Junior Golfer Stephen Strong had his 2nd Hole-in-One on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Charles T. Myers Golf Course, Charlotte, North Carolina. The shot was accomplished on hole #8 at 176 yards using a 7 iron Titleist golf club and Titleist Prov1 golf ball. His playing partner was Jenelle Smith.
The Dream @ Blu’ celebration in Long Beach, California brings together art, music, poetry, and community spirit in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Hosted by Hannibal Media Group and DreamKreator Studio at the Blu’ Arts and Wellness Gallery on Pine Avenue, the event amplifies the ideals of the Beloved Community with an afternoon of cultural expression through spoken word, acoustic jazz, and visual art.
Curated and hosted by Tommy Domino, the program features performances by renowned poet Da Boogieman and special guest Tracia Alkmia Cochee, whose work spans poetry, authorship, and holistic expression. Attendees will experience a dynamic blend of artistic voices, accompanied by artwork from gallery residents Shelton Gillis, Mohammed Mubarak, and WanJean the Artist. The event provides a reflective yet uplifting environment for attendees to connect with Dr. King’s vision of unity, creativity, and social harmony.
Dream @ Blu’ fosters a sense of community and cultural appreciation, demonstrating how the arts continue to honor civil rights history while inspiring contemporary dialogue and connection. Visitors are encouraged to engage in thoughtful reflection and celebration of Dr. King’s enduring message.
For more information or to reserve tickets, visit the event listing on Eventbrite or check the Blu’ Arts and Wellness Gallery calendar.
A parallel cultural experience during PGA Show week spotlighting heritage, innovation, and representation in golf
January 2026 — (Orlando, Florida) African American Golf EXPO & Forum
Ebony Greens™, a Black-owned golf apparel brand redefining modern golf culture, proudly participates in the African American Golf EXPO & Forum during PGA Show week. The brand introduces a bold vision for the future of golf—one rooted in heritage, representation, and performance-driven design.
Founded to honor the legacy of minority golfers while creating space for the next generation, Ebony Greens exists at the intersection of culture, lifestyle, and sport. The brand blends technical golf performance with Afrocentric storytelling, delivering apparel that looks intentional on the course and powerful off it. Each collection is designed not simply to be worn—but to represent.
“Golf has always been about tradition,” said Roderick Shawn Summerville, Founder & CEO of Ebony Greens™. “Ebony Greens is about expanding that tradition—making the course a place where culture, history, and excellence coexist.”
What Makes Ebony Greens Unique: Authentic cultural representation inspired by African heritage and Black golf history; performance-first construction designed for comfort, mobility, and modern athletes; and inclusive storytelling that connects underserved communities to the game.
Looking Ahead: The Links to Our Roots — 2026. At the EXPO, Ebony Greens previews its 2026 design direction through The Links to Our Roots—an annual concept exploring the dual meaning of “links”: the fairways we play and the ancestral ties that ground us. The first micro-collection, Heritage on the Green, blends retro-geometric prints, aerial landscape views, and modern golf silhouettes to create a collection that is both timeless and forward.
As Ebony Greens continues to grow, its presence at the African American Golf EXPO & Forum underscores the brand’s commitment to shaping a more inclusive future for golf—one that honors the past, reflects the present, and invites more voices to the table. Because when we step onto the green, we bring more than our game—we bring our roots.
To learn more abount Ebony Greens conTact Roderick Shawn Summerville, Founder & CEO at +1 (502) 386-1455, email: [email protected] or visit www.ebonygreens.com
ABOUT THE EXPO
The mission of the EXPO is to educate and inform African Americans about the jobs, careers, and business opportunities in the $102 Billion Golf industry. African Americans represent less than 3% of the industry. The EXPO started in 2021 and has been held in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Louisville, KY and West Palm Beach, FL. Over 2000 people have attended with an economic impact approaching $2M. The EXPO founder and organizer is Jim Beatty, CEO of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures. The EXPO 2026 dates are Jan 21 – 24, in Orlando, Fl at the Orange County Convention Center collocated with the PGA Show. Visit the EXPO website for schedule and detail at www.aagolfexpo.com, Information is updated daily
Memphis, a city long celebrated for its culture, resilience, and legacy of greatness, will take center stage in women’s professional golf as it hosts the 2026 Sapphire Golf Tour Season Opener. The event will officially launch the new season and marks a significant moment for both the tour and the city, blending high-level competition with community engagement and cultural expression.
The Sapphire Golf Tour was established to create meaningful competitive and economic opportunities for women golfers while expanding access and visibility within the sport. Since its inception, the tour has positioned itself as more than a traditional professional circuit, integrating tournament play with youth development, charitable initiatives, and lifestyle-driven fan experiences. Its events are intentionally designed to connect professional athletes with local communities and to reimagine how women’s golf is presented and experienced.
The tour was founded by Tarek DeLavallade, who also serves as its commissioner. DeLavallade is also Executive Director of the United Golfers Association and is widely recognized as a visionary leader and entrepreneur within the golf industry, with a long-standing commitment to growing the game through innovation, inclusion, and strategic partnerships. Under his leadership, the Sapphire Golf Tour has focused on building sustainable pathways for women golfers while aligning the sport with culture, entertainment, and community impact. His approach has helped shape the tour’s identity as both competitive and purpose-driven.
The Memphis season opener will reflect this philosophy through a weekend-long experience that extends beyond the fairways. The event will begin with a welcome reception hosted by Memphis Mayor Paul Young, officially welcoming the Sapphire Golf Tour to the city. A charity golf invitational will support initiatives centered on access, opportunity, and the development of the next generation of women golfers. On-site golf clinics will further strengthen community ties by connecting tour players with juniors and local participants.
Fans and attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere throughout the weekend, featuring a DJ on the 19th green, curated food trucks highlighting Memphis cuisine, and two VIP hospitality tents for partners, sponsors, and special guests. A 20-foot jumbotron at the 19th hole will stream The Masters live on Saturday and Sunday, creating a dynamic environment that blends professional golf with music, food, and shared viewing experiences.
The 2026 Sapphire Golf Tour Season Opener is not simply a tournament, but a full-scale cultural sports experience that celebrates women in golf while honoring the unique spirit of Memphis. View Part #1 Schedule HERE. Additional information, updates, and contact details are available at www.sapphiregolftour.com.
Jamie Taylor, LPGA professional and founder of 10K Golf, will host a free Lunch & Learn session titled Golf Without Intimidation: From the Range to the Course, aimed at helping women build confidence and feel a stronger sense of belonging in the game of golf. The virtual session will take place this Wednesday, January 14, and is open to women at all stages of their golf journey.
The session is designed to address one of the most common barriers to participation in golf for women—not skill, but confidence. Taylor will explore why golf can feel intimidating, identify situations that commonly create anxiety on the range or course, and share practical language women can use to advocate for themselves. Attendees will also learn simple mental and emotional reset strategies to help them feel more comfortable, especially when they are new to the game.
This Lunch & Learn is particularly beneficial for women who are new to golf, those who have been considering starting but feel unsure, or anyone seeking a more supportive, confidence-first approach to learning and playing. Participants are encouraged to attend live or share the invitation with friends, colleagues, or community members who have expressed interest in taking up golf. Interested persons can sign up HERE.
Jamie Taylor brings a unique perspective to this work through her background as an LPGA professional and educator. She is the founder of 10K Golf, a women-focused golf development platform under the 10K Sports umbrella. The organization is dedicated to making golf more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming by removing traditional barriers and rethinking how the game is taught and experienced. Through instruction, community-building, and digital education, 10K Golf empowers women to engage with the sport on their own terms.
10K Golf’s mission centers on confidence, clarity, and connection. Rather than emphasizing perfection or performance, the platform focuses on helping women understand the game, navigate golf environments, and feel comfortable stepping onto the course. Its programs are designed to meet women where they are, whether they are picking up a club for the first time or returning to the game after time away.
Taylor’s Lunch & Learn reflects the broader philosophy of 10K Golf: sometimes all it takes is the right invitation, the right language, and the reassurance that you belong. Interested participants can register in advance, and those new to the platform are encouraged to begin with the available tutorial video to get started.
Seventh-annual event set for Saturday, January 24 – Sunday, January 25
at Torrey Pines Golf Course; Invitational champion to receive a sponsor exemption into the
PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open® the following week
SAN DIEGO (January 12, 2026) – The Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring an inclusive future through the game of golf, has announced the 18-player field for the seventh-annual APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Invitational.
The 36-hole event will open the APGA Tour’s 2026 season with a field featuring many of the APGA’s top players competing on the Torrey Pines North Course on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25.
The tournament leads into the PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open, and the winner of the APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational will earn an automatic entry into the PGA TOUR tournament the following week as a sponsor exemption.
Farmers®, the PGA TOUR and the APGA Tour continue to prioritize helping remove barriers to entry for golfers and creating development opportunities on and off the course. The organizations are also focused on helping players have access to the tools and resources necessary to elevate their career paths and business acumen. The Farmers Insurance Invitational will again feature a $100,000 purse, with $30,000 awarded to the winner.
“We are delighted to return to Torrey Pines for the seventh-annual APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational,” APGA Chief Operating Officer Solomon Hughes said. “Staging this event at such an iconic venue provides our players with a world-class experience, as well as an incredible opportunity for our 2026 champion to play alongside PGA TOUR players in the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open. We look forward to again teeing up the start of the 2026 APGA Tour season in San Diego.”
The 18-player field includes the following players, along with how they qualified:
Per APGA Tour regulations, players in the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Invitational field must be full-time members of the 2025 APGA Tour unless otherwise stated below.
Top five eligible players from the final 2025 Cisco Cup points list:
● Marcus Byrd
● Chase Johnson
● Kamaiu Johnson
● Luis Gagne
● Jonathan Yoshihiro
Top eight eligible players from the final 2025 Farmers Fall Series standings:*
● Willie Mack III
● Kevin Hall
● Jaime Lopez Rivarola
● Gregory Odom, Jr.
● Kci Lindskog
● Aaron Beverly
● Aaron Grimes
● Wyatt Worthington II
Top player in the 2025-2026 Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking** (As of December 1):
● Ivan Barahona (San Jose State)
Top player from the 2025 APGA Cisco Junior Series presented by APGA Tour and Cameron Champ Foundation final ranking:
● Isaac Diaz (a)
Three APGA players as nominated by APGA and approved by the APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational exemption committee:
● Michael Bradham
● John Baptiste Hakizimana
● Troy Taylor II
Additional Criteria:
*Not otherwise qualified through the above Cisco Cup standings
**Players are eligible to receive this exemption one time during their college career
(a) Player is an amateur
Three players will make their debut in the Farmers Insurance Invitational – Southern California native Jonathan Yoshihiro (Yorba Linda, California), who won the APGA’s MasterCard Tour Championship as an APGA Tour rookie in 2025, Kci Lindskog (Jakarta, Indonesia) and Isaac Diaz, an American Junior Golf Association-ranked player from Del Rio, Texas, who also competed in the APGA’s 2025 Cisco Invitational at Pebble Beach.
South Africa native Kieron van Wyk won last year’s APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational. In doing so, the College of Charleston product became the first amateur player to win an APGA tournament in the organization’s 16-year history.
Other past Farmers Insurance Invitational champions include Moreno Valley, California native Michael Herrera (2024), 2025 Jeff Dailey (APGA) Player of the Year and Cisco Cup champion Marcus Byrd (2023), Patrick Newcomb (2022), Landon Lyons (2021), and APGA Tour legend Tim O’Neal (2020), who has played full time on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit the past three seasons.
APGA Player Profiles
Below you will find brief player profiles on six standout individuals who will compete in the field this year. For biographies on all 2026 Farmers Insurance Invitational participants, please click here.
Marcus Byrd
A Washington, D.C. native, Byrd is an eight-time APGA Tour winner who earned the APGA’s Jeff Dailey Player of the Year award and won the APGA’s Cisco Cup in 2025. Also, the Temple Hills, Maryland resident was one of three golfers with multiple 2025 APGA Tour victories. Since 2022, Byrd has eight PGA TOUR starts while making the cut in his previous two PGA TOUR events, including July’s ISCO Championship. He also played in the PGA TOUR’s 2023 Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods, as the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption recipient.
Luis Gagne
A resident of Orlando, Florida, and an LSU golf product, Gagne was the low amateur at the 2018 U.S. Open and played in the 2019 and 2021 U.S. Opens. In his second year on the APGA Tour in 2025, the San Jose, Costa Rica native won his first APGA title at July’s APGA Two-Man Classic at TPC Louisiana (with partner Willie Mack III) and finished runner-up via playoff in the Farmers Insurance Invitational.
Kevin Hall
Hall has played on the APGA Tour since its 210 establishment and is the APGA’s only deaf golfer. In 2025 the Cincinnati, Ohio, native captured his eighth APGA title at the APGA Daugherty Foundation Championship and concluded last season by capturing the silver medal at the 25th Deaflympics in Tokyo in November. In December, Hall received the APGA’s Adrian Stills Award presented by Cisco, recognizing the player who best embodies the APGA’s spirit of character, sportsmanship, courage and giving back to the game and community. Additionally, Hall, who graduated with a journalism degree from Ohio State, made his PGA TOUR debut as the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption recipient at the 2017 Genesis Invitational and last started on the PGA TOUR at the 2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. During his storied collegiate golf career, Hall was the first African American to play college golf at Ohio State, serving as a co-captain during his junior (2002-03) and senior (2003-04) years.
Chase Johnson
The APGA’s Jeff Dailey Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024, Johnson won his seventh APGA title at the 2025 Cisco APGA Black History Month Classic at TPC Sawgrass. The Barberton, Ohio native played in the 2025 U.S. Open, beating out PGA TOUR stars Rickie Fowler and Max Homa via a playoff in U.S. Open Final Qualifying to earn his ninth PGA TOUR start since 2021. Currently residing in Boynton Beach, Florida, the Kent State graduate played in the PGA TOUR’s 2024 Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods, as the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption recipient and made his third PGA TOUR cut.
Kamaiu Johnson
An eight-time APGA champion, Johnson was one of three players to capture multiple APGA titles in 2025 — winning the APGA Juneteenth Classic in Los Angeles and the APGA at TPC Scottsdale. The Tallahassee, Florida native andOviedo, Florida resident made the first of his five PGA TOUR starts at the 2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and competed in the 2022 Farmers Insurance Open.
Willie Mack III
The APGA’s winningest active player, Mack III has won 17 times and secured an APGA Tour-leading three titles in 2025 – including the Farners Insurance Fall Series crown. The Flint, Michigan native has played on the APGA Tour every year since he turned pro and debuted in 2011. Current residing in Orlando, Florida, Mack III holds 10 PGA TOUR starts (two cuts made) and played in the 2024 U.S. Open.
To learn more about the APGA and how to support, please see here.
About the APGA Tour
The APGA Tour was established in 2010 as a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring an inclusive future through the game of golf. The APGA Tour Board of Directors works diligently to accomplish this by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player development programs, mentoring programs, and by introducing the game to inner city young people. In addition to conducting 16 tournaments awarding more than $1 million in prize and bonus money in 2025, the APGA has organized a Player Development Program to aid golfers as they work to chase their professional golf goals.
JANUARY 5, 2026 — Jim Beatty, founder of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum announced today that he is seeking individuals to compete in the First EXPO History Challenge. The History Challenge will test the individual’s knowledge in areas such as locations, people, rules, accomplishments, and more, at this exciting game. Contestants will be asked general knowledge questions covering all aspects of golf that most golf enthusiasts would know.
There will be questions about all ethnic races and genders and their accomplishments in the sport. Everyone is invited to participate. The format will be a multi-round elimination based on scores, concluding with a Champion and Runner-up. A panel of judges will ask the questions, keep time, and handle scoring, making the session engaging and enjoyable for both participants and attendees.
Contestants thus far are Craig Kirby, CEO, Golf. My Future. My Game., Ron Everett, Founder, Opus Organization and Mark Wagner, Shinnecock Golfers Association. Add your name to the list! All people are invited to participate. ALL MEANS ALL. There is no cost. It is easy just email [email protected]. By January 15th. That’s it.
There just 5 slots left. So, Do It Now!
The esteemed judges are Pete McDaniel, well known author, Clemmie Perry, Founder of Women Of Color Golf, Kevin Sunderman, COO, Golf Course Superintendents of America, Lisa Petros, Black History 365, LaJean Gould, founder of Women in Golf Foundation and the Honorary Judge is Renee Powell, LPGA professional and co-owner of Clearview Golf Course.
Jim Beatty, founder of the EXPO and Bob Denney, PGA Historian Emeritus have collaborated in developing the questions.
The EXPO History Challenge will take place at the EXPO at the Orange County Convention Center on Wednesday, January 21 from 11:00am -12:00pm in room W110A. Those wishing to participate should send an email to [email protected] by January 15 stating their desire to participate.
Here is a test question. If you can answer this you can compete:
Who won the gold medal in men’s golf at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
Ebony Greens™ is honored to present an exclusively curated gift box for the two winners of the Expo History Challenge. This premium offering will prominently feature the Ted Rhodes Uneven Lies Polo, co-branded with The Ted Rhodes Foundation, alongside an autographed book by renowned golf historian Pete McDaniel, and an annual print subscription to the African American Golfer’s Digest.
As a culturally driven golf lifestyle brand, Ebony Greens™ leads this sponsorship by blending modern design with meaningful storytelling. This exclusive gift box celebrates the legacy of Ted Rhodes while reinforcing the importance of preserving and sharing golf’s history through education and style.
In collaboration with The Ted Rhodes Foundation, Ebony Greens™ proudly delivers a gift that honors the past, inspires the present, and reflects a shared commitment to legacy, inclusion, and excellence within the game.
About The EXPO
The mission of the EXPO is to educate and inform African Americans and all people of color about the jobs, careers, and business opportunities in the $102 Billion Golf industry. The EXPO goal is to increase African American and all people of color representation in the industry. The EXPO started in 2021 and has been held in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Louisville, KY and West Palm Beach, FL. Several thousand people have attended with a multimillion economic impact. The EXPO founder and organizer is Jim Beatty, CEO of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures. The EXPO 2026 dates are Jan 21 – 22, in Orlando, Fl at the Orange County Convention Center collocated with the PGA Show and at other venues on Jan 23 and 24. Visit the EXPO website for schedule and detail at www.aagolfexpo.com, Information is updated daily.
The PGA Tour has announced a significant change to its Player Equity Program, broadening the way players can earn long-term financial rewards by incorporating current competitive performance into the model. Beginning with the 2026 season, the top 50 golfers in the FedEx Cup standings — finalized after the BMW Championship — will be eligible to receive recurring equity grants from the Tour’s first-of-its-kind ownership initiative, marking a notable evolution in how the organization rewards athlete performance.
The Player Equity Program was launched in 2024 as part of a broader restructuring of the PGA Tour’s business model following the entry of Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of North American sports owners led by Fenway Sports Group, into the Tour’s commercial operations. The program allows players to receive equity in PGA Tour Enterprises, the Tour’s for-profit arm that houses media rights, sponsorship deals, and commercial assets. The idea behind the plan was to create a shared-ownership model in which players benefit financially from the long-term growth and success of the PGA Tour, rather than only from weekly tournament earnings.
Originally, equity grants were awarded based on career performance, recent results, and influence within the sport. The first phase of the program distributed more than $1 billion in equity to over 200 players. Initial grants were awarded to golfers based on career points accumulated over several years, recent performance, and results from the Player Impact Program, which measured star power and engagement. Additional grants were also set aside for future players, with annual recurring allocations of equity scheduled to begin in 2025.
Under the newly announced expansion, the PGA Tour will now incorporate the current FedEx Cup standings into the equity model, meaning golfers who finish the season among the top 50 performers will receive recurring equity grants in PGA Tour Enterprises. Those grants tied to the 2026 FedEx Cup season will be awarded in April 2027, extending the benefits beyond retrospective performance and rewarding players for how they perform in the current competitive season.
Brian Rolapp, CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, emphasized in a memo to players that expanding the equity program reinforces the Tour’s commitment to recognizing competitive excellence and ensuring more players have a stake in the organization’s future success. In his memo, Rolapp noted that the enhancement resulted from feedback gathered during a player meeting at the Rocket Classic and discussions at the Tour’s November board meeting. The decision came just days before the delayed start of the 2026 season, underscoring the PGA Tour’s efforts to align the program with both competitive results and player interests.
The move to reward current performance marks a shift toward greater meritocracy within the equity program and reflects a broader trend in professional sports toward performance-based compensation and long-term incentives. By linking equity to FedEx Cup standings, the PGA Tour not only acknowledges players’ achievements each season but also deepens players’ financial ties to the organization’s commercial success. As Rolapp has noted, the PGA Tour’s shared ownership model is designed to benefit players as the Tour grows, making equity participation an increasingly meaningful part of a golfer’s career earnings.
While the expansion roughly doubles the number of players receiving recurring equity grants this year, it also reinforces the Tour’s commitment to innovate and adapt its business and competitive models. The new approach effectively combines performance, long-term investment, and shared success, signaling an evolving era in professional golf where players can benefit far beyond the traditional prize purse.
Season continues with expanded Playwrights’ Playground events and Future Classics readings
HARLEM, NY (January 2026) — The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH), the award-winning theater company dedicated to bringing accessible, world-class classical theater to diverse audiences, announced today that its 2026 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production will be William Shakespeare’s Othello, directed by Carl Cofield. The free outdoor production will take place summer 2026 in Marcus Garvey Park, continuing CTH’s beloved tradition of presenting bold, resonant Shakespeare in the heart of Harlem.
A gripping exploration of jealousy, power, race, and manipulation, Othello remains one of Shakespeare’s most urgent and emotionally-charged tragedies. Through its signature lens, The Classical Theatre of Harlem will bring renewed perspective to the play’s timeless themes.
“For Uptown Shakespeare in the Park, we seek plays that speak directly to our audiences today,” said Ty Jones, Artistic Director of The Classical Theatre of Harlem. “Othello’s unraveling is not just personal; it is societal. It asks audiences to see how racism, militarization, and psychological trauma intertwine to destroy both the body and the soul. His tragedy is not jealousy alone, but the crushing aftermath of being asked to serve, to excel, to assimilate — and yet never to belong. Presenting this work outdoors, free and accessible to all, as always, is central to our mission.”
Uptown Shakespeare in the Park has become a summer cultural touchstone in New York City, drawing thousands of attendees each year and creating an open, welcoming space where classical theater is experienced collectively. The 2026 production of Othello will continue CTH’s commitment to inclusive casting, community engagement, and high-caliber artistic excellence.
Additional details including performance dates, cast, creative team, and partner organizations will be announced at a later date.
As part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement and arts advocacy, The Classical Theatre of Harlem will partner with Angel of Harlem for an Impact Drink Mixer on Wednesday, January 14 at 6:00 PM. A portion of proceeds from two specially-crafted cocktails will benefit CTH and support its mission to provide free, accessible theater across New York City.
Featured cocktails include the Sword of Othello, made with Ketel One Vodka, passion fruit, and mango, and the Captain Holt, crafted with Nearest Green Whiskey, lemon juice, and ginger beer. The event offers a relaxed, neighborhood-centered opportunity for audiences to gather, celebrate Harlem’s cultural vitality, and directly support the continued presentation of classical theater for all.
CTH is also excited to continue its acclaimed Literary Series, aimed at nurturing bold new voices and promoting work that redefines representation on the American stage. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with City Council Member Shaun Abreu, the Coalition of Theatres of Color, and Cultural Immigrant Initiative; as well and the Axe-Houghton Foundation, Jarvis & Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, and the Lucille Lortel Foundation. The free series will continue to run through the 2026 season, with readings scheduled at the Harlem School of the Arts (645 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY).
The series invests in the development of work that shifts the conversation around representation in theatre and is dedicated to providing a platform for voices that have been historically underrepresented on the American stage.
Playwrights’ Playground and Future Classics will alternate throughout the season, offering artists opportunities to share works-in-progress and new full-length plays.
Upcoming Dates:
Playwrights’ Playground
Ideal for works in progress, this program invites playwrights to submit 10–12 pages of a new piece. Selected submissions are presented as cold readings, followed by structured audience feedback sessions designed to help writers refine and develop their work.
Future Classics
Focused on completed full-length plays, Future Classics highlights playwrights exploring urgent social themes. Participants work closely with CTH’s dramaturg, directors, and actors to present a public reading and receive professional feedback from industry peers.
Playwrights may submit their work, along with a brief bio and project description, to Shawn René Graham, Literary Director, at [email protected]. No phone calls, please. Full submission details are available at www.cthnyc.org.
For more information about the show and other upcoming events, please visit cthnyc.org. WNYC is a media partner of The Classical Theater of Harlem.
About The Classical Theatre Of Harlem
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is an American theatre company that tells stories through the lens of the African diaspora. CTH combines original adaptations, music, and dance to present great classics of world literature and contemporary works that will stand the test of time. Since its founding in 1999, CTH has presented works ranging from traditional classical playwrights (Sophocles, Euripides and William Shakespeare) to established 20th-century playwrights (August Wilson, Langston Hughes and Jean Genet) to new plays by emerging playwrights. CTH also proudly provides theater-based training and live theater experiences to Harlem youth and their families through its arts education program, Project Classics. The organization incorporates other theater-related programming including Future Classics, Playwrights’ Playground, and Revisited Classics to engage new audiences, invest in artistic development and give exposure to emerging creators.
The company serves over 35,000 live audience members per year. Its online offerings have drawn over 500,000 viewers. To learn more, visit https://www.cthnyc.org/.
Masters Tournament tickets are set to cost more in 2026 as Augusta National Golf Club raises the price of its coveted four-day badges for the first time in several years. Patrons who secured tickets through the traditional lottery system for the April major have been notified that the price for a full tournament badge, which grants access to all four rounds, will rise from $450 to $525 for the 2026 event at Augusta National in Georgia, marking roughly a 16 percent increase compared with the past three years.
The price increase comes as inflation continues to affect many sectors of the economy, and ticket holders will now pay about $130 per day for the Masters, although the cost of admission still remains modest relative to many other major sporting events. Historically, the cost of Masters badges has risen slowly compared with other championships; in its inaugural year in 1934, a Masters badge cost just $2, and even by the early 2000s, four-day passes remained below $150. The recent move to $525 reflects both inflation and efforts by the tournament’s organizers to maintain ticket availability while managing demand.
Despite the higher price, Masters tickets are widely regarded as among the best values in professional sports. Concession prices at Augusta National have long been famously low, with items such as egg salad sandwiches, bottled water, and even domestic beer selling for a few dollars each, adding to the overall experience for patrons. Compared with championship tickets in sports such as the NFL, NBA, or FIFA World Cup, where face-value prices often reach into the hundreds or thousands for premium matches, the Masters remains relatively affordable for golf fans fortunate enough to attend.
Securing a ticket to the Masters remains a challenge. Tickets are not sold on an open public marketplace; rather, prospective patrons enter a lottery application that was open from June 1 through June 20, 2025 for the 2026 tournament. Winners of the lottery will receive instructions to purchase their tickets and must complete payment in July. Practice round tickets for Monday and Tuesday are priced at $125, while Wednesday, which includes the popular Par 3 Contest, costs $150. Tournament tickets for Thursday through Sunday are set at $160 apiece, reflecting smaller increases over prior years.
With ticket demand far exceeding supply and resale strictly prohibited by Augusta National, many fans rely on years of lottery entries in hopes of being selected. The Masters’ fan base often spans generations, with some patrons holding ticket rights through family connections or waiting lists built over decades. As the 2026 Masters approaches — scheduled for April 9–12 — anticipation and ticket demand remain high, and the recent price increase has drawn both surprise and acceptance among golf enthusiasts.
The Masters remains one of the most storied events in the sport, and while the cost of attendance is rising, many argue that even with the increase, it continues to offer strong value relative to other major spectator sporting events.
The Sapphire Golf Tour has announced the first three official stops of its six-event 2026 season, signaling another major step forward in its ongoing mission to elevate women’s professional golf while expanding access, opportunity, and visibility across the sport. Spanning the South, the Rocky Mountains, and one of the world’s most culturally influential cities, the 2026 schedule reflects the tour’s commitment to meeting fans and communities where golf, culture, and impact intersect.
The 2026 season will open April 11–12 in Memphis, Tennessee, at Links at Pine Hill. The opening event sets the tone for the season by combining professional competition with community engagement in a city known for its history, resilience, and cultural significance. From there, the tour heads west to Denver, Colorado, with a stop at CommonGround Golf Course on May 30–31. Known nationally for its inclusive mission and player development focus, CommonGround aligns closely with the Sapphire Golf Tour’s values of accessibility and growth. The third announced stop will take place July 3–4 in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course during Essence Festival Weekend, creating a unique intersection of women’s golf, culture, and celebration.
Founded to address long-standing gaps in women’s professional golf, the Sapphire Golf Tour was created as a platform that goes beyond competition alone. The tour emphasizes player development, economic opportunity, and community connection while showcasing elite talent in environments designed to feel welcoming, energetic, and culturally relevant. Since its inception, the Sapphire Golf Tour has focused on building sustainable pathways for women golfers by combining tournament play with youth outreach, charitable initiatives, and immersive fan experiences.
Under the leadership of founder and commissioner Tarek DeLavallade, the tour has continued to expand its footprint while maintaining a purpose-driven approach. DeLavallade’s vision centers on creating opportunities both on and off the course, positioning the Sapphire Golf Tour as a catalyst for growth within women’s sports and the broader golf industry. His leadership has helped shape the tour into a platform that celebrates competition while also fostering connection, representation, and long-term impact.
The announcement of the first three stops is only the beginning of what is planned for the 2026 season. Additional cities and events will be revealed in the coming months as the Sapphire Golf Tour builds momentum and broadens its reach. With more locations, more playing opportunities, and continued community engagement, the tour is poised for another milestone year.
For additional information, updates, partnership inquiries, or general contact, visit www.sapphiregolftour.com.
TMRW Sports, the innovative sports media and entertainment company co-founded by golf icons Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy alongside CEO Mike McCarley, has once again made headlines with the announcement of a new women’s golf league in partnership with the LPGA. The league, known as WTGL (Women’s Tech-Infused Golf League), is set to launch in winter 2026-27 and will offer a fast-paced, team-based format blending technology and traditional golf, similar to the company’s existing men’s league, TGL. Matches will be played at the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, according to a Reuters report, and will feature some of the world’s top women golfers competing across a season of team match play.
Since its creation, TMRW Sports has distinguished itself by reimagining how golf can be presented and consumed. The company launched the TGL (Tech-Infused Golf League) in 2024, a primetime indoor golf competition combining elite players, team strategies and advanced simulator technology to deliver an entertainment experience that resonates with modern sports fans. The inaugural seasons of the men’s league drew significant attention, helped by the involvement of PGA Tour stars and a broadcast partnership that brought the sport into new viewing contexts. The popularity of TGL has helped position TMRW Sports at the forefront of efforts to innovate the traditional golf format.
The announcement of WTGL represents a major milestone for women’s golf, as it is expected to elevate visibility and fan engagement for LPGA athletes. LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler emphasized the league’s potential to reach new fans and enhance the global exposure of women’s golf, stating that the partnership with TMRW Sports reflects a shared belief in leveraging innovation to benefit the sport and its athletes. By connecting fans more deeply with players and showcasing personalities and performance in a dynamic environment, WTGL is being framed as a complementary platform to the existing LPGA Tour.
Mike McCarley, CEO of TMRW Sports, highlighted that the company has been preparing for this expansion since the launch of TGL. McCarley noted that the same passion for reinvention that underpins the men’s league will drive the women’s league, creating another stage to spotlight world-class talent and engage a broader audience. The new league is being designed to feature key elements of the TGL experience, such as short-form team competition, mic’d up players, risk-reward decisions, and advanced performance analytics, all of which contribute to its media-focused appeal.
The formation of WTGL is significant in the broader context of women’s sports, which have seen increasing interest in alternative and accelerated formats that boost visibility and fan engagement. By integrating a technology-enhanced approach with a team golf structure, TMRW Sports and the LPGA aim to create a compelling platform for athletes and audiences alike. The new league also aligns with the sport’s momentum toward greater innovation and diversification in how golf is consumed, offering viewers a blend of strategic competition and entertainment.
As WTGL prepares to debut in winter 2026-27, anticipation is building among fans and industry observers. With its foundation rooted in the success of TGL and the backing of two of golf’s most influential figures, TMRW Sports is poised to make a major impact on the future of women’s golf, expanding opportunities and redefining how the game can be experienced by a global audience.