George Phillips, 15-years-old and a First Tee Student of Charlotte, North Carolina had his first Hole-in-One on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Dr. Charles L. Sifford Revolution Park Golf Course, Charlotte, North Carolina. George accomplished the feat on Hole #3, 153 Yards using Titleist 7 Iron and TaylorMade TP5 Golf Ball. His playing partner was Robbie Thompson.
The U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) Grant application window will open in late July 2024 and remain open until October 31, 2024. This Grant aims to alleviate financial barriers for promising junior golfers who demonstrate both financial need and the potential to progress through the USNDP pathway. The USNDP Grant provides reimbursement-based funding for actual and incurred golf and athlete development-related expenses, including practice/green fees, competitive tournament fees, tournament travel, coaching fees, and equipment.
In 2024, the USNDP invested nearly $650,000 to support over 70 young golfers from 24 states, with an average age of 15. This year’s recipients received a median grant award of $10,000. Notably, more than half of the awardees were female and/or players of color.
Ayden Febres, 14, from St. Cloud, Fla., was one of the first grant recipients. “With the support of the USNDP Grant program, I’m grateful for the chance to compete in more tournaments,” he said. “I love to compete, so I’m really excited to get more opportunities to do what I love.”
Ayden’s father, Eli Febres, Sr., added, “Competitive golf requires hard work to hone the necessary skills, but it also requires opportunity. The USNDP Grant program provides Ayden with the chance to travel to elite-level tournaments across the country to test his skills acquired through hours of practice.”
Layla Phillips, 13, from Harbor City, Calif., also highlighted the benefits of the Grant program: “Being part of the U.S. National Development Program has allowed me to play more competitive tournaments and access better tools to grow my golf game.”
Layla’s father, Kasey, commented, “Golf is an individual game but a community sport. The best golfers have always come from strong families with the financial and community support necessary to pursue the game at an elite level. The U.S. National Development Program is making that possible for Layla and the next generation of American golfers.”
For an overview of the 2025 USNDP Grant application, please click HERE.
One of the most pressing issues to emerge from the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle had absolutely nothing to do with politics. Instead, viewers have been obsessing over this golf-related bombshell: Is Joe Biden really a 6 handicap?
On Thursday, during the first debate ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Biden claimed he had lowered his handicap to a 6 while serving as Vice President. Former U.S. President Donald Trump wasn’t convinced, but it turns out Biden might have been onto something. Internet detectives uncovered Biden’s official GHIN account and handicap index after the debate.
His current index? A mind-blowing 6.7.
“He actually was a 6.7. Didn’t know that,” one X user @cdolan92 commented, likely while rethinking their own golf skills. The golf world collectively dropped its jaw over Biden’s handicap revelation post-debate.
“I’m a 6.7 handicap. Joe Biden is a better golfer than I am. F*ck,” lamented Josh @UofAJaC. “joe biden usga handicap is 6.7 according to ghin. hasn’t posted a score since 2018 so i don’t buy he is currently a 8 handicap,” another X user skeptically posted. “Checked GHIN. Biden’s a 6.7 but no new scores entered since 2018. Game could be anywhere now,” Jim noted, casting doubt on Biden’s current abilities. “No chance biden is a 6.7 right now. I’d put money down I could beat him right now and I’m a 15,” Jeff confidently asserted.
Meanwhile, the official GHIN app shows former U.S. President Donald Trump currently boasts a 2.5 handicap index.
So, would you challenge either presidential candidate at their reported handicaps? Let us know in the comments and brace yourself for the most unexpected golf showdown of the century.
Accomplishments include strong leadership during pandemic, delivering deferred compensation retirement plan for Members, completing PGA Frisco partnership agreements, and growth of PGA of America REACH Foundation
| FRISCO, Texas (June 26, 2024) ー The PGA of America today announced that CEO Seth Waugh has decided to step aside as CEO and shift to an advisory role. “On behalf of the more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, we are grateful for Seth’s leadership and for all that he accomplished for our Members, our game, the business and our people,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “He skillfully led us through incredibly challenging times and was always a great partner. We are fortunate to be able to call on him going forward for his always helpful advice and counsel.” A national search for a new CEO, which will include internal and external candidates, is underway. During the transition, Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh will serve as interim CEO. Haigh, who has been a key member of the PGA of America leadership team since 1989, will not be part of the candidate pool for the new CEO position. Waugh, who was named CEO in August 2018 following a three-year term as an independent director on the PGA of America Board of Directors, has served the Association for nearly nine years. “I recently informed the board that I would not be renewing my contract that is set to expire on June 30, but am honored to continue to serve the Association as a Senior Advisor,” said Waugh. “It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve as the CEO of the PGA of America for the past six years. “I am proud of all that we have accomplished for our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals and the game. I have enjoyed every moment serving alongside all of my colleagues, all the various Officers and Board Members and getting to know so many of our dedicated Members who are on the front line of the game that we love every day of the year. The day-to-day game has never been stronger, more beloved or better positioned for the future because of their passion and how we have all worked together to make millions of lives better through our remarkable sport. “The goal from the start was to leave the room better than we found it and I believe that together we have done just that. Golf has never been younger or a better reflection of the greater population. It’s never been more forward leaning, more popular or considered cooler than it is today. I have often said that golf is one of the great engines of good on earth. I am perhaps the biggest all-time beneficiary of that good and I want to thank the Membership, my colleagues, all the various Board Members, Past Presidents, our extraordinary partners, my peers at all the other golf bodies, as well as everyone who plays and loves our beautiful game for all the support and friendship during this journey. What a gift that has been. Thank you.” Waugh’s list of accomplishments is impressive: As a board advisor, he played a key role in developing the PGA of America’s landmark 11-year media rights agreements with CBS and ESPN. As CEO, he completed complex agreements on the transformational $500 million public/private partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts, the City of Frisco, its Economic and Community Development Corporations and the Frisco Independent School District that made the highly successful PGA Frisco and home of the PGA of America a reality. He helped advance the business of the PGA of America in many ways, including groundbreaking partner deals with Rolex and T-Mobile. He helped expand the impact of the PGA of America REACH Foundation by spearheading a $100 million capital campaign to “Impact Lives Through Golf.” Fulfilling a promise made when he was named CEO, Waugh engineered the first deferred compensation retirement plan for PGA of America Members. During Waugh’s tenure as CEO, the number of PGA of America Golf Professionals surpassed 30,000 for the first time, average compensation has never been higher and Member satisfaction scores reached an all-time high. Perhaps most notably, Waugh skillfully led the PGA of America during the uncertain times of the pandemic. Under his guidance, the PGA led in establishing the nearly $8 million Golf Emergency Relief Fund. For the Back 2 Golf initiative, important safety protocols were developed with the CDC, which led to historic rounds played growth. Waugh also reached across the industry to jointly repackage the golf events schedule, which included the PGA Championship being the first major championship to return to play without fans in 2020, and importantly, rescheduling the Ryder Cup to unprecedented success in 2021. Waugh and the PGA of America also inspired the leading entities in golf to develop six industry work groups that designed the innovative “Make Golf Your Thing” movement to take advantage of the moment to grow the game generationally and advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the golf industry. Under Waugh’s leadership, the PGA advanced its inclusionary practices to help grow the game, while providing community access to golf through the launch of “PGA Places to Play” for underserved populations, where $1.75 million in grants has led to more than $35 million raised in support of projects across the country. Today the game has never had more participation or been a better reflection of society. In 2022, Waugh was recognized by the One Hundred Black Men of New York with the Judge Robert Mangum Diversity Champion Award. He was also honored with the 2022 Sports Leadership Award for his “caring and transformational leadership” at the 39th Annual March of Dimes Sports Luncheon. |
Thomas “Tuck” Lewis of Charlotte, North Carolina, had his first Hole-in-One on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Cedar Brook Country Club, State Road, North Carolina. The feat took place on Hole #8, 139 Yards using Callaway A Wedge Iron and TaylorMade TP5X Golf Ball. His playing partners were Arthur Horton and Toress Baker.
The LOMA Par 3 Golf Bag is a game-changer for any golfer looking for convenience and comfort. Weighing in at under 2 pounds, this ultra-lightweight bag is easy on both the back and the wallet. Designed to hold up to 6 clubs, it’s perfect for par-3 courses, eliminating the need to lug around a heavy, cumbersome bag.
One of the standout features of the LOMA Bag is its integrated kickstand, which makes it incredibly easy to set up between shots. Additionally, the insulated drinks pocket is a thoughtful touch, ensuring that your beverages stay cool throughout your round. The padded shoulder strap provides excellent comfort, making it a breeze to carry, even when navigating the cart path.
The bag’s sleek, slim design is another highlight, fitting neatly into any car trunk and ensuring you’re always ready for a quick game. The full-length Duraflex legs offer sturdy support, and the velour-lined pocket is perfect for safely storing personal items like your phone, keys, and wallet.
In summary, the LOMA Par 3 Golf Bag combines functionality with convenience, making it an excellent choice for golfers who enjoy a quick round without the hassle of a heavy bag. Its lightweight build, practical features, and comfortable carrying options make it a must-have for any golfer’s equipment lineup. $139.99 available at SundayGolf.com.uk
Young women attend career-exploration eventto learn about careers surrounding golf
SAMMAMISH, WASHINGTON (June 25, 2024) – Competition from the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship may have come to an end Sunday at Sahalee Country Club as Amy Yang earned her first-career Major victory, but the Championship’s impact stretched to Monday as a group of local high school students attended PGA WORKS Beyond the Green.
This career-exploration event, held in conjunction with PGA of America Championships, is designed to educate and inspire students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in the business of golf and beyond.
Young women representing Shoreline High School, the First Tee — Greater Seattle and Seattle Parks and Recreation gathered at Sahalee Country Club to learn from golf industry leaders about careers within the growing $102 billion industry. The experience introduces attendees to new perspectives that cultivate curiosity and empower students with valuable tools for personal and professional success.
After a welcome message from PGA of America REACH Foundation Senior Director Kennie Sims, PGA, a panel discussion led by hosts Coach Shayain, LPGA Certified Golf Instructor & Entrepreneur, and Addie Parker, freelance writer for Golf Digest & the LPGA, challenged participants on what it means to live “A Bold Life.” The discussion provided insights to leverage diverse skills and backgrounds to forge unique careers and use innovative thinking to shape the future of golf.
“A lot of our focus today was about building up your confidence, how to be authentic and how to show up for yourself,” Parker said. “Within the golf industry, anytime you can express to people that there are opportunities outside of playing, that’s always a good thing. Beyond the Green is doing a really good job of providing exposure, especially today in a room full of young women.”
“A Bold Life” Panelists Included:
“I hope they understand the opportunities are limitless,” said Gooneratne, who also led a discussion around financial education. “I also hope they find a mentor or advocate who will support them in their careers.”
Additionally, a Fireside Chat with Jennifer Clyde, Co-Owner of women’s golf apparel company Fore All, gave students the opportunity to inquire about Clyde’s career and learn about her unique golf lifestyle brand that aims to connect women around the industry.
To conclude the event, students participated in a meet-and-greet with PGA of America Hall of Fame member Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA, who was the first African American woman to become a Member of the PGA of America, and LPGA Tour Professional Mariah Stackhouse, who competed in the Championship at Sahalee.
“You certainly don’t have to become a touring golf professional, but there are so many areas within the game, no matter what career you’re going into,” Powell said to the participants. “No matter what career you choose, getting involved in golf can always be a wonderful stepping stone.”
PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative, designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Funded by the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry.
There’s a new opportunity available at the LPGA! Applications are being accepoted on the LPGA Careers site for a Tour and Member Services Coordinator.
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Sr. Director Tour Ops, this individual is part of the Tour Operations team and will manage all components of Member and Tournament Eligibility for the Epson Tour as well as offer operational support to LPGA Tour and Member Services. Daily responsibilities include management of Epson Tour tournament fields, communication with Epson Tour Members, Tour officials and Tournament Directors, and crafting of weekly Member and Tournament communication. He/she must maintain collaborative and customer-service oriented relationships with tournament operations and player services staff, tournament directors, players, and player support personnel, as well as other members of the association and its stakeholders.
This hybrid position is based at the LPGA Headquarters in Daytona Beach, FL. The ideal candidate will be familiar with golf tournament rules and regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS
Flint, Michigan native Willie Mack III captured the John Shippen Men’s Invitational, securing an exemption into PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic. Discover what the skilled golf pro has to say about his game in the post-tournament interview transcript below.
THE JOHN SHIPPEN INVITATIONAL — ROUND 4 QUOTES
WILLIE MACK III: Getting into the fairway, the wind was coming hard from left to right and to try to hit a draw around the corner, that was the first step. Then hitting a good second shot into the green below the hole and then making the putt, cherry on top.
WILLIE MACK III: I was just making some sloppy bogeys in the first eight holes, a couple three-putts. Like I said, I still had a lead, so I knew that in the back of my head. I was trying to keep plugging along, it was rough out there. Nobody was really making a move, so if I could just string together some pars and maybe a couple birdies, it would go my way and I’m glad it did.
WILLIE MACK III: Yeah, I was just telling myself I’m playing good. I played good yesterday. It wasn’t as windy, but I’m putting good and I was hitting the ball good. Just keep telling myself I’m hitting the ball and playing good. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t, but I’m glad this one worked out in my favor.
WILLIE MACK II: Oh, yes, I’m super excited. I played in the U.S. Open a week ago and I’m probably more excited to play back in my hometown in Michigan. Hopefully I can play well. This is my first cut made on the PGA TOUR a couple years ago, so hopefully I can play well on Sunday, be in contention and represent everybody in Michigan.
WILLIE MACK III: Probably just getting some rest. I’ve been traveling a lot the last couple weeks and I played the course the last three days. I played this course a million times before growing up and hopefully I can just get some rest, get off to a good start and play well this week.
WILLIE MACK III: It’s always good to win, especially in these tough conditions. Like I said, I played well yesterday. It wasn’t going my way today, but I kind of just stuck in there, keep telling myself I’m playing good and hit some good shots and hopefully something falls and they did in the end.
WILLIE MACK III: More probably emotionally. It was a rough time at the U.S. Open. I played well the first round and then I had that last tee time the second day. You had to hit some good shots out there. So I’m going to use that experience and come out here and hopefully try to play well.
WILLIE MACK III: I hit a good shot, I must not have judged it correctly with the grandstand, but I didn’t think it could go over the green. It wasn’t that hard of a shot, just kind of left it short, missed. I made a great par save on 17 that was probably about 10 feet. Yeah, just had that momentum going.
WILLIE MACK III: Yeah, what the John Shippen is doing, giving us an opportunity to come out here and play in a PGA TOUR event and LPGA Tour, these opportunities weren’t necessarily provided when I actually started playing professional golf. So to see the younger players being able to get these opportunities and hone in their skills to when they play on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour is amazing.
WILLIE MACK III: Yeah.
WILLIE MACK III: Yeah, for sure. I played this course a million times. Just having that confidence going in there and knowing that I have made the cut. I didn’t play that well on the weekend, but just giving myself the opportunity to play well, hopefully I can run with that and play well this week.
The Rocket Mortgage Classic returns to Detroit Golf Club for its sixth year, featuring 156 golfers. The tournament begins on Thursday, but events start on Tuesday and Wednesday.
When: 3 p.m. Where: Driving range behind the clubhouse. TV/Streaming: None.
What To Know: “The First Tee – Greater Detroit Youth Golf Clinic presented by PGA TOUR Superstore will provide elementary and middle school-aged youth with an opportunity to learn fundamental golf skills and tips from PGA TOUR Teaching Professionals,” according to a release from Rocket Companies. “This [Watch & Learn] format will allow participants to observe as the pros hit balls and talk through their shots. No equipment is required.”
When: 5 p.m. Where: Detroit Golf Club. TV/Streaming: None.
What To Know: The Area 313 Celebration Scramble pits six four-player teams against each other in a three-hole exhibition match over Nos. 14-16 at Detroit Golf Club. In addition to the usual golfing celebrities, such as Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo and Detroit Lions legend Calvin Johnson, the event will feature WWE wrestler “The Miz,” Sam Merrill of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson, and former Michigan and NBA star Chris Webber.
When: Gates open at 6:45 a.m. Where: Detroit Golf Club. TV/Streaming: None.
What To Know: “Returning for the third straight year, Detroit Community Days presented by Jeep® will offer all fans complimentary admission and parking for the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s special events on Tuesday, June 25, and Wednesday, June 26. The brand will showcase its Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer, and Grand Cherokee models on site,” according to a release from Rocket Companies. “On Wednesday, June 26, fans can get up close to the action and watch PGA TOUR professionals playing in a relaxed setting throughout the day during the Delta Dental Pro-Am at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.”
Defending Champion: Rickie Fowler Recent Qualifiers: Willie Mack III (John Shippen Invitational), Brandon Berry, Nick Bienz, Angelo Giantsopoulous, Danny Guise (qualifying tournament)
When: Gates open at 6:45 a.m. Where: Detroit Golf Club. TV:
Schedule:
Tommy Johnson, 5, waits for Rickie Fowler to make his way to hole 15 during the fourth round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Johnson wore his orange shirt to match Fowler.
Saturday – June 15, 2024
Rocky River Golf Course – Concord, North Carolina
85 Players
Closest to Pin
#5 Jordan Williams
#10 Darryl Jackson
#15 Rod Jackson
Longest Drive Men
#3 Tyler Thomas
Longest Drive Women
#12 Torn Moutoz
Mack III will play in the Rocket Mortgage Classic for the second time, June 25-30 at Detroit Golf Club
DETROIT (June 23, 2024) – Flint, Michigan native Willie Mack III will play in the PGA TOUR’s Rocket Mortgage Classic for the second time after earning an exemption Sunday by winning THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational at Detroit Golf Club.
Mack III will tee it up alongside the world’s best golfers at the Rocket Mortgage Classic starting Thursday after shooting 63-74—137 on the same course Saturday and Sunday to earn a two-stroke victory at the SHIPPEN event. His victory also earned him a first-place prize of $13,200 from the event’s $22,000 purse.
In 2021, Mack III was granted a sponsor’s exemption into the Rocket Mortgage Classic and tied for 71st, making his first cut on the PGA TOUR. He continued his success by making the cut at the John Deere Classic the following week. Mack III made his major championship debut at this year’s U.S. Open.
THE JOHN SHIPPEN is a series of competitions created to provide playing opportunities on the LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR for the nation’s top Black amateur and professional women and men golfers. The series includes THE JOHN SHIPPEN Cognizant Cup, THE JOHN SHIPPEN Women’s Invitational and THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational. The events are named after John Shippen, Jr., who was both the first American-born golf professional and the country’s first Black golf professional.
“I played in the U.S. Open a week ago and I’m probably more excited to play back in my hometown in Michigan. This is my first cut made on the PGA TOUR a couple of years so hopefully I can play well on Sunday, be in contention, and represent everybody in Michigan,” Mack III said.
“What THE JOHN SHIPPEN is doing, giving us an opportunity to come out here and play in a PGA TOUR event, these opportunities weren’t necessarily provided when I started playing professional golf. To see the younger players being able to get these opportunities and hone in their skills to when they play on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour is amazing.”
For the first time since its 2021 debut, THE JOHN SHIPPEN features prize purses for all three of its 2024 events. A $60,000 total purse will be distributed across three events: THE JOHN SHIPPEN Cognizant Cup, THE JOHN SHIPPEN Women’s Invitational and THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational.
Mack III opened plenty of eyes with his opening round of the two-day JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational, carding 10 birdies for a 9-under-par 63. Going into Sunday’s final round with a five-shot lead, Mack struggled on the front nine with four bogeys but picked it up on the back nine and birdied the 12th, 13th and 18th holes.
Nyasha Mauchaza (139) placed second, with Kevin Hall and Cameron Riley tied for third (142).
Mack is a three-time THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Invitational competitor (2021-2023), a 2023 Korn Ferry Tour member and has 80 professional wins.
Intersport, a leading Chicago-based sports marketing and media agency, partnered with Woods & Watts Effect in 2021 to create THE JOHN SHIPPEN – a series of competitions created to provide playing opportunities on the LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR for the nation’s top Black women and men golfers. THE JOHN SHIPPEN Sports Business Summit will also be held for the fourth year to create awareness about employment opportunities within the business of sports.
THE JOHN SHIPPEN was created to identify historical barriers, expand Black representation in golf, and address the lack of Black representation in business and leadership roles within the golf and larger sports industry for people of color.
Since 2021, 90 of the nation’s best Black men and women golfers have competed in THE JOHN SHIPPEN. THE JOHN SHIPPEN has awarded 16 playing opportunities on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour, and donated $340,000 to local charities, scholarships and fellowships. SHIPPEN alumni continue to see success beyond the National Invitational through player-earned memberships on the PGA TOUR Champions, PGA TOUR Americas and Ladies European Tours.
For updated information on THE JOHN SHIPPEN, please visit www.TheJohnShippen.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@TheJohnShippen) and Twitter (@TheJShippen). For information about sponsorship opportunities or how to get involved, please email us at [email protected].