The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions is a composite of some of golf’s best stars and the who’s who of celebrities enjoying the game. Watch here to see some of those enjoying Friday’s open round at Lake Nona Country Club, Orlando, Fla.
Tiger Woods’ upcoming clothing line might be linked to TaylorMade’s recent filing for the trademark “Sunday Red.” We could gain insights into Woods’ next apparel choices, possibly showcased at the upcoming Genesis Invitational next month.
Having recently ended his 27-year association with Nike, the 15-time major champion seems to be unveiling a new chapter. TaylorMade, Woods’ equipment sponsor for the past six years, is now hinting at involvement in his apparel ventures through trademark filings.
TaylorMade Lifestyle Ventures LLC has registered three trademarks for a “Sunday Red” brand with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. These trademarks include three distinct logos: one with “Sunday Red” spelled out in all caps, another featuring a leaping tiger, and the third incorporating the acronym “SDR” around the leaping tiger. The range of items covered in the trademarks spans clothing like shirts, shorts, pants, jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, joggers, skirts, dresses, hoodies, sports jackets, polos, golf shirts, golf pants, as well as footwear and headwear, according to TaylorMade’s live application.
Filed in December, these trademarks suggest that TaylorMade might be venturing into the apparel industry with Tiger Woods’ signature brand as a focal point. However, it remains uncertain whether the company will independently design the collection or collaborate with another entity to launch “Sunday Red.”
“When diverse female professionals unite in sisterhood, remarkable things unfold. Just ask any of the women who participated in this year’s Black Girls Golf Executive Member Retreat.
“Thank you for providing this experience. Your vision for women of color is impressive and appreciated. It takes a lot to reach a nationwide audience of various ages and experiences. You have given the opportunity to connect with people we never would have met.” – Lynda D.
Lynda and more than 50 members of the Black Girls Golf organization from across the U.S. convened from October 12-15, 2023, in Kohler, Wisconsin for a weekend of connection, community, and empowerment. And, of course, a bit of time at the tee!
The brisk October weather did little to dampen the spirit of those in attendance, who courageously faced the elements to enhance their skills on and off the golf course. Throughout the extended weekend, participants engaged in golf clinics, panel discussions, and networking events. Each gathering provided an opportunity for this diverse group of women to connect over navigating the complex experience of being a female professional.
Despite their diverse experiences stemming from various industries and environments, their shared identities as women of color and golf enthusiasts provided a significant common ground: the understanding of the work and support required to achieve more diversity and inclusion in the golf industry and beyond.
“I walked away with not just improved golf skills and knowledge but a greater sense of community and a renewed appreciation for the brands that stand beside us in supporting diversity and inclusion in golf. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your extraordinary effort and unwavering commitment. I’m looking forward to future events and the continued growth of this incredible community you’re building.” – Nicole T.
As longstanding official partners of Black Girls Golf, organizations like PUMAⓇ, BMW USAⓇ, the LPGAⓇ, and American Licorice™ Company joined several other brands in support of this year’s retreat and the organization’s important mission. It is through these supportive partnerships that founder Tiffany Fitzgerald seeks to “continue breaking down barriers, promoting diversity, and empowering the next generation of Black girls and women in golf.”
Since its establishment in 2013, Black Girls Golf, under Tiffany’s leadership and vision, has tirelessly worked to create more access and opportunity to careers for women of color within the golf industry, a predominantly insulated environment steeped in tradition, privilege, and exclusivity. Along the way, their national membership has grown significantly, supporting more and more women each year who seek not only to build their golf skills but to connect with other supportive women as a community.
“The retreat was amazing! Not only did I learn how to play the game of golf, but I was able to foster both business and personal connections with other phenomenal women. The panels were informative, and I left with new information from all panel discussions. The whole experience took the fear out of golf for me. I now feel empowered to try and practice my golf swing and engage [in] the game of golf.” – Wendy J.
As one of the many sponsors of the retreat, the American Licorice Company was able to send a few of its associates to attend the event as well. American Licorice Payroll Administrator Bridgette Braswell shared that, “For someone who has never golfed but has been to a few clubs, the retreat allowed for insight into the game and a window into the vision of Black Girls Golf.”
Bridgette went on to highlight her favorite aspects of the event, noting, “The panel discussion and fireside chat were excellent opportunities to hear from women [about] their career journeys, takeaways, and growth opportunities. It was also impressive and inspiring to meet so many women with diverse backgrounds, careers, and roles. It was a phenomenal event, and I look forward to the next one!”
This sentiment is undoubtedly shared by all those who attended this powerful event. To learn more about how Black Girls Golf supports its members and its mission all year round, visit them here: https://blackgirlsgolf.net/
July 29, 1956 – January 13, 2024
Paul Truesdale, Jr., 67, departed this life on January 13, 2024. He was the son of the late Paul, Sr., and Rebecca Duren Truesdale and a member of Tri-County Golf Club (the counties of Chester, Lancaster and York, South Carolina.)
Paul was educated in the Lancaster County School System and was a 1974 graduate of Andrew Jackson High School. Eager to learn, he continued his studies after high school and earned an associate degree.
Paul was a faithful and dedicated member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. He served in many capacities. He was a member of the Men’s Choir, Trustee and Usher Board, driver for the church van, church custodian and responsible for the beautification of the church lawn.
Paul was married to Vera Samuel Truesdale.
Paul leaves to cherish fond memories his wife, Vera Truesdale; two daughters, Keisha Lightner (James) and Kimberly Colvin (Tyrone); two sons, Adam Walker, and Kevin Samuel; three sisters, Linda Sowell (Robert) of Heath Springs, SC, Sandy Truesdale and Brenda Truesdale; two brothers, Thurmond Truesdale (Elaine) and Isaac Truesdale and six grandchildren.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 7375 Kershaw-Camden Hwy, Kershaw, South Carolina 29067.
Viewing is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2024, at Stewart Funeral Home.
Tiger Woods is slated to make his inaugural appearance on the PGA Tour in the upcoming month, participating in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera while simultaneously fulfilling his hosting duties for the event.
In 2023, Woods, grappling with persistent injuries, participated in only three tournaments. Following a seven-month hiatus, he returned to compete in last year’s Genesis and subsequently took to the course for the Masters six weeks later. Unfortunately, his Augusta experience turned sour as he was compelled to withdraw due to injury before the third round. An extended absence from competition ensued as the golf legend grappled with an eight-month recovery period for an ankle issue.
His second comeback of the season materialized at the Hero World Challenge in December, concluding his campaign in the Bahamas. The PGA Tour has now disclosed that after a two-month break, Woods is poised to kick off his year in Los Angeles in February. This return aligns with Woods’ commitment to participate in one event per month throughout 2024, commencing in February.
Expressing his outlook while hosting the Hero World Challenge in December, Woods stated, “I think that the best scenario would be maybe a tournament a month. Again, we have it set up right now; the biggest events are one per month. It sets itself up for that. Now, I need to get myself ready for all that. I think this week is a big step in that direction.” Choosing to forego competition in January, Woods is gearing up for his return in LA next month at an event and golf course close to his heart.
Riviera holds particular significance as it marks the venue of the 15-time major champion’s PGA Tour debut at the Los Angeles Open in 1992, when he was just 16 years old. A quarter of a century later, now regarded as one of golf’s greatest players, Woods assumed the role of tournament host under its new sponsor name Genesis, a position he has retained since then.
Following his appearance in California, Woods is anticipated to participate in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in March. The subsequent four months will witness the staging of golf’s four majors: the Masters in April, PGA Championship in May, US Open in June, and The Open in July, concluding the major season.
Beyond July, Woods’ plans for the remainder of the year remain uncertain, contingent on his fitness. Despite participating in just six events over two years due to injuries, Woods expresses confidence in adhering to his 2024 plan, stating last month, “I think that I can get into the rhythm of it. I think that having a couple of weeks off to recover, a week to build up, there’s no reason why I can’t get into that rhythm. It’s just a matter of getting in better shape, basically. I feel like my game’s not that far off, but I need to get in better shape.”
The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions attracts the who’s who of golf stars and celebrities. This women’s professional golf tournament on the LPGA Tour debuted in 2019 at the Four Seasons Golf & Sports Club Orlando in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The tournament field is limited to winners on LPGA Tour events in the previous two years. For 2024 the event is being contested on the greens of the pristine Lake Nona Country Club, Orlando, Fla.
In 2023, Staci Pla, a talented female youth amateur golfer, was awarded the Fore Sistas 2023 Golf Tournament Sponsorship, marking a significant achievement in her budding career. Staci successfully defended her title at the Palm Beach Junior Honda Classic, January 6-7. Due to sponsorship changes, it was the IMG Palm Beach Classic at PGA National.
Staci’s accomplishments are remarkable. The active player has achieved the status of District Champ with an impressive score of 66, the lowest among girls in the State of Florida. Grateful for the financial support received in the previous year, Staci’s mother, Sherri Pla, acknowledged that such backing enabled Staci to participate in major tournaments in California and Virginia, contributing to her continued development and success.
Staci is affiliated with Berean Christian School and just turned 17. Homeschooled, She enjoys playing piano and is a member of the Berean’s girls golf team. Her mother, Sherri Pla, is the head coach of the boys and girls golf programs at the school. She first touched a club at age three. Her first tournament golf experience took place when she was five.
“I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the financial support you gave Staci last year. Because of you, she was able to travel and play in 2 major tournaments in California and Virginia. Those experiences are the reason she is continuing to develop and would not have achieved the 66 yesterday without your support.” — Sherri Pla
Staci’s prowess was showcased in the junior girls’ division of the Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Cisco Junior Series in Duluth, GA, in August 2023. Presented by APGA and the Cameron Champ Foundation, Staci emerged as the champion, finishing at +3 and securing the first-place position. Her skill and determination on the golf course reflected her capabilities and earned her a well-deserved victory.
A resident of West Palm Beach, Staci Pla has been actively supported by Fore Sistas of Fairview Golf Club, an esteemed 501c3 Nonprofit Organization based in Jensen Beach, Florida. The organization plays a crucial role in fostering young talent and promoting diversity in golf, contributing to Staci’s journey and success in the competitive world of junior golf.
“Congratulations to Staci Pla – District Champ. Fired a 66 (lowest girls score in the State of Florida)” — Fore Sistas
The FORE SISTAS OF FAIRVIEW GOLF CLUB, INC. will host their 3rd Annual Golf Tournament from March 1st to 2nd, 2024, at the Martin Downs Country Club & Resort in Palm City, FL. The event offers an All-Inclusive Package of $200 per person, covering a Golf Clinic, Women’s Wealth & Health Symposium, Welcome Reception, Breakfast, Practice Facility Access, and Awards Luncheon.
A Golf Package for $150 includes access to the Practice Facility, Golf Tournament, and Awards Luncheon, while a Non-Golf Package for $75 provides access to the Women’s Wealth & Health Symposium, Reception, Breakfast, and Awards Luncheon.
The schedule includes various activities such as a Golf Clinic, Symposium, Welcome Reception, and the main Golf Tournament, with proceeds supporting aspiring African American youth or collegiate golfers. The tournament is open to women, men, or mixed flights, featuring competitive and non-competitive flights for all skill levels. Registration is available at sfwaga.org, and inquiries or sponsorship opportunities can be directed to [email protected].
ABOUT FORE SISTAS OF FAIRVIEW GOLF CLUB, INC.:
Fore Sistas is a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization comprised of a group of dynamic women of color from the Treasure Coast and South Florida areas who found each other on the links and who share a common passion for playing golf and donating to charitable causes to enrich the lives of children and elderly in our communities. Our 2nd annual golf tournament will continue that tradition. This year, with your support, the net proceeds from the golf tournament will be used to support aspiring African American female youth or collegiate golfers. For more information visit https://www.sfwaga.org
NEW YORK and FRISCO, Texas (January 18, 2024) – Eastside Golf, the lifestyle golf brand dedicated to driving change and creating a more culturally relevant point of view of the game, announced it has closed a seed round led by EP Golf Ventures, an investment partnership between the PGA of America and Elysian Park Ventures, the private investment arm affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group. $3.4 Million was secured by Eastside Golf in Recent Funding Round. The investment from EP Golf Ventures will accelerate Eastside Golf’s growth as it launches new product lines and will support its efforts to use fashion to change the cultural conversation around golf, creating new entry points to the game for young athletes and emerging professionals.
Founded in 2019 by former Morehouse College golf teammates Olajuwon Ajanaku and PGA of America Golf Professional Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf has transformed public perceptions of golf through its apparel line, which has been embraced by golf professionals, celebrities, fashion influencers and professional athletes alike.
“Earl and Olajuwon have done what no one has been able to do before – create a brand rooted in golf that resonates outside of the sport to bring in new audiences to the game. Not only are they masters at capturing the cultural zeitgeist, but they have also developed an innovative business which we believe has the capacity for immense growth,” said Jay Adya, Managing Partner, Elysian Park Ventures and EP Golf Ventures.
“Eastside Golf has developed a culturally relevant brand that is bringing a new audience into golf and helping to usher in a new future of the game,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “Earl and Olajuwan have a unique combination of creativity, deep roots in golf and an ability to organically tap into the cultural conversation. The PGA of America is deeply committed to investing in the evolution of the modern golf culture and inviting and cultivating a broader participation in golf. We look forward to supporting Eastside Golf’s continued efforts to make the game more welcoming to everyone who wants to play or be involved.”
In the past two years, Eastside Golf has experienced an extraordinary 600% year-over-year growth. This year, Eastside Golf will launch new lines, including wholesale and women’s apparel, and host new golf events, doubling the amount of pop-ups in major markets, including its second-annual Eastside Golf Invitational during New York Fashion Week. Eastside Golf will debut their highly anticipated Spring Forward collection at their first-ever booth at this year’s PGA Show in Orlando, Fla. from January 24th – 26th.
Additionally, Eastside Golf will support five Community Golf Days in Augusta, Ga., Jacksonville, Fla., Detroit, Mich., Memphis, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga., to bring new players to their local courses to play, connect with others and experience the fun of the game at no cost.
“Our goal in creating Eastside Golf is to show people that you can be yourself and you don’t need to look a certain way to play the game,” said Earl Cooper, PGA, co-founder of Eastside Golf. “The future of the game exists outside of the golf industry. We’ve been able to tap into the culture to change the perception of the sport and grow the game for future generations. As a PGA of America Golf Professional, I’m especially honored to have the support of EP Golf Ventures as we enter into our next chapter.”
“The goal with Eastside Golf is to change how people around the world view the sport,” added Eastside Golf Co-Founder Olajuwon Ajanaku. “Our logo is not what you’d expect from a traditional apparel line rooted in golf — a Black man wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and gold rope chain, swinging a club. And that’s the goal. We want to inspire confidence but also promote authenticity by showing that everyone can enjoy the game of golf, no matter who you are.”
The company’s apparel is beloved by athletes and tastemakers including NBA stars Chris Paul and Jayson Tatum, NFL great Victor Cruz, musician DJ Khaled, and former President Barack Obama, among many others. Its success is further underscored by notable relationships with global brands including seven collaborations with Jordan Brand, and strategic partnerships and licensing deals with major entities such as the NBA, MLB, and Mercedes Benz. Eastside Golf was profiled in Hulu’s “Grails: When Sneakers Change the Game,” a six-episode docuseries on how Ajanaku and Cooper are driving social and cultural change in golf. Eastside Golf is deeply committed to supporting and spotlighting HBCU golf and has donated a cumulative $150K to support the Morehouse College
Event to Honor First Black PGA Member Charlie Sifford
Southern California Golf Association Junior Golf Foundation Los Angeles
Tee Divas & Tee Dudes (TDTD) Golf Club, in its 3rd Annual Black Golf History and Junior Achievement Celebration event, continues in its effort to honor Black golf pioneers during Black History Month. It will also recognize leading golf organizations supporting South LA junior golfers’ opportunities in golf. The event will occur at the historic Chester Washington Golf Course,1818 Charlie Sifford Drive, Los Angeles, California 90047.
In 2023, the TDTD Junior Golf program supported over 40 juniors and 10 college students by providing financial assistance to pay for tournament entry fees, golf clinics, golf equipment, and apparel. The program also awarded scholarships to 5 graduating high school students.
One of the goals of the TDTD Junior Golf program is to ensure juniors and the Los Angeles community understand the sacrifices that have been made to ensure that Black and other minority golfers have access and opportunities within the golf world.
TDTD Junior Golfers will present “A Significant Moment in Black Golf History—Charlie Sifford.” Charlie Sifford was the first Black professional golfer to receive a PGA America membership card, and the state of California played a role in this accomplishment.
The Doris LaCour Leadership Award will be presented to the Southern California Golf Association Junior Golf Foundation (SCGA Junior). Kevin Gigax, Executive Director, will receive the award on behalf of SCGA Junior. Under Gigax’s leadership, SCGA Junior has become a supportive partner of the TDTD Juniors. Gigax’s leadership role in revitalizing the historic Maggie Hathaway Par 3 Golf Course through the FORE Youth: 2023 U.S. Open Community Legacy Campaign will provide much-needed access to golf opportunities in our community. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation are among local leaders involved in the effort. Doris LaCour is the TDTD GC Founder and President Emeritus. Learn more about Tee Divas & Tee Dudes Golf Club by visiting https://teedivas-dudesgolf.com/
FRISCO, Texas (January 17, 2024) – Committed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce, the PGA of America is inviting local talent from underrepresented backgrounds to register for PGA JobMatch to be considered for a new cycle of positions that support the PGA of America’s high-profile 2024 Major Championships.
Individuals can register here through Feb. 15 to potentially interview for opportunities with the Association’s key vendors for jobs leading up to, during and after the following PGA of America events:
•PGA Championship / Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky (May 13-19, 2024)
•KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship / Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor, Michigan (May 20-26, 2024)
•KPMG Women’s PGA Championship / Sahalee Country Club, Sammamish, Washington (June 17-23, 2024)
Job opportunities include part-time and full-time temporary work for pre-, during and post-Championship events from April to July. A variety of positions need to be filled within areas such as security staffing, hospitality, general labor, transportation, logistics, carpentry, construction, janitorial and miscellaneous services.
“We are committed to illuminating the wide variety of pathways to a career within the $102 billion golf industry,” said PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross. “Through PGA JobMatch, we leverage our spectator championships to generate local employment opportunities for emerging talent from a variety of backgrounds, identities and abilities, who want to discover what a career in the business of golf could look like.
”The PGA of America will work with diverse talent and employment associations, as well as local partners in Kentucky, Michigan and Washington to encourage candidates to register for PGA JobMatch. Connections will be made between qualified candidates and key PGA of America vendors, such as CSC, Cornerstone Parking and Patina Restaurant Group.
A full list of opportunities is featured on pga.com/pga-of-america/pga-jobmatch. Registrations must be received by February 15, 2024 to be considered. Qualified candidates will be contacted by PGA of America’s key vendors for the next phase of the hiring process.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) has initiated an innovative endeavor by introducing a pilot program for state teams, designed to cultivate talented junior golfers and integrate them into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP). In this initial phase, seven states—California (Southern), Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Tennessee—are actively participating. This marks the inaugural stage of an ambitious plan aiming to establish teams from every state by the year 2033.
This significant development is the result of a collaborative effort involving the USGA, allied golf associations, the PGA of America, and state junior programs. Regarded as a crucial component of the talent identification pathway for the USNDP, the initiative aims to provide diverse athletes with enhanced opportunities to access resources and guidance, enabling them to compete at the highest level in the sport.
Selection and eligibility for the pilot program are entrusted to committees within each of the seven participating states. These committees are responsible for establishing team selection criteria and managing the state program. The roster sizes for state teams will be determined based on junior participation within the state, with specific eligibility prerequisites, including age, citizenship, and handicap index requirements that participants must meet for the 2024 competition.
The USNDP, unveiled in February 2023, is dedicated to maintaining the global dominance of American golf. The program encompasses various pillars, including talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relationships, and financial support for athletes. Chris Zambri, former associate head coach at Pepperdine, will lead the National Team, emphasizing equitable opportunities and leveraging local expertise to fuel the ambitions of junior golfers.
Heather Daly-Donofrio, the managing director of the USGA, emphasizes the potential of the program to elevate the competitiveness of in-state junior golf events and enhance diversity. This state team pilot program is not just a conduit for talent; it serves as a launchpad for the future of American golf.