Dayron Booth of Charlotte, NC had his 1ST Hole-in-One on Monday February 26, 2024, at Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course at Revolution, Charlotte, NC on Hole #3, 145 yards using 8 Iron TaylorMade Club, Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball. His playing partner was Nicole Danzi.
Dallas, TX (Feb. 29, 2024) — In the debut of the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Collegiate Golf Championship, presented by Arcis Golf, the golf teams from Florida A&M University (Division 1), Miles College (Division 2), and Howard University (women) emerged triumphant.
The Club at Weston Hills in Weston, Fla., owned and operated by Arcis Golf, hosted the three-day event from Feb. 24-26. Besides the competitive rounds, attendees enjoyed various networking and social gatherings. The championship unfolded on The Players Course, one of two stunning 18-hole courses crafted by renowned designer Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Marcus Taylor from Florida A&M University clinched the men’s individual title (Division 1), finishing at -4 (70-71-71=212), securing victory in a playoff against Drew Walker from North Carolina A&T (70-70-72=212). Jaden Saunders from Savannah State University claimed the Division 2 men’s individual title, finishing at +1 (70-72-75=217). In the women’s category, Kendall Jackson from Howard University emerged victorious with a three-round score of -1 (70-74-71=215).
The tournament featured 16 colleges and universities, including Savannah State University, Virginia State University, Livingstone College, and others.
Results of the three-round tournament in a team, stroke-play format were as follows:
Men’s Team – Division 1
Men’s Team – Division 2
Women’s Team
Detailed results are available at https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/4663643
Blake Walker, Founder and CEO of Arcis Golf, expressed pride in hosting the inaugural event, emphasizing Arcis Golf’s commitment to inclusivity and expanding the sport’s reach. The schedule also allowed for networking and socializing opportunities among athletes, coaches, and corporate representatives.
Leonard Smooth, President of the Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA) and Head Coach of Miles College, commended the championship as an enriching experience for student-athletes and expressed excitement for future partnerships.
Arcis Golf, the second-largest owner and operator of golf facilities in the U.S., provides ongoing support and opportunities for HBCU golfers across approximately 70 clubs nationwide. Linnet Carty, Director of Inclusion and Equity at Arcis Golf, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering access and career pathways in the golf industry.
For more information about Arcis Golf, visit www.arcisgolf.com.
Feeling fortunate to share his story and passion for transforming the game of golf in a unique way, Olajuwon Ajanaku, Founder of Eastside Golf, found himself as a distinguished guest on a The White House panel addressing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), emphasizing the impact golf can have on the economy. Entering the Nation’s White House on Friday, February 16, the impactful businessman expressed, “I am glad that the White House has included Eastside Golf in this discussion, acknowledging it as the company and sport that can serve as the glue for various business activities, bringing together different types of businesses that haven’t collaborated before,” said Ajanaku.
“This isn’t solely about expanding Eastside Golf but about elevating the game itself, using Eastside as the tool to authentically bring golf to the world. It’s time for all of us to leverage this game for our advantage and truly further ourselves through it.” Founded on June 1, 2019, Eastside Golf is an award winning lifestyle golf brand developed to raise awareness about golf among youth and non-golfers while inspiring the culture, promoting diversity, and continuing to be authentic. The company is based in Santa Ana, CA.
On his social media page, Eastside Golf Co-Founder Olajuwon Ajanaku said,
“The dawn of a new era in golf has arrived. I feel privileged to recount my journey and express my enthusiasm for playing a part in revolutionizing the sport, with a focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and underscoring its impact on the economy.
“I am pleased that Eastside Golf has been recognized by the White House, acknowledging it as a company and as a catalyst for change and profit. It is the common thread weaving together disparate businesses that may not have previously collaborated.”
“This endeavor goes beyond the mere expansion of Eastside Golf; it is about elevating the sport itself. Eastside is the instrument through which we authentically bring golf to the world. The time has come for all of us to leverage this game to our advantage and propel ourselves forward authentically.”
Washington, D.C. – Golf. My Future. My Game. announced today the achievement of Butheyna Dahmani, a student caddie, as an Evans Scholar through the National Links Trust’s Jack Vardaman Workforce Development Program at historic Langston Golf Course in Washington, D.C. This scholarship provides a full housing and tuition college grant to golf caddies.
Ms. Dahmani, hailing from Washington, D.C., has been a part of Golf. My Future. My Game.’s Learn & Earn program since 2019 and is the first caddie from a Municipal Golf Course in the District of Columbia to receive this prestigious scholarship. She will have the opportunity to attend one of the Program’s 24 partner universities nationwide, with the decision on her awarded school to be finalized by March 15. Richard ‘Jelly’ Hanberry, a long-time PGA Tour caddie and a Member of the African American Golfers Hall of Fame who began his career at Langston Golf Course, expressed his pride in Buthayna’s accomplishment.
He stated “Butheyna’s becoming an Evans Scholar is tremendous. She has worked hard, and she deserves it. What makes me most proud, her caddying at Langston Golf Course, where I also got my start. She is a bright young woman who has a great deal of promise. This opportunity is the beginning of her journey. I wish her continued success.” The Evans Scholarship, valued at over $125,000 over four years, is administered by the Western Golf Association (WGA) and has been supporting the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. It is the largest scholarship program for caddies in the nation.
To qualify, students must meet four selection criteria, including a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character. The Evans Scholars Program, administered by the WGA, has seen a record enrollment of 1,130 caddies at 24 universities nationwide. Since its inception in 1930, over 12,040 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars. The Langston Golf Course in Washington, D.C., has been part of the National Links Trust’s efforts to positively impact the community through golf.
The program, funded by the WGA and in partnership with Golf. My Future. My Game. aims to introduce students to caddying and the potential to earn a full college scholarship. Butheyna is the first Evans Scholar recipient from this program. Craig Kirby, Founder of Golf. My Future. My Game. shares, “Golf is a game that offers unparalleled possibilities, and it is these unparalleled possibilities that we hope individuals in the neighborhoods can learn to appreciate. We work hard every day to create a connection to the game through their (caddies) lens… and so that they can understand the economic opportunities that this $ 102 billion industry has. Butheyna now has that appreciation. I am so happy for her and proud of her work and achievement.”
Butheyna, a senior at Parkmont School, plans to study biology in college and will be the first in her family to attend college. She attributes significant life lessons to her experience as a caddie, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in facing various challenges. The Evans Scholars Program continues to grow nationwide, and the selection process for the 2023-24 academic year is ongoing, with an estimated 340 caddies expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship. The program receives funds from various sources, including contributions from supporters, Evans Scholars Alumni, and proceeds from events like the BMW Championship.
Butheyna’s achievement as the first Evans Scholar from Washington, D.C., reflects the positive impact golf programs such as Golf. My Future. My Game. has had on young individuals, providing them with educational opportunities and life skills. The Evans Scholars Foundation, with its long-standing history, continues to support deserving caddies across the country.
About Golf. My Future. My Game.
Golf. My Future. My Game. was founded in 2008 by Craig Kirby to create strategic alliance initiatives for education and career development in the sport of golf. The organization seeks to foster greater diversity in the sport of golf through strategically increasing leveraged opportunities and mitigating challenges to the popularity, profitability, and sustainability of the sport of golf.
About the Evans Scholars Foundation
Established by the WGA and famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., the Evans Scholars Foundation provides full housing and tuition scholarships to high-achieving caddies across the country. Currently, a record 1,130 caddies are enrolled in 24 leading universities across the nation as Evans Scholars. The Program, which is supported by the WGA, is funded by contributions from more than 38,500 Par Club members, including Evans Scholars Alumni, as well as proceeds from the BMW Championship. Since the Program’s inception in 1930, more than 12,000 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars.
Ellavate Charity Foundation joyfully announces the organization’s inaugural Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser to be held at Enterprise Golf Course, 2802 Enterprise Rd., Mitchellville, MD, on June 29th, 2024.
Founded by Dr. Ella F. Washington, an organizational psychologist and DEI expert with a wealth of experience through her involvement, the mission of the Ellavate Charity Foundation revolves around advocating for empowerment and equity within historically marginalized groups in the workplace. Through a range of activities including free webinars, community programs, and research initiatives, ECF endeavors to promote economic empowerment, foster professional development, and facilitate robust networking opportunities for business professionals.
Ellavate Charity Foundation aims to foster diversity and inclusion within the golfing community while shedding light on the experiences of underrepresented professionals in work environments. Recognizing golf’s longstanding association with the corporate world and its significance in networking and relationship-building, ECF seeks to address historical issues of exclusion and discrimination within the sport, particularly impacting people of color.
Since its establishment in 2020, Ellavate Charity Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to making a difference:
The foundation invites businesses and individuals interested in supporting its mission and making a positive impact on professionals from underrepresented backgrounds to consider sponsoring the golf tournament. Various sponsorship levels are available, each offering significant visibility and recognition. Further details regarding sponsorship options are provided, and interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Trinity at [email protected] for inquiries or to express interest in sponsorship opportunities.
There’s a brand-spankin’-new boozy mini-golf joint straight outta San Francisco that just landed in downtown San Jose, and let me tell ya, it’s not your run-of-the-mill putt-putt place. Urban Putt San Jose swung its doors wide open on February 29, and it’s the talk of the town!
Spanning a whopping 13,000 square feet, this indoor mini-golf paradise is set in a revamped former cinema, promising nothing short of a blast. And get this: they’re not just serving up your typical hot dogs and soda. Nope, they’ve got a killer selection of grub and craft cocktails to keep the good times rollin’.
But wait, there’s more! Picture this: spacious dining areas, not one but two fully-stocked bars, and an upstairs balcony with killer views overlooking the courses. Talk about a hole-in-one hangout spot! Plus, rumor has it, that balcony could moonlight as the ultimate spot for private shindigs.
Now, let’s talk themes. This upscale mini-golf haven boasts an 18-hole course that’s all about celebrating the local scene. Think nods to Silicon Valley, the San Jose Sharks, and even the legendary Winchester Mystery House. It’s like a journey through the heart of San Jose, one putt at a time.
And hey, forget about just selling stuff. Urban Putt is all about crafting unforgettable experiences to win over us fun-seekers. Smart move, right?
You can find this gem at 201 S Second St, San Jose, CA 95113. Want to chat? Give ’em a ring at (408) 634-8494. Oh, and mark your calendars, folks! They’re open Wednesday through Sunday, with late-night hours on Fridays and Saturdays for those of us who love to keep the party going. Psst, heads up: after 8pm, it’s strictly 21 and over.
And get this, San Jose ain’t the only city in on the fun. Urban Putt has already conquered San Francisco and Denver, so you know they’re onto something big.
Hungry for more? Swing by UrbanPutt.com and dive into the deets. It’s time to tee up and toast to good times!
During Black History Month, the unveiling of The Uneven Lies Legacy Series Polo Shirt was an exciting moment, brought forth by the Ted Rhodes Foundation and Ebony Greens TM, LLC. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be directed towards the Ted Rhodes Foundation HBCU Golf Educational Fund, a beneficent initiative offering scholarships to students participating in HBCU golf teams and extending support to HBCU golf programs, including the esteemed Fisk University Bulldogs in Nashville, TN.
“This shirt is important because it showcases African American golf trailblazers and keeps their legacies alive so their efforts to make the game of golf accessible for African Americans is not forgotten,” says Tiffany N. White, M.Ed., DTM , President of the Ted Rhodes Foundation. “Also, the Uneven Lies book written by Pete McDaniel was a huge success and many people have not heard about or read the book. And the book is a must read and will be available at a later date.”
These polo shirts, available in three unisex styles, are crafted to reflect the essence of the cover design of the book “Uneven Lies: The Heroic Story of African Americans in Golf” authored by Pete McDaniel, a notable golf writer, with a Foreword penned by Tiger Woods. They resonate with the legacy of golf pioneer Ted Rhodes and other luminaries of the sport. Composed of 88% Polyester and 12% Spandex, the shirts boast exceptional moisture-wicking properties, ensuring comfort during wear.
“Wear your polo shirt proudly to celebrate African American Golf History and honor true icons. Your contribution matters,” said a Facebook post on the Ted Rhodes Foundation social media page.
Adorned with these polo shirts, individuals can proudly commemorate African American Golf History and pay homage to the genuine icons of the sport. Every purchase contributes significantly to this noble cause. Hence, patrons are encouraged to acquire their shirts promptly, whether for personal use or as thoughtful gifts for fellow golf enthusiasts. The shirt is priced at $75-$85 (depending on options selected) and is available for purchase at: https://tedrhodes.org/shop/
| London, New York and West Palm Beach, FL (February 22, 2024) — LIV Golf and The Panini Group, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company, today announced a multi-year partnership in which Panini will be the exclusive trading card partner for the LIV Golf League. As the first-ever official trading cards for professional team golf, Panini will develop a new series of products never before introduced to fans and collectors across the globe. The partnership also marks Panini’s first entry into golf for trading cards. “LIV Golf is thrilled to partner with Panini, a global brand committed to connecting with fans around the world through the love of sport,” said LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “Just as our league continues to innovate and bring professional team golf mainstream, our partnership will introduce new products to the market for millions of passionate fans and collectors to enjoy. As a former player, I’m particularly excited for our players and teams as we work with Panini to elevate their platforms in this space.” “I’ve been an avid collector of different types of sports memorabilia throughout my career, so to have the opportunity to partner with a premium trading card brand is personally very exciting for me,” said Majesticks GC co-captain Ian Poulter. “While trading cards are often times associated with younger audiences, I think this partnership between LIV and Panini is a great opportunity to bring professional golf level with other pro sporting leagues by creating memorabilia for the kid inside all of us.” |
Lee Coble’s lifelong love of golf has led to decades of service to the game, sharing his knowledge, his time and his boundless energy to community golf initiatives. His volunteer resume includes serving as the 34th president of the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) as well as mentorship and fundraising for numerous junior programs while advocating for accessibility for everyone, including Hook A Kid on Golf, The First Tee of Richmond and Chesterfield County, and the VSGA Foundation’s Robins Junior Programs at Independence Golf Club.
When Coble was asked by this publication how he feels about being a recipient of the award, he responded, “Needless to say, when I got the call that would be receiving the 2024 Joe Dey Award at The USGA’s Annual Meeting, I was shocked to be honored with this award. Being honored this way means my years of your volunteerism and contributions to the game of golf have been recognized. It is also a recognition of the support I have received from my family through all the years,” said Coble.
A longstanding USGA Committee member, Coble’s entry into the game came as an 11-year-old, caddieing at a nine-hole, racially segregated course in rural Mebane, N.C. That’s where he grew his desire to play and perseverance to overcome obstacles – values that would guide him on his lifelong journey from being denied a spot on his high school golf team to becoming the first African American to lead the VSGA. Coble currently serves as the head golf coach at Virginia Union University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Richmond, Va., a commitment driven by his desire to grow the game and be a positive force for the next generation.
“Golf is a game of relationships. During my decades of volunteering, I have continued to nurture those relationships. Giving back to a game that has given me so much more in return means so much to me. Having served as the President of the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) and now, as a Head Golf Coach at Virginia Union University I can continue to encourage people to become volunteers.”
Presented annually by the USGA since 1996, the award is named for Joseph C. Dey Jr., the USGA’s executive director from 1934-1968, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1975 and devoted his life in service to the game.
Golf enthusiasts enjoyed a fantastic day at the 6th Annual Black Heritage Golf Classic, which took place on February 24 at Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland, Florida. Over 100 participants, comprised of friends, supporters, and special guests, all gathered to partake in this meaningful event aimed at assisting youth in achieving success in their endeavors, all while fostering a sense of enjoyment and camaraderie among both avid and social golfers. Larry Mitchell, Tournament Organizer and President of the Central Florida Diversity Business Council, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. The day boasted excellent weather and ideal playing conditions. For further details about the 2025 event, please visit http://cflbdc.org.
Have you ever contemplated writing a book about your life’s legacy? Well, here’s one courageous African American woman who decided to do just that at the tender age of 92-years old. Follow her story as her life unfolds in the early years as she grew up on a South Georgia family-owned farm during the period of the Great Migration. Continue to follow her trek through the colorful years of her very interesting life.
There are recounts of humor, determination, wisdom, as well as her travels to foreign countries. Her experiences, both as a professional and a community leader will draw you into her myriad of stories and precious family photos commemorate her journey. She is known to many for her quick wit and uncanny ability to recall her journey through the decades with great detail. Paperback, 67 pages ($20.00). My Life’s Journey by Reatha J. Stevens may be ordered at https://bit.ly/3GZc2o9
FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 26, 2024) – Ira Molayo was introduced to golf at seven by his mother at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Texas. Today, 40 years later, he is a PGA of America Golf Professional, Director of Golf at Cedar Crest and the newly elected Vice President of the Northern Texas PGA Section (NTPGA).
He’s the first Black PGA of America Golf Professional to serve as an Officer (Secretary, Vice President, President) for the NTPGA. He’s in line to become President in 2026.
His focus on and off the course is based upon inclusion.
Molayo started getting more involved in the NTPGA in 2013. He joined the teaching & coaching committee, which led to his involvement in the junior golf, education, awards and PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) committees.
“When I got on committees and started working with other PGA of America Members, it made the sport bigger in my head,” Molayo said. “It wasn’t just me and my facility, it was other talented people trying to do the same thing, all because we love golf.”
When he ran for NTPGA Secretary in 2016, he lost.
“I was shocked I lost, because I don’t like losing,” he explained. “When I lost, it was really a good thing because it made me realize that I do love it. I wasn’t doing it because I wanted notoriety, I really enjoyed serving and felt like I had something to contribute.”
After serving three terms as an At-Large Director and working on various committees, Molayo ran again in 2022 and won. After two years as Secretary, he was elected Vice President on February 5, 2024, during the NTPGA Annual Meeting.
“You don’t get elected Secretary, honestly, if your peers don’t see you as President. Those are telling moments in my life. The membership electing me means they see me as an equal, they see me, period. In golf, that hasn’t always been the case. To elect me and give me the opportunity to be a steward in this position, makes me feel included.”
On the course, he’s helping youth in South Dallas learn to play golf, work in golf and earn scholarships to receive higher education.
Molayo’s I AM a Golfer Foundation, was established out of necessity in 2018 to be a catalyst for community renewal and transformation in South Dallas.
In 2015, Cedar Crest had the largest First Tee program in Dallas, working with junior golfers six days a week. Then the First Tee program was moved to nearby Trinity Forest Golf Club, leaving juniors wanting to stay at Cedar Crest in need of help.
“I had kids who could afford to pay for golf instruction and I had a group of kids who couldn’t. I would always use the First Tee program to introduce golf to them. When that didn’t exist, I did not have a way to engage those youth.”
Molayo took action to create his Foundation to provide lessons, clubs and access for those who couldn’t afford golf. It’s grown exponentially ever since.
The Foundation additionally helps preserve Cedar Crest and promotes the game through events like the Dallas Amateur Championship and the Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest—a Black collegiate tournament televised on Golf Channel.
The Foundation’s youth programs have three pillars: I AM a Golfer, I AM an Intern and I AM a Scholar.
Since the Foundation’s inception, over 900 juniors have participated, 115 paid internships have been provided, $300,000 college scholarships have been awarded and over $1 million has been invested in Cedar Crest.
To learn more about Molayo’s career and inclusion efforts, click here.
To learn more about the I Am a Golfer Foundation, click here.