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
Local Students Attend PGA WORKS Beyond the Green at 70th KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

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:
- Jeehae Lee, CEO of Sports Box Tech
- Sirene Blair, PGA Associate, Recruiting and Member Engagement Specialist, PGA of America
- Thurshari Gooneratne, Community Manager, Chase
“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
- Accurately manage and finalize tournament entries for Epson Tour tournaments, in accordance with the Epson Tour Regulations, including player eligibility, player commitments and withdrawals, finalizing and updating fields, and entry fee payment reconciliation.
- Serve as primary contact for non-member and sponsor invite entries, Epson Tour Rules Officials, and Epson Tour Tournament Business Affairs.
- Oversee the Epson Tour Membership processes, as well as entry fees and dues payments.
- Build and maintain the tournament specific player and caddie contact groups in Teamworks for each Epson Tour tournament.
- Accurately formulate Preliminary Pro-Am Assignments for each Epson Tour tournament, in accordance with the Epson Tour Regulations and tournament specific requests.
- Produce the Player Memo and Caddie Memo for each Epson Tour Tournament, in collaboration with the Epson Tour staff.
- Produce the Epson Tour Weekly Updates news post for Members and Support Personnel.
- Accurately track tournament and player related data to ensure compliance with Epson Tour Regulations, including field summaries, Non-Member and amateur results, entry fee payments, and
- Provide Tour Ops business systems (OCS, Formstack, and Teamworks) training and troubleshooting support for Epson Tour players, caddies, and staff.
- Review, process and approve entries for the LPGA Qualifying Series.
- Liaise with partner organizations to process entries for the USWO, AIG WO, and WSO.
- Relieve Receptionist as designated by an office rotation schedule.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Superior attention to detail and proven ability to deliver accurate work within established deadlines.
- Resourceful and independent thinker with strong problem-solving skills and excellent written communication.
- Competitive golf experience.
- 1 – 3 years of sports league administrative experience preferred, ideally in a golf environment.
- Culturally sensitive, customer service minded and people oriented.
- Able to work a flexible schedule and travel occasionally (4 – 8 weeks each year)
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook).
- Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in Sports, Business or Communications preferred.
Willie Mack III, Winner of The John Shippen admits to “making some sloppy bogeys” in post-tournament interview
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
June 23, 2024 WILLIE MACK III
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.
Q. And it was a lot different conditions today versus yesterday. How much of a challenge was it off the tee and just overall today with the wind?
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.
Q. It kind of seemed like the energy kind of shifted around, you finished the front nine with a few pars, started back nine with pars and then you got the two birdies. What was that stretch like and how important was it to get those birdies on 12 and 13?
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.
Q. And how excited are you to be back in the Rocket Mortgage field?
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.
Q. And is there anything that you’re going to be focused on working on between now and Thursday the first round?
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.
Q. How’s it feel to win?
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.
Q. How much is that rest going to be emotional and how much is going to be physical?
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.
Q. After you went long on this tee shot into the grandstands, what was kind of your mentality over the last few holes to try to recover from that?
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.
Q. Could you just talk a little bit about the opportunity that the John Shippen provides not only to you but other Black players that have been able to come out? Just a pretty cool opportunity to earn an exemption into the Rocket Mortgage Classic, not only for the men but for the women as well?
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.
Q. I’m sorry if this was asked already. You have the opportunity to come out here and play next week. Are you able to like look back to 2021 when you got the exemption and sort of draw from that? That was your first PGA TOUR cut, right?
WILLIE MACK III: Yeah.
Q. So how do you like draw on that experience to sort of give yourself some confidence going into Thursday?
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.
Rocket Mortgage Classic Action-Packed Event Schedule at Detroit Golf Club
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.
Tuesday: First Tee — Greater Detroit Youth Clinic
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.”
Tuesday: Area 313 Celebrity Scramble
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.
Wednesday: Detroit Community Days and Delta Dental Pro-Am
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.”
Thursday – Sunday: 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:
- Thursday & Friday — Golf Channel (3-6 p.m.)
- Saturday/Sunday — Golf Channel (1-3 p.m.), CBS (3-6 p.m.) Streaming: ESPN+
Schedule:
- Thursday: First Round play starts on 1st and 10th tees; hospitality food and beverage begin at 11 a.m.
- Friday: Second Round play starts on 1st and 10th tees; hospitality food and beverage begin at 11 a.m.
- Saturday: Third Round gates open at 7:15 a.m., play starts on 1st tee; hospitality food and beverage begin at 11 a.m.
- Sunday: Final Round gates open at 7:15 a.m., play starts on 1st tee; hospitality food and beverage begin at 11 a.m.; trophy presentation on 18th green following the conclusion of play.
Highlight:
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
- Ronnie Thompson-Alex Barefoot-Sam Wimbrow-Marcus Leonard 50
- Cyril Daniel-Mark Lathan-Rod Jackson-Nigel Hoover 52
- Jewel Love-Sophie Lauture-Stephen Strong-Jordan Williams 57
- James Boulware-Alvin Thompson-Ray Johnson 57
- Jesse Williams-Caleb Joseph-Darius Gillis 57
- Brian Latimore-Schuyer Thomas-Dale Good-Darrin Kaiser 59
- John Withers-Andrew Rogers-Chris Moore-Kevin Moore 59
- Tyler Bowers-D’yanni Rhyme- Chance-Robert Dunson 59
- Phenecia Allen-Rick Maynard-Janine LaCross-Tori Mouton 60
- Dwayne Jefferies-Gary Cross-Stan Nelson-Darrell King 61
- Nick Montgomery-Derek Royster-Paul Williams-Marcus Bynum 61
- Darryl Jackson-Paul Bailey-Alton Walker-Jeremy Chambers 62
- Bill Evans-Felix Curtis-Sylvester Vaughns-Ricardo Hunter 62
- Sandro Aristll-Chris Anderson-John Renick-Marcus Lucas 65
- Daniel Delia-Josh Zirkel-Ryan Aebly-Ryan Bouton 65
- Cat Smith-Anthony Smith-Norris Brown-Jg Larrosse 65
- DPinnacle Gunzenhauser-Steve Keenerly-Mark Hopler-Janie Hunley 66
- Randy Pitts-Josh Wallace-Robert Miller 67
- Ruth Cavin-Brian Lane-Veronica Clemmons-Tyson Simmons 68
- Chris Everett-Karen Everett-Reina Pozo-Wayne Crow 69
- Amber Hutson-Crystal Hutson-Johnny Hutson-Gabe Bernel 79
- John Williams-John G.-Ricky Jones-Ace Tanner 80
Closest to Pin
#5 Jordan Williams
#10 Darryl Jackson
#15 Rod Jackson
Longest Drive Men
#3 Tyler Thomas
Longest Drive Women
#12 Torn Moutoz
Flint, Michigan native Willie Mack III captures THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational and secures exemption into PGA TOUR’s Rocket Mortgage Classic

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].
America’s Golf Festival Lights Up Las Vegas for 9th Annual Event

From August 1-3, 2024, America’s Golf Festival will transform Las Vegas into the epicenter of golfing excitement as it celebrates its 9th festival in this renowned entertainment hub.
The festival invites participants to converge under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas and proudly represent their cities, states, and country. Already, the event has drawn 484 golfers hailing from 104 cities and spanning 28 states, reflecting its broad appeal and nationwide reach.
At the heart of the festival’s allure are its diverse offerings designed to captivate both participants and spectators alike. From competitive events that showcase the skill and talent of golfers across various categories, to an expansive expo featuring the latest innovations in golf equipment and technology, the festival promises something for every enthusiast. Attendees can also look forward to a rich tapestry of entertainment options, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event.
Beyond the greens, the festival boasts an array of attractions designed to enhance the overall experience. A highlight of the festivities includes a fashion contest where participants can showcase their style and creativity, adding a distinctive flair to the event. Additionally, a lively photo booth will capture memorable moments, allowing participants to document their experiences and share them with friends and family.
The festival’s commitment to inclusivity and enjoyment is evident in its comprehensive approach to hospitality and participant engagement. Whether seasoned professionals or enthusiastic amateurs, all attendees are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the festival’s festivities and camaraderie. With a focus on creating lasting memories and forging new connections within the golfing community, the event promises an unparalleled experience for everyone involved.
As participants gear up for three days of golfing excellence and community celebration, the festival organizers have spared no effort in ensuring a seamless and memorable event. From logistical arrangements to onsite amenities, every detail has been meticulously planned to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of attendees. This dedication extends to the provision of prizes and gifts that recognize outstanding performances and contributions, further enhancing the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines the festival.
For those traveling to Las Vegas for the festival, the allure of the city’s renowned attractions and vibrant nightlife serves as an enticing backdrop to the main event. Participants and spectators alike can explore Las Vegas’s iconic landmarks, indulge in world-class dining experiences, and partake in the city’s vibrant entertainment offerings, adding an extra layer of excitement to their festival experience.
In conclusion, America’s Golf Festival promises a memorable celebration of golfing excellence and community spirit in the heart of Las Vegas. With its diverse lineup of events, engaging attractions, and inclusive atmosphere, the festival invites golf enthusiasts of all backgrounds to come together and share in the excitement. Whether competing on the greens, exploring the latest innovations in golfing technology, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable experience that celebrates the passion and camaraderie of the sport. For more information and to join the celebration, visit https://americasgolffestival.com/.
Teens from across the U.S. learn about leadership from executives within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 17, 2024) – The First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore returned from June 17-22. The weeklong Atlanta event brought together 48 teens from across the country who learned about operating successful teams from executives within the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
The event is headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore, a 4-time WNBA, 2-time NCAA and 2-time Olympic champion, who off the court, has been a dedicated advocate of criminal justice reform. Participants also heard from leaders like Atlanta United CEO Garth Lagerwey, Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and CEO Dick Sullivan and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Chief of Staff Kelley Gulley.
The event featured workshops on communication, developing a winning culture and more. Attendees got a taste of the college experience, with the Georgia Institute of Technology serving as its hub. The group also visited sites across Atlanta, including the PGA TOUR Superstore Support Center, the Coda building, Atlanta United’s training facility, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

“Our participants learn valuable skills at the First Tee Leadership Academy and have made friendships they will carry with them well beyond their time in Atlanta,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting these truly life-changing events.”
PGA TOUR Superstore has been a partner of First Tee for more than a decade, providing financial support and in-kind donations. It provides chapter grants to promote teen retention and supports national events like the Leadership Academy, Leadership Summit and Leadership Series.



The First Tee Leadership Academy is one of ten national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and empower teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.
For more information on First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.
Angela Bofill, known for her silky voice and R&B hits, passed away at the age of 70. Born Angela Tomasa Bofill on May 2, 1954, in New York City to a Cuban father and Puerto Rican mother, she began singing from a young age, eventually making her mark in the late 1970s and ’80s with her rich ballads and torch songs that showcased her impressive three-and-a-half-octave vocal range. Her death, at the home of her daughter Shauna, was announced on social media by her manager, Rich Engel. He did not cite a cause.
Raised in the Bronx, Bofill released her debut album in 1978 at the age of 24, becoming one of the first Latina singers to achieve consistent success in R&B. Despite encountering health challenges later in life, including strokes in the mid-2000s that impaired her speech and paralyzed her left side. She had no health insurance, and her recovery drained her bank accounts and threw her into a deep depression. Although health problems curtailed her singing career, she continued to share her music through stage performances and collaborations.
Bofill’s influence extended beyond music; she was also recognized for her storytelling and resilience, notably in her stage show “The Angela Bofill Experience,” where she reflected on her life and legacy. In 2023, she was honored with induction into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Angela Bofill will be remembered not only for her vocal prowess and contributions to R&B but also for her enduring impact on music and her courage in facing life’s adversities.
See The 81 Organizations Selected to Receive Grants From Make Golf Your Thing in 2024
81 organizations across the U.S. have been selected to receive funding through the Make Golf Your Thing Grassroots Grants Program, which was created to help strengthen the game’s diversity and inclusion.
Introduced in 2021, the grant program – through its latest round of funding – has now issued 318 grants to 166 unique organizations overall, totaling $2.5 million.
The grant program was established to support organizations and programs that are fostering inclusion in golf by reaching underrepresented populations including Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous communities, as well as women, LGBTQI+ individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
The grant program is administered by American Golf Industry Coalition and made possible through the generous support of a contingent of industry supporters committed to making the sport more welcoming and inclusive for all.
2024 Recipients:
(Editorial note: Make Golf Your Thing would not disclose grant amounts.)
| # | ORGANIZATION | CITY | STATE |
| 1 | 5-ELEVEN HOOPS | Long Beach | California |
| 2 | A PERFECT SWING FOUNDATION INC. | charlotte | North Carolina |
| 3 | ADAPTIVE GOLF EXPERIENCE, INC. | Beaufort | South Carolina |
| 4 | ADVOCATES FOUNDATION | Los Angeles | California |
| 5 | BACKCOUNTRY COMMUNITIES THRIVING | Julian | California |
| 6 | BFF; JOURNEYS | Findlay | Ohio |
| 7 | BISON IMPACT GROUP, INC. | Silver Spring | Maryland |
| 8 | BLACK COLLEGE GOLF COACHES ASSOCIATION | Vestavia | Alabama |
| 9 | BUTTON HOLE | Providence | Rhode Island |
| 10 | CAROLINA ADAPTIVE GOLF | Greenville | South Carolina |
| 11 | CENTRAL OREGON JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION | Bend | Oregon |
| 12 | CITYSWING FOUNDATION, INC | Washington | District of Columbia |
| 13 | DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY DISTRICT | Detroit | Michigan |
| 14 | DREAMS OF LOIS INCORPORATED | Fayetteville | Georgia |
| 15 | EDU-SPORTS ACADEMY, INC. | Willingboro | New Jersey |
| 16 | EGOFREE GOLF | Papillion | Nebraska |
| 17 | EPIC FOR GIRLS | Omaha | Nebraska |
| 18 | FAIRWAYS TO LEADERSHIP, INC. | ORLANDO | Florida |
| 19 | FORE LIFE, INC. | Lauderhill | Florida |
| 20 | FORE THE LADIES, INC. | Sylvania | Ohio |
| 21 | FOSTER KIDD FOUNDATION | Dallas | Texas |
| 22 | GATOR JUNIOR GOLF INC | Gainesville | Florida |
| 23 | GOLF ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA | Broomall | Pennsylvania |
| 24 | GOLF FOR INJURED VETERANS EVERYWHERE FOUNDATION | Montezuma | Iowa |
| 25 | GOLF FOR LIFE NFP | Naperville | Illinois |
| 26 | GOLF. MY FUTURE. MY GAME. | Washington, D.C. | District of Columbia |
| 27 | GREATER CLEVELAND JUNIOR GOLF SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC | Bedford | Ohio |
| 28 | GREENBRIER WEST HIGH SCHOOL | Charmco | West Virginia |
| 29 | GREENWAY FOUNDATION | Alameda | California |
| 30 | HAMPTON CITY SCHOOLS | Hampton | Virginia |
| 31 | HARRIS PARK MIDTOWN SPORTS & ACTIVITY CENTER | Kansas City | Missouri |
| 32 | HOLLYWOOD GOLF INSTITUTE | Detroit | Michigan |
| 33 | I AM A GOLFER FOUNDATION | Dallas | Texas |
| 34 | IGOLF4VETS, INC. | Riverview | Florida |
| 35 | INLAND GOLF ACADEMY | Riverside | California |
| 36 | INNER CITY YOUTH GOLFERS’, INC. | Palm Beach Gardens | Florida |
| 37 | INSPIRING GREATNESS IN YOU | Covington | Georgia |
| 38 | ISD 200 | Hastings | Minnesota |
| 39 | IVYS LEAGUE YOUTH SPORTS ACADEMY | Omaha | Nebraska |
| 40 | JACKSON PARK GOLF ASSOCIATION | Chicago | Illinois |
| 41 | JOURNEY THROUGH 18 | Houston | Texas |
| 42 | LAMBDA LINKS | Alexandria | Virginia |
| 43 | LATINA GOLFERS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION | Los Angeles | California |
| 44 | LEISURE HOUR JR. GOLF CLUB | Portland | Oregon |
| 45 | LEO GOLF ACADEMY | Pike Road | Alabama |
| 46 | LIVE GOLF ENTERPRISE | Lawrence Township | New Jersey |
| 47 | MATRIX HUMAN SERVICES | Detroit | Michigan |
| 48 | MICHIGAN WOMENS GOLF ASSOCIATION | Detroit | Michigan |
| 49 | MIDNIGHT GOLF PROGRAM | Bingham Farms | Michigan |
| 50 | MILWAUKEE AREA YOUTH GOLF ACADEMY, INC. | Glendale | Wisconsin |
| 51 | MOORE-MYERS CHILDREN’S FUND, INC | Jacksonville | Florida |
| 52 | NATIONAL GOLF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION | Gilbert | Arizona |
| 53 | NEXT 18 INC. | Milwaukee | Wisconsin |
| 54 | NORTHEAST ACCESSIBLE GOLF ASSOCIATION | Wellesley Hills | Massachusetts |
| 55 | NOT APPLICABLE | Chicago | Illinois |
| 56 | OHIO GIRLS GOLF FOUNDATION | Cleveland | Ohio |
| 57 | ONE HUNDRED BLACK MEN OF NEW YORK, INC. | New York | New York |
| 58 | PAR EXCELLENCE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT | Huntsville | Alabama |
| 59 | RANGE FORE HOPE FOUNDATION | Blythewood | South Carolina |
| 60 | RECOVERY SHOT | Ventura | California |
| 61 | REVELATION GOLF, INC. | ELK GROVE VLG | Illinois |
| 62 | RLE GO FORE IT FOUNDATION | Furlong | Pennsylvania |
| 63 | SHE STEAMS INC. | McDonough | Georgia |
| 64 | SOUL FOUNDATION | Columbus | Ohio |
| 65 | SOUTHERN NEVADA JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION | Las Vegas | Nevada |
| 66 | SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA, INC. | Clermont | Florida |
| 67 | STAND UP AND PLAY FOUNDATION | Vista | California |
| 68 | SUPER PRO GOLF ACADEMY | Bethlehem, | Georgia |
| 69 | TED RHODES FOUNDATION, INC. | Chicago | Illinois |
| 70 | TEE DIVAS AND TEE DUDES GOLF CLUB FOUNDATION | Los Angeles | California |
| 71 | TEXAS SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN | Dallas | Texas |
| 72 | THE CADDIE & LEADERSHIP ACADEMY OF SE WI | Kenosha | Wisconsin |
| 73 | THE EXCEL YOUTH ACADEMY, INC | Atlanta | Georgia |
| 74 | THE GLOVE FOUNDATION | Mobile | Alabama |
| 75 | THE PINKNEY FOUNDATION | Pittsburg | California |
| 76 | THE TURN | North Olmsted | Ohio |
| 77 | TOTAL ACCESS GOLF | Huntsville | Alabama |
| 78 | U.S.ADAPTIVE GOLF ALLIANCE | Westmont | Illinois |
| 79 | WESTERN STATES JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION | LAS VEGAS | Nevada |
| 80 | WOMEN IN GOLF FOUNDATION, INC. | Ellenwood | Georgia |
| 81 | WOMEN OF COLOR GOLF | Tampa | Florida |
To view a complete list of grant recipients since the inception of the program, click here.
About Make Golf Your Thing
Make Golf Your Thing is a collaborative effort that reflects the industry’s commitment to making the sport more diverse, equitable and inclusive. This multi-faceted, multi-year movement intentionally works to invite more people to golf from all backgrounds, identities and abilities, whether you are playing, building a career or doing business with the industry.
About the American Golf Industry Coalition
The American Golf Industry Coalition advocates on behalf of golf’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; environmental and sustainability initiatives; contributions to the economy (local and national); health and wellness benefits, as well as charitable giving. The organization unites the golf industry in pursuit of goals designed to enhance the vitality and diversity of both the business and recreational levels of the sport. The American Golf Industry Coalition is a division of the World Golf Foundation. To learn more, visit www.golfcoalition.org.




