of The PGA of America,” said Whitcomb. “And, as a member of The PGA we work to reflect in our game what society is all about. It is a start, but we have a long way to go.
“I hope that I live long enough to see the game of golf reflect America. To think of all who have helped make the game of golf that much better is mind-boggling.”
The honorees were selected from among dozens of nominations that arrived over the spring and summer season and winners were personally selected by Ms. Cook for their commitment to professional excellence and dedication in growing the sport, business, careers and participation of golf among African Americans.
“Our 2009 honorees are exceptional individuals whose endeavors are opening doors and extending opportunities in the game throughout the industry to African Americans. Their efforts, foresight, courage and devotion are very deserving of this prized honor,” said Cook.
The honorees will be included in an editorial profile featured in the Winter/January 2009 (PGA Show edition) of the African American Golfer’s Digest.
African American Golfer’s Digest
2009 Outstanding Leaders in Golf Award Recipients:
Robin Aikens (LPGA): Inner City Youth Development
William L. Allen: ALW Sourcing
Geoff Bryant: United States Golf Teachers Federation
Jeffrey Callaway: Ace Kids Golf Program
Addie Cobb: Addie Cobb Golf Academy
Coach Dave Davis: First Tee of Columbus, Ga.
Bill Dickey: Bill Dickey Scholarship Association
Sgt. Charles J. Eggleston: Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA)
Earnie Ellison Jr.: PGA Foundation
George Fellows: Callaway Golf Company
Bill Fullard: BF Golf Tournament Services
Wendell Haskins: The Original Tee Golf Classic
Robin Herrington: NIKE GOLF
Mike Jamison: International Network of Golf (ING)
Sheila Johnson: Innisbrook Golf Resort
William E. Lewis, PGA: The First Tee of Atlanta at John A. White Park
Leonard Martin, PGA: Gateway All-Par Golf Academy
Iain Page: Golf Channel
Paula Pearson-Tucker (LPGA): Fore Life, Inc.
Hercules O. Pitts: Lake Arbor Golf Course & Marlborough Golf Club
Gary Player: The Player Foundation
Renee Powell, PGA and LPGA: Clearview Golf Course
Paul A. Pradia: US Golf Teaching Professional
Carl Seldon, PGA: Impact Youth Development Initiative
James “Bonecrusher” Smith: Champion For Kids
Nancy Stulack: USGA Museum
Pam Swensen: Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA)
Thelma Thompson, Ph.D.: University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Brunilda Turner: Ebony Ladies Golf League
Brian Whitcomb, PGA: PGA of America Honorary President
RELATED: View 2012 Winners
View 2011 Winners
View 2009 Winners
About The African American Golfer’s Digest:
The African American Golfer’s Digest launched in March 2003 and is located in the financial district of New York City. It is 100% minority owned and operated and is a woman-owned business and the only golf magazine specifically targeting the African American demographic. Its massive editorial appeal comes from a ‘grass roots’ approach and partnerships generated with more than 250 top, Black-focused golf tournaments and events annually around the country. The 40-page, full color, quarterly enjoys a circulation of 20,000 and reaches 80,000 readers nationwide with editorial that focuses on news, tips, information and activities in the ‘soulful’ world of golf, travel features, destinations reviews, course, equipment and product news and individual profiles. Promotional, marketing, and advertising opportunities are available in the print edition and online at www.AfricanAmericanGolfersDigest.com along with customized sampling programs and consumer incentives.
The publication is registered with the National Minority Supplier Development Council with memberships that include the United States Golf Association (USGA), National Golf Foundation, International Network of Golf (ING), and Metropolitan Golf Writers Association. To learn more about the publication visit AfricanAmericanGolfersDigest.com
