Andrew Bogaty of Boston, Massachusetts had his first Hole-in-One on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course at Revolution Park, Charlotte, North Carolina. The feat happened on Hole #7 at 170 yards using a 7 iron Cobra Club and TaylorMade TP5 golf ball. His playing partners were William Bickel and Alex Hirschberg.
“THE LEGACY CONTINUES” for West Point Cadet says Ira K. Murray Sr., the chairperson of the 38th annual R. E. J. Memorial Golf Tournament held on June 16th, 2024, at Baytree National Golf links in Melbourne Florida. This year event had 120 golfers along with volunteers and sponsors.
The scholarship is in honor of Reginald E. Johnson who was born in Landstuhl, Germany to Eugene C. and Iona A Johnson(deceased). Along with his parents and his little sister Regina, he grew up in Europe, Hawaii, Washington, DC, and Florida. Reggie started school at Holland Elementary School, attended Delaura Jr. High school, and graduated from Satellite High School in Satellite, Florida. He excelled in academics and was an outstanding athlete named 3 years consecutive to the Cape Coast Conference for football and track. His senior year he was senior class senator and vice president of the key club which entailed his traveling and speaking at different functions around Central Florida. All these accomplishments were responsible for his receiving nominations to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy at West Point which he accepted.
While a cadet at West Point for four years he continued to stride for excellence, singing in the gospel choir, making the varsity football team as a running back his “plebe” (freshman) year plus running varsity track. His most notable achievement was breaking West Point long jump record of 32 years and setting his own.
Reginald died by drowning during the land navigation phase of the competition on April 11th, 1980, at West Point, New York just 21 days before graduation and having obtained a Special Forces assignment to Ft Benning Ga. In Reggie’s honor, West Point has established a memorial presentation, which is given each year at graduation, commencing in 1981. A marble bench has been placed along the bank of Hudson River, a mural painted on the wall has a portion dedicated to Reggie in the library at Grant Hall, Reggie’s name inscribed.
The R.E.J. Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. was established by the Pride of Melbourne Masonic Lodge #318 in 1980 under the leadership of Brother Carl Finerson, Worshipful Master, with the consent of the Johnson family, The committee became incorporated in the State of Florida in December 1983 and the name changed to the Reginald E. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. In 1984. The golf tournament is one of the 3 major fund-raising events throughout the year by the foundation. The other 2 are the Taste of Brevard and the Annual Scholarship Banquet.
Reggie is gone but shall never be forgotten because he firmly planted his footprints into the sands of time, thus causing his memory to withstand eternity. The Legacy Continues as his sister Regina continues to play in the tournament each year and his father Eugene C. Johnson, better known as “Lightning Gene Johnson”, gives the opening remarks. The current president Marva A Murray is pleased that the foundation helps 20 plus students per year and stands by the foundation that “Helping deserving students is a gratifying experience”. Be forever thankful, be always and abundantly blessed. To date the foundation has awarded over 1000 scholarships and $4.5 million in total funds have been awarded.
*Photos and Video provided by Vantage Point Aerial Solutions*
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Ahead of The Open Championship at Royal Troon, Tiger Woods has candidly discussed the most challenging defeat of his illustrious professional career. Speaking before the 152nd Open Championship, the 15-time Major champion opened up about the 2009 PGA Championship at Hazeltine National, where South Korea’s Y.E. Yang overcame a two-shot deficit to clinch the title, beating Woods by three strokes.
Reflecting on the pivotal match, Woods admitted, “The hardest loss to get over was the Y.E. Yang loss because I had the lead. I had never lost a major championship while leading. That was the first.” This revelation highlights the psychological and emotional impact the defeat had on Woods, who had been dominant in such situations throughout his career.
Woods further elaborated on the specifics of that final round, expressing regret over the mistakes made. “That took a little bit of time to get over because I had made some pretty stupid mistakes in the middle part of the round. I made a huge rally at the end, but it was too late. I made too many mistakes in the middle. You can’t afford to make the mistakes that I made and expect to win tournaments. I know better than that,” he explained. Despite leading by two shots through 54 holes at Hazeltine, Woods struggled on the front nine of the final round. Although he regained the lead through 11 holes on Sunday, Yang’s eagle on the 14th shifted the momentum, and Woods could not recover, eventually bogeying the last two holes to finish three strokes behind the South Korean.
Woods’ reflection on this loss came in the context of Rory McIlroy’s recent narrow miss at the US Open at Pinehurst. Woods shared that he had reached out to McIlroy to offer support after the event. “I just sent him a nice text. That was it. I waited a week before I sent it. I wanted to let it calm down,” Woods said. He added, “Just basically, as you know, I’m your friend. I know this is a difficult moment. We’ve all been there as champions. We all lose. Unfortunately, it just happened, and the raw emotion of it, it’s still there, and it’s going to be there for, I’m sure, some time.”
This conversation sheds light on the camaraderie and mutual respect among elite golfers, even as they compete fiercely against each other. Woods’ words to McIlroy underscore the shared experiences of triumph and defeat that bond them.
Additionally, Woods spoke about the inherent pressures and discomforts he has faced throughout his career, even at the peak of his powers. “Lots of times. There’s a lot of times I felt discomfort. Yes, absolutely. Nervous, shaky, uncomfortable, yeah, all of it. That’s part of it. That’s why you love it. That’s why we practice,” he said. This admission reveals the human side of the champion, emphasizing that even the greatest athletes experience moments of doubt and anxiety. “I work hard at it, and I’ve done it my entire life. I’ve worked hard to put myself there,” he added, highlighting the relentless dedication required to stay at the top.
As Woods prepares to tee off at Royal Troon, he is set to compete alongside World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and fellow American Patrick Cantlay, beginning their round at 2:37 PM on Thursday. The trio’s grouping is expected to draw significant attention, with fans eager to see how Woods performs in this prestigious tournament.
Woods’ reflections provide a poignant reminder of the highs and lows that define a career in professional sports. His openness about the 2009 PGA Championship defeat and his supportive gesture towards McIlroy illustrate the depth of his character and the complexities of competing at the highest level. As he steps onto the course at Royal Troon, the golfing world watches with bated breath, anticipating another chapter in the storied career of Tiger Woods.
Edgar Davis, longtime member of the Cornhusker Golf Club in Omah, Nebraska, made some noise on July 7 when he smoothed an 8 iron 149 yards on hole number 7 at Willow Lakes Golf Course in Bellevue ,Neb., just south of Omaha. This is Edgar’s first ace. It was witnessed by Mr. Earl Johnson, President of the Cornhusker Golf Club who said it was an “amazing shot.” Willow Lakes is a challenging and picturesque championship 18 hole course designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones Sr. Congratulations Edgar!
Euleli House stands as a beacon of community wellness, dedicated to the holistic health of Black women through both virtual and soon-to-be physical spaces. This initiative offers intentional rest resources, a variety of baths, communal areas, comprehensive wellness resources, and food and beverage services. At its core, Euleli is about ensuring Black women recognize the importance of self-care, fostering an environment where they can support themselves and each other.
“Euleli was created to make sure Black women are cognizant about our well-being and to encourage Black women to show up for ourselves and ultimately each other,” says Vanessa Wells, one of Euleli’s co-founders.
The foundation of Euleli is rooted in the need to counteract the stressors that disproportionately impact the health of Black women. By promoting self-kindness and balance, Euleli aims to mitigate adverse health issues that stem from societal pressures and systemic inequalities.
Currently, Euleli’s efforts are focused on building a virtual community, supplemented by in-person events. Although membership is not yet open, the organization is actively engaging with its community through various platforms. You can learn more about Euleli on their website, euleli.com, or follow them on Instagram (@eulelihouse) and LinkedIn (Euleli).
Euleli House was conceived by Decoda Johnson, Kait Austin, and Vanessa Wells, who met as colleagues in the corporate world. They faced not only the universal stressors that Black women endure in America but also workplace-specific challenges such as discrimination, tokenization, and under-compensation. Feeling exploited and exhausted, they realized that a dedicated solution was necessary—a solution that took shape as Euleli.
Black women are often expected to embody the “Strong Black Woman” stereotype, which can lead to neglect of personal well-being. Euleli challenges this narrative by providing resources that promote emotional, mental, and physical health. “We are helping Black Women become mindful about what holistic wellness means to them by providing intentional resources to help them improve their daily overall emotional, mental, and physical health through community and rest,” explains Wells.
Celebrating Juneteenth at Shady Rest Golf Club
Euleli chose to celebrate Juneteenth at Shady Rest Golf Club, a historic venue significant as the first Black country club in the United States. This club was home to John Shippen, the first African American professional golfer, and hosted luminaries such as Althea Gibson, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Billie Holiday.
“Integration in golf is still an ongoing battle,” Decoda Johnson points out. “Even today, Black people’s access to professional and elite country clubs remains limited. This is why Euleli celebrated the Juneteenth holiday playing with our community who may not have otherwise had access.”
Planning the Juneteenth event was a labor of love, spanning five months and involving extensive efforts in fundraising, vendor sourcing, event design, and more. Despite the recent departure of a co-founder who stepped down to focus on her wellness, the remaining team members, supported by their community, successfully executed the event.
The Juneteenth event was a resounding success, drawing over 40 attendees and raising more than $10,500 in sponsorships and donations. Euleli was able to donate 10% of the funds to Black women in need, demonstrating their commitment to philanthropy and community support.
Looking ahead, Euleli is on a mission to raise $20 million to establish a physical location that will serve the wellness needs of Black women. In the meantime, the organization is channeling funds into marketing, events, business administration, app development, and charitable initiatives.
“Euleli is constantly fundraising. Our aim is to bring our dream to fruition—a physical location that services the wellness needs of Black women,” says Johnson.
Euleli’s journey is a testament to the power of community and the importance of wellness. By creating a space where Black women can prioritize their health and support one another, Euleli is redefining what it means to be well in a world that often demands relentless strength. Learn more by visiting their website and social media pages: Website: www.euleli.com
Instagram: @eulelihouse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/euleli
Fundraising Page: www.givebutter.com/pourintoeuleli
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday July9, 10, 11, 2024
Asheville Municipal Golf Course – Asheville, North Carolina
167 Players (47 Reg Amts, 60 Senior Amts, 6 Ladies, 54 Pro Division)
Par 72
Pro Division
Ladies Flight
Championship Flight Amt
First Flight Amt
Second Flight Amt
Third Flight
Fourth Flight
Championship Flight Senior
First Flight Senior
Second Flight Senior
Third Flight Senior
Fourth Flight Senior
Fifth Flight Senior
Tournament Leaderboard: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/10675172299939804011
HOW IT WENT:
Advocates pro golfer Chase Johnson captured his second victory in the Cisco Cup Series, July 7-9 in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a stellar performance of 10-under par across both rounds. Fresh off his recent competition in the John Deere Classic after Monday Qualifying last week, Chase continues to showcase exceptional talent and resilience.
Runner-up Everett Whiten Jr. finished at 9-under par for the tournament. A rising star on the APGA Tour, Everett progressed through the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking Program and is an esteemed Howard University Alumni. Just last month, he won the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking Invitational.
Notable performances also came from APGA Tour veteran Kevin Hall of Cincinnati, OH, who secured a T4 finish.
Anita Schneider of Charlotte, North Carolina had her 2nd Hole-in-One on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, less than a month from her 1st Hole-in-One on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course at Revolution Park, Charlotte, North Carolina on Hole #7 at 138 yards using 6 iron Tommy Armour Club and Titleist Ball. Her playing partners were Kathy Schoeller and Jackie Baldacci.
Alisa Rayford, a dynamic entrepreneur and avid golfer, was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, and currently resides in Lithonia, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. At 53, she has built a multifaceted life, balancing her career, family, and personal passions with remarkable grace and determination.
Alisa’s educational journey led her to Strayer University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Her academic background laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly the founding of her company, Asila Golf, in 2021. Reflecting on the inception of her business, Alisa shares, “I was turning 50 and created a bucket list of things for that year. One of the courses on the list was TPC Sawgrass. As someone that is a size 16, I could find something stylish and in my size. The opportunity came again to play at Silverado in Napa. I thought to myself, ‘Dang, I can’t be the only one having this issue.’ And so it began.”
Asila Golf, based in Atlanta, specializes in ladies’ golf apparel ranging from sizes SM to 3XL, catering to women who, like Alisa, have struggled to find stylish and well-fitting golf clothing. The company’s website, asilagolf.com, and its social media handles under the same name, provide a platform for customers to explore their products. Customers can select from a variety of clothing and accessories including, long and short sleeve shirts, skirts, dresses, thermoses and gloves. The online sizing chart helps you with measurements and a clearance section showcases some great discounted items.
Alisa’s business is self-funded, showcasing her commitment and belief in her vision. However, she acknowledges that the biggest challenge has been “getting the word out.” To tackle this, she has brought in a consultant to help with a marketing strategy for their new Peach Sunset Collection.
Golf is not just a business for Alisa; it’s a passion. Introduced to the game on a dare, she fell in love with the natural beauty of golf courses. Although she plays for fun rather than competition, she enjoys playing all over Metro Atlanta, often with friends and in occasional tournaments. Despite not knowing her handicap, Alisa’s love for the game is evident in her frequent rounds, playing once or twice a month.
Family is at the heart of Alisa’s life. She is married with four children, aged 31, 29, 25, and 17, and has three grandchildren, aged 10, 7, and 2. Golf is a family affair, as she often plays with her sister and friends. However, beyond her family and golf, Alisa is a full-time realtor in Atlanta and an army veteran, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to her community.
Alisa’s journey is one of resilience and passion. She emphasizes, “I am also a full-time realtor in Atlanta, GA, and an army veteran. I am an avid reader and coffee lover. I love beautiful sunrises and sunsets.” This love for natural beauty is a recurring theme in her life, whether it’s the allure of a well-maintained golf course or the serene moments of a sunrise or sunset.
Despite her busy schedule, Alisa remains committed to her business, her family, and her community. Her story is an inspiring example of how passion, coupled with determination and a strong support system, can lead to the creation of something meaningful and impactful. As she continues to grow Asila Golf and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, Alisa’s journey serves as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams at any stage in life.
GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans recently accomplished a rare feat when he reached the summit of Mount Everest. Reaching this incredible goal required months of intense training, practice, grit, and determination. After all, Rhett’s ascent of the highest mountain peak in the world is inspiring for those who know Rhett both inside and outside of the golf industry.
This brings us to where Rhett’s story began – before his ascent. Rhett is a long-time leader in the golf industry who emphatically believes that rewards come in relation to the difficulty and dedication every turfgrass professional experiences as they perfect their craft on those places, we call Golf Courses. To garner more significant support and acknowledgment for golf course superintendents, his climb up Mt. Everest sheds light on their day-to-day challenges and why they are uniquely qualified for a variety of careers in golf course management.
Having a vested interest in golf course maintenance, Rhett utilized his trips representing the GCSAA and it’s 20,000 members as added preparation while becoming more vital for the physical and mental climb that Mount Everest ensues. The preparation involved long and intense conditioning with much cardio work, heavy weightlifting, and altitude training to get used to high elevations. Rhett’s training did him well as he reached Mount Everest‘s top.
This is a personal victory for Rhett and another win in the ledger of golf course superintendents everywhere. The fact that the successful climb has inspired others to sense and follow their dreams and trust in a higher power (specifically God). For Rhett: It’s all about the journey.”
Rhett’s summit of Mount Everest has received plaudits from his peers in the golf industry. This is something for the golf community to be proud of, showing how a hard-working, dedicated individual can persevere and attain such an incredible living destination. Now that he has returned home, Rhett’s legacy will be that you can achieve any goal you set in life if you dedicate yourself to it.
In short, his pursuit and triumph of reaching the top of Mount Everest is an illustration that mirrors many in golf course management- tenacious perseverance for our profession. This character encourages each other to forge ahead in their journey. His ascent of this famous summit makes us all feel a little more robust mentally and physically, but what is achievable when we keep working hard at something, and how do challenging situations prepare us for other unpredictable circumstances?
The “Beyond the Green” Teen Summit hosted by Golf Women Mean Business (GWMB) was held on June 22nd, 2024, in Johns Creek, GA, and Hampton, GA. The event was a highly successful and empowering program that brought together teenagers from grades 8 through 12 for a day of learning, growth, and inspiration.
Keynote Speakers shed valuable information and personal insights with the teens. According to GWMB President/Founder Patrina King regarding the Johns’s Creek, Georgia event, “We were honored to have Jada Richardson, a standout player from Howard University’s Golf Team, as our keynote speaker. Jada shared her journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, discipline, and the power of dreams.”
Ms. King also stated about the Hampton, GA program, “Chief Judge Andrea Boyd delivered an inspiring keynote address, focusing on leadership, integrity, and the importance of making informed decisions.”
Workshops and Sessions: The summit featured a comprehensive program with sessions on:
King graciously said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the event sponsors, presenters, volunteers, and supportive parents. Your contributions made this summit a resounding success. Your dedication and support continue to empower the next generation of leaders.”
VIEW JOHN’S CREEK VIDEO RECAP HERE
VIEW HAMPTON, GA VIDEO RECAP HERE.
“We look forward to continuing our mission of empowering young minds through golf and beyond,” said Kind.
Golf Women Mean Business is the leading authority in business golf with a strong commitment to creating leaders of future generations. Learn more at https://www.golfwomenmeanbusiness.com
Former NFL players Eric Ebron and John Randle, fashion designer and First Tee – Minnesota board member Houston White and Paralympian Victoria Arlen will headline the weeklong academy focused on embracing our differences.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 9, 2024) – Seventy-two teens from across the country will attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr. in Minneapolis, July 9-13, 2024. The teens will participate in important conversations on topics like inclusivity and community building facilitated by RISE, a national leader championing social justice in sports.
The week will kick off with a “Critical Conversation” hosted by RISE on Tuesday, July 9, featuring:
Other highlights of the week include a trip to Topgolf on Thursday, July 11, where participants will experience an afternoon of educational programming before an evening of play. They’ll be joined by Paralympic gold medalist and ESPN host Victoria Arlen. The closing speaker on Friday, July 12, will be fashion designer Houston White, a board member of First Tee – Minnesota, who will be donating golf apparel for the teens to wear during their 18-hole scramble earlier in the day.
For the first time, this year’s event will be sponsored by AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands, which in addition to providing financial support, will engage with participants through educational sessions throughout the week. Workshops will cover a variety of topics to foster personal growth and understanding, as well as empathy for others.
“We are grateful to AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands for supporting this event, which really encapsulates First Tee’s mission,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “By using golf to instill life skills and values, First Tee aims to build game changers. We know the teens will take what they learn at this event back to their communities to create positive change.”
This academy is an evolution of First Tee’s original participant event, and it honors Joe Louis Barrow Jr., First Tee’s former CEO who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017. It’s one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
2024 Teens
| First Name: | Last Name: | Chapter: |
| Brooke | Arhotakis | First Tee – Greater Philadelphia |
| Brandon | Bao | First Tee – Greater Seattle |
| Aiden | Bao | First Tee – Greater Seattle |
| Shreyas | Batra | First Tee – Raritan Valley |
| Will | Berthiaume | First Tee – Connecticut |
| Addison | Bidoli | First Tee – Sandhills |
| Ashley | Biehl | First Tee – Greater New Orleans |
| Matthew | Biehl | First Tee – Greater New Orleans |
| Allison | Brown | First Tee – Greater Philadelphia |
| Reagan Reginald | Calaguas | First Tee – San Francisco |
| Samuel | Carbajal | First Tee – Fresno |
| Lyla | Chrisman | First Tee – West Michigan |
| Dominic | Clayton | First Tee – North Florida |
| Mylo | Cox | First Tee – San Diego |
| Erika | Dierke | First Tee – Minnesota |
| Rita | Eovino | First Tee – Greater Richmond |
| Noelle | Gagnon | First Tee – New Hampshire |
| Salloni | Gill | First Tee – Greater Baltimore |
| Sierra | Godwin | First Tee – Sarasota/Manatee |
| Owen | Grismer | First Tee – Minnesota |
| Justin | Hartsfield | First Tee – Greater Richmond |
| Faith | Hendren | First Tee – Greater El Paso |
| Isabella | Herrera | First Tee – Silicon Valley |
| Gabriella | Ishaq | First Tee – Minnesota |
| Luke | Kasmarcak | First Tee – Cleveland |
| Zoe | Kim | First Tee – Orange County |
| Anthony | Knouse | First Tee – Pittsburgh |
| Ethan | Kwan | First Tee – Greater Pasadena |
| Aya | Laqtib | First Tee – San Francisco |
| Marcus | Leong | First Tee – Greater Sacramento |
| Reena | Lin | First Tee – Gulf Coast |
| Charles | Liu | First Tee – Greater Seattle |
| Maya | London | First Tee – Central Coast |
| Jules | Mahan | First Tee – Greater San Antonio |
| Tyler | Mason | First Tee – West Michigan |
| Lillian | McGowan | First Tee – Greater Sacramento |
| Maeve | McGuire | First Tee – Greater Washington, DC |
| Tiernan | Mentzel | First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky |
| Noah | Miller | First Tee – Greater Chicago |
| Jolene | Munoz | First Tee – Tucson |
| Benjamin | Murphy | First Tee – Greater Houston |
| Morgan | Nguyen | First Tee – Greater Dallas |
| Avery | Nguyen | First Tee – Greater Dallas |
| Colby | Palacio | First Tee – Raritan Valley |
| Aidan | Palmer | First Tee – Metropolitan New York |
| Lily | Patel | First Tee – Metropolitan New York |
| Calise | Perry | First Tee – Tulsa |
| Brooklyn | Pfeiffer | First Tee – Eastern Michigan |
| George | Phillips | First Tee – Greater Charlotte |
| Keanu | Phillips-Alberto | First Tee – Contra Costa |
| Sofia | Rodriguez Pierson | First Tee – Central Coast |
| David | Sandino | First Tee – Florida Gold Coast |
| Kavya | Shah | First Tee – Howard County |
| Callie | Somers | First Tee – Greater Wilmington |
| Emma | Stavely | First Tee – Green Valley Ranch |
| Ryland | Stinson | First Tee – Greater Tyler |
| Ronald | Tam | First Tee – Greater Dallas |
| Christopher | Taylor | First Tee – Massachusetts |
| Jacob | Tellez | First Tee – Indiana |
| Leah | Torres | First Tee – Greater Houston |
| Bella | Villarin | First Tee – San Diego |
| Sophia | Waddell | First Tee – Central Coast |
| Benjamin | Wade | First Tee – Tennessee |
| Marley | Walters | First Tee – Benton Harbor |
| Melvin | Watson | First Tee – Florida Gold Coast |
| Bailey | Webb | First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains |
| Marissa | Wei | First Tee – Silicon Valley |
| Adelyn | Westfall | First Tee – Green Valley Ranch |
| Zach | Williams | First Tee – Central Valley |
| Kenneth | Yang | First Tee – Greater Sacramento |
| Alana | Yoeuth | First Tee – San Joaquin |
| Hana | Zhu | First Tee – Orange County |
This event is only available to teens involved in chapters of First Tee. Most of the events and programs have a selection process that includes an application reviewed by a committee. Parents, if you want your child to participate, please inquire at your chapter.