Jobs

American Junior Golf Association Seeks Communications Traveling Intern

by AAGD NEWSWIRE
written by AAGD NEWSWIRE

The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the overall growth and development of
young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.
The AJGA is committed to creating an engaging, safe, and inclusive environment. We welcome people from all
backgrounds and believe in embracing diverse perspectives, we are better equipped to accomplish our mission of
developing golf’s next generation.

The backbone of the AJGA is its internship program and we are looking for talented and well-rounded applicants
to serve as communication interns. Interns will travel extensively throughout the United States during the
internship to help conduct national junior golf tournaments.

Job Responsibilities

• Execute the AJGA’s social media and promotional plans
• Photography / videography (shoot and edit)
• Create short and long-form content for the AJGA website and social media
• Create activation plans for AJGA sponsors
• Create sponsor impact content before, during and after an event
• Conduct interviews
• Work with local media
• Write and publish features and web stories
• Serve as on-course rules official, start and score players, and assist with overall operations as needed
• Monitor equipment inventory, maintenance and replenishment
• Public speaking
• Customer service

Job Qualifications

• Basic golf knowledge is preferred, but not required
• Experience with Microsoft Office required
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Experience in photography, video, graphic design and/or social media preferred
• Past experience in a team environment
• Efficiency, multi-tasking and time management
• Highly motivated, self-starter and willingness to take an active leadership role
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old prior to the start of the internship
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license for a minimum of three years
• Must complete a Georgia Department of Transportation physical (expenses covered by the AJGA)
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Must either be working towards or achieved a Bachelor’s Degree
• Ability to work long hours and weekends
• Work outside in extreme weather, temperatures, and direct sun exposure
• Drive and operate a golf cart, company vehicles and travel via plane
• Use and operate company equipment, i.e. radios / walkie-talkies / cameras / computers
• Ability to spot golf balls on the course
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Communicate both verbally and in writing
• Lift equipment up to approximately 50 pounds
• Must follow all AJGA COVID-19 protocols

Details

• Spring and Summer Season (March 13 – May 9, 2023 / May 15 – September 4, 2023) Dates are subject
to change. End dates can be accommodated for summer season pending return to school.
• The AJGA will compensate interns the hourly federal minimum wage ($8) plus time and one-half for
overtime worked.
• Interns on average will work 40 – 55 hours per week (spring) and 50 – 65 hours pre week (summer)
• The internship is 100% travel. You will travel week in, week out to different cities & states. The AJGA
organizes all lodging in a combination of hotels, rental properties, and local-family homes.
• The AJGA will compensate most tournament-related expenses (all lodging, gas, laundry, and some food).
• Travel to Atlanta for the start of the internship will be paid in full by the AJGA but travel home at the end
of the internship is on the intern.
• Each intern will be provided with clothing and shoes.
• In limited instances a week off could happen for a team. In this case all travel, food and lodging will be
on each individual if they determine to go home or stay in the city in which they are located. In this case,
time off is unpaid.
Deadline Dates
• Spring Deadline: October 17, 2022 | Spring candidate finalists will be required to partake in Virtual
Intern Recruiting Week November 7 – 11. Your commitment will be 3 hours virtually over the span of this
week.
• Summer Deadline: January 9, 2023 | Summer candidate finalists will be required to attend a mandatory
Intern Recruiting Weekend February 24 – 26, 2023. Travel, food and lodging will be covered. In light of
COVID-19, there is a possibility Intern Recruiting Weekend will be virtual. This will be determined by
January 6, 2023.

To Apply

Please visit www.ajga.org/careers for all information. For any questions, contact Lauren Shelly, Director of Training
& Development ([email protected])

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Jewelry

The Fairmined Gold Flora Collection, by Christina Malle, Brings Attention to Transparency in Artisanal Mining

by AAGD Staff
written by AAGD Staff
Amethyst Fairmined Traceable 18 Karat Gold “Leaf” Earrings $1,400.00

Newly launched, the Christina Malle Flora Collection is inspired by flowers that Fairmined Miners encounter in Colombia and Peru.

his year,  Fairmined Official, an initiative powered by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) developed the Fairmined 100 Challenge. By encouraging the development of 100 jewelry collections using Fairmined certified metals, a call for positive impact from the trade was made. Empowering artisanal miners who source responsibly, the Fairmined assurance label is given when there is a guarantee of fair prices, an investment in social development and environmental protection, and legitimate government cooperation. Former human rights attorney, goldsmith and gemologist Christina Malle designs collections with traceability at the forefront. Always questioning the materials, she is an industry leader who examines how to continue improving the supply chain and provide accountability. The Flora Collection is her Fairmined Challenge collection. Its aesthetic is drawn from images of the flora surrounding the Fairmined mines in Colombia and Peru. 

“We as makers and consumers can no longer pretend not to know the conditions that set the backdrop for ‘luxury’ products, such as gold jewelry. One wonders: is it time for a new definition of ‘luxury?’ An alternative definition that comes to mind is: the creation of beauty that supports, rather than harms, people and planet,” says Christina Malle. “Paying fair prices to miners may be the largest part of the respect equation. Fairmined provides the transparency and the assurances that my goal of creating beautiful jewelry is harmonious with people and planet, is met.”

There are eleven elegant pieces in the newly launched Flora Collection. Elegantly set entirely in 18K Fairmined gold, the Longflower necklace, Leaf earrings, Leaf pendant and Leaf ring are classic styles, perfect for every day. The Amethyst Leaf earrings and Emerald Leaf bracelet are both set with previously mined Brazilian gemstones, reminiscent of the South American mining roots of the gold. Malle has also included two pearl pieces in the collection. The first is the Gold Berry Leaf Sea of Cortez Pearls earrings. An environmental success story, Sea of Cortez pearls are incredibly rare, with exceptional colors, traceable to the Mexican source. The Sea of Cortez was so heavily polluted, it barely sustained oysters, but now that the water has become cleaner, oysters are thriving and help keep the water clean, while producing stunning pearls. Malle also designed the Berry Leaf necklace as part of Flora, featuring a single Tahitian South Sea Pearl on a Fairmined 18K gold chain.

“Fairmined miners mitigate their environmental impact, which is another rare and welcome assurance among gold miners; it is reassuring to know that the miners protect the flora of their regions,” says Christina Malle. “This is atypical of gold miners around the world, and an important part of the Fairmined compact.”

“We are very excited to see Christina Malle launch her Flora collection and tell the story of Fairmined gold. People don’t know the origin of the gold they consume, and responsible mines free of conflict and pollution are a minority. Supporting Fairmined mines means a lot, for instance mercury-free rivers, gender equality project development, and even more opportunities for mining communities besides mining,” says Olga Lucía Rojas, Communications Officer, Alliance for Responsible Mining.

As a Board Member of Ethical Metalsmiths and the Women’s Jewelry Association NY Metro Chapter, and part of Pure Earth’s Jewelry Industry Action Committee, Malle brainstorms initiatives to further raise awareness among colleagues and consumers. Her Flora Collection honors the legacy and positive impact of responsible artisanal mining, while offering traceable origins.

The Flora Collection is officially launching in-person at The Jewelry Edit Pop-Up, through October 29th, at 485 Park Avenue, New York, NY, featuring Fairmined Gold designers. To learn more about Christina Malle and to view her jewelry collections online, visit christinamalle.com. Contact the designer directly by email at [email protected], or call 917-488-9338. For more information about this press release, contact Olga Gonzalez at Pietra Communications at [email protected], or call 212-913-9761.

About Christina Malle Jewelry 

Christina Malle, G.G., is a classically trained goldsmith, who uses the finest materials to hand fabricate, or cast in small editions and hand finish, her timeless and elegant jewelry collections. A former human rights attorney, Christina uses Fairmined Gold or actual post-consumer recycled gold, and gemstones traceable to the source. She is a board member of Ethical Metalsmiths and writes a recurring column for The Source, to raise awareness on issues related to responsible sourcing. She serves on the board of the NY Metro Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association and was an original advisor to the Mercury Free Mining Group, the latter of which is working to remove mercury from artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities. Her fine jewelry features 18K gold, sterling silver, and the finest gemstones. For more information, visit https://www.christinamalle.com/.

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Introducing the 2022 HBCU Swing Into Their Dreams Scholarship Recipients

by AAGD Staff
written by AAGD Staff

Five recipients have been awarded the 2022 HBCU Swing Into Their Dreams Scholarship. Each of these HBCU Students is exceptional academically, in character, and in their community involvement and their efforts have been rewarded by the Swing Into Their Dreams Foundation.

The rising costs of college and the student loan debt crises are two major reasons this event was created. “We had more applicants than funds this year so, we had to divide the funds between the selected Students, said Pamela Parker, CEO & Co-Founder of the organization whose scholarships this year ranged between $500 – $1,000 each. An annual Charity Golf Tournament, chartered in 2019 and a Gathering of Gratitude Brunch, both hosted by the organization, helps raise funds for the scholarships along with appealing for more Sponsors.

  1. Destney Johnson – Grambling State University 
  2. Paul Ramsey – Albany State University
  3. Kai Dionne Hardimon – Spelman College
  4. Kandon Fears – Florida A&M University
  5. Nya Fowler – Stillman College   
     

WATCH THE 2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT VIDEO BELOW

https://youtu.be/osP5zNUMgoQ

Student applicants applied through the Scholarship Application Process and were selected by the Swing Into Their Dreams Scholarship Committee, based on: Merit, Academic Performance, Community Involvement, Mentor Letter of Reference, and their Future aspirations with Swing Into Their Dreams Foundation.

As a special treat, the scholarship recipients are invited to the upcoming April 3-4, 2023 Swing Into Their Dreams Charity Golf Tournament. There, the public is also welcome to attend to meet and consider these exceptional scholars for opening positions or internships in their organization.

(L-R) Pamela Parker and Lynn Demmons, Co-Founders, Swing Into Their Dreams

For more information visit Swing Into Their Dreams Foundation or swingintotheirdreams.com or email [email protected]

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Destination Guides (INT'L)

Kenya’s Windsor Golf Resort & Country Club

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook
Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club (Facebook)

The Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club is Africa’s leading Golf Resort and having it located on Kenya’s best golf course brings double value to patrons. Nature lovers will be fascinated with this immaculate course and teeing up here is an unforgettable experience.

Back in 2005, I had the distinct pleasure of traveling to Kenya and enjoying the Windsor golf course with my good friend, golfing legend Renee Powell. As Head Golf Professional at her historic Clearview Golf Course in East Canton, OH, and the second African American woman ever to play on the LPGA Tour, Renee has traveled the world. In fact, this shero has been to Africa 25 times, with many of those trips to Kenya.

At Windsor Golf Resort we enjoyed watching the monkeys scatter across the fairways and were amazed at how beautiful this property was, and still is. The club has been called one of Africa’s very best.

The 420-yard 18th, which plays to a peninsula green. (Facebook)

When you first lay eyes on the resort that was designed to reflect the early days of Kenya’s aristocracy under British control, its beauty is no comparison to the challenge that awaits you on the golf course. Kenya’s leading 5-star hotel is surrounded by a cluster of impressive Victorian-style buildings with 130 deluxe rooms comprising of twins, doubles, studio suites and cottages all overlooking its spectacular 18-hole, championship golf course. Rates: (approx.) $61/weekdays, $83/weekends.

The rooms are tastefully decorated, have five-star amenities, a 16-hour business center, free internet access in all rooms, wifi in public areas, jogging tracks, tennis and squash courts, a heated pool, and more, to ensure you and even your family will not miss a moment of excitement here.

Windsor Golf Resort & Country Club, double room.

Designed by Tom Macauley to championship standard and length, some say the golf course is one of Africa’s very best. It progresses through forest and coffee farms with over 70 bunkers on the course, plus lovely water features, and rolling terrain, all add to a challenging test of golf. Located a mile above sea level, even the shorter hitters will gain another ten yards of length off the tee.

The course conditions are exceptional, fairways are all tree-lined, caddies knowledgable, and, hallelujah, water hazards are sparse on the course. A most dominant appearance is found at the 420-yard 18th, which plays to a peninsula green.

The clubhouse boasts a grand ambiance, food, and hospitality. If in East Africa, earmark Windsor as the place to stay and play in Nairobi.

Location: Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Kigwa Lane, Off Kiambu Rd, Nairobi, Kenya. Phone: +254 20 8647014.

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News

WILLIE MACK III REWARDED WITH EXEMPTION INTO BUTTERFIELD BERMUDA CHAMPIONSHIP

by AAGD NEWSWIRE
written by AAGD NEWSWIRE
Willie Mack in action last week winning the Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship.  (Credit: APGA Tour photo)

Willie Mack III, the APGA Tour star and winner of last week’s Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship in Southampton, Bermuda, has been granted an exemption into the PGA TOUR’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship coming up at the end of the month.

The two-time APGA Tour Player of the Year, Mack has over 70 wins in professional golf with two made cuts on the PGA Tour among his accomplishments as he pursues opportunities at the highest levels of the sport.  He won the APGA Tour event in Bermuda in a three-way playoff October 12 and was surprised with the announcement of the exemption at the awards ceremony later that day.

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship, in its fourth year as the first PGA TOUR event in the country, is set for Oct. 27-30 at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, where Mack won the APGA Tour competition. Lucas Herbert won his first PGA TOUR event last year at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.  The PGA TOUR debuted there in 2019 as the Bermuda Championship.

“What a tremendous surprise.  Awesome to be coming back to Bermuda in a couple of weeks,” stated Mack, 34, who plays in the final stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School next week at Plantation Preserve Golf Club in Plantation, Florida.  “Port Royal is a great golf course and my experience this week with the APGA Tour will definitely help me in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship against the best players in the game on the PGA TOUR. 

“Special thanks to the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Butterfield Group, the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club and Life & Annuity Services for the special consideration,” he continued.  “Looking forward to seeing everyone again later this month.”

Mack has started five PGA Tour events and three Korn Ferry Tour events as a sponsor exemption since last year, when he made the cut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and the John Deere Classic in July.  He advanced to weekend competition also at the Korn Ferry Tour’s BMW Charity Classic Pro-Am in June last year. 

Willie Mack III PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour Chronology

  • Farmers Insurance Open, Jan. 28-31, 2021
  • Genesis Invitational, Feb.18-21, 2021
  • Korn Ferry Tour’s Huntsville Championship, April 29-May 2, 2021
  • Korn Ferry Tour’s BMW Charity Pro-Am, June10-13, 2021
  • Made cut and tied for 62nd out of 158
  • Rocket Mortgage Classic, July 1-4, 2021
  • Made cut and tied for 64th out of 156
  • John Deere Classic, July 8-11, 2021
  • Made cut and tied for 71st out of 170
  • World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba, Nov 4-7, 2021
  • Korn Ferry Tour’s BMW Charity Pro-Am, June 9-12, 2022
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Leaderboard

Inaugural SAS Championship HBCU Invitational

by AAGD Staff
written by AAGD Staff
Florida A&M University (FAMU) Men’s Div I Golf Team Winners

SAS and Octagon partnered with the Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA) to host the inaugural SAS Championship HBCU Invitational as part of this year’s PGA Tour Champions event. The ground-breaking tournament took place alongside the 22nd annual SAS Championship at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, North Carolina, from Saturday, October 15 – Sunday, October 16. 80 Students from 12 HBCU Schools to Participate in the first-of-its-kind collegiate event.

The exciting opportunity increases the diversity of golf and inspires students to consider career opportunities inside and outside of sports. In addition to playing in the tournament, SAS hosted a Career Day at SAS world headquarters for student-athletes to learn more about career opportunities at SAS and resources to help them navigate their careers, as well as the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with employees and executives that extend beyond the SAS Championship.

Howard University’s women’s golf team

Howard University‘s women’s golf team won over North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Prairie View A&M University and Savannah State University (SSU).

On the men’s side, Florida A&M University took home the Division I title over NCCU, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Chicago State University.

The Miles College Golden Bears won the tournament’s Division II men’s title. Competing against the Golden Bears were Virginia Union University, Livingstone College, SSU, Winston-Salem State University and Johnson C. Smith University.

Miles College Men’s Golf Team DIV II Winners

For 22 years, SAS Championship week – full of golf and community events – has provided countless memories for fans and attendees young and old. Golfing legends have walked the fairways of Prestonwood Country Club each year, battling for one of the largest purses on the PGA Tour Champions.

PGA tour veteran Fred Couples won the 2022 SAS Championship, scoring 12-under par in the final round, good enough for the lowest round in SAS Championship history. Affectionately known as “Boom Boom,” the World Golf Hall of Famer finished with a final tournament score of 20-under par.

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News

Warehouse Planned for Former Freeway Golf Course, America’s First African American-Owned 18-Hole Golf Course

by AAGD Staff
written by AAGD Staff

The first African American-owned 18-hole golf course in America, Freeway Golf Course, located in Sicklerville, New Jersey may become land developed for a warehouse. The course closed in 2016 and was put up for sale with an asking price of $2.4 million. The buyer was a locally owned property investment company, Black Horse Properties LLC who made an offer to purchase the property with intentions to reconstruct it and build housing units on the 150-acres. The sale of the property officially closed in January 2017, for almost half the asking price, at $1.25 million.

In a January 2022 telephone conversation with 42Freeway a high-level executive of Black Horse Properties stated they purchased the property simply because it was a good investment opportunity, and at this time they do not have any immediate plans for it.

The property is currently zoned as “R-1 residential” and because of local zoning laws, the new landowners have to present their development plans before the Glouster Township Zoning Board to request “Zoning Relief” to allow the construction of a warehouse on the Sicklerville Rd property.

Freeway Golf Course (Facebook)

On September 28, 2022, a 4-hour, standing-room-only presentation/meeting took place at the Gloucester Township Municipal Building and was attended by over 150-200 members. A follow-up meeting was to be continued in October 2022 but has now been rescheduled for November 2022.

According to 42Freeway.com, there are multiple variances requested to develop the 1.5 million sq ft of warehouses, including the approval to build on a property designated for residential development as well as building to a height up to 50 feet.

Freeway Golf Course opened in 1967 and has been frequented by notable golfers such as Lee Elder, Charlie Sifford, Calvin Peete, Jim Dent, Jim Thorpe and many other prominent individuals. The 6,536-yard course was a Horace Smith design bearing two distinct 9 holes and played host to the inaugural Sammy Davis Jr. Open, which became the PGA TOUR’s Hartford Open.

Freeway Golf Course (Facebook)

Former Freeway Golf Course Board Member Joe Thomas spoke with this publication, saying ,”The property has been sitting there for years and we (African Americans) did not get a consortium together to do anything with it.” 

The historic property may end up being developed for other use and a Facebook group dedicated to the subject keeps the conversation going. “I drive by there every day, and it does not even look like golf course anymore,” said Thomas.

The African American Golfer’s Digest reported several years ago there were several groups interested in the Freeway golf property, with a local developer interested in putting up housing units.

A Gloucester Township resident recorded the September 28th Zoning Boar meeting and has it available online.

  • GT Zoning Board mtg Freeway Warehouse (Part 1 of 2) 9/28/22
  • GT Zoning Board mtg Freeway Warehouse (Part 2 of 2) 9/28/22

The next Zoning Board meeting is cheduled for NOVEMBER 9, 2022. More information can be found at https://glotwp.com/zoning-board

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News

Hi-Tee Junior Little League Golf Program Brightening Futures, Changing Lives

by Cathie Wilmore
written by Cathie Wilmore

Over the years, some of the senior golfers of color noticed that the demographic of youth golfers in Seattle, Wash., was slowly changing back to a predominately white majority enterprise. With Seattle’s rapid gentrification, historical and cultural people of color neighborhoods were being most affected. 

Lenard (Bo) Reeves

Organizing and starting a Junior Little League golf program was a dream Lenard (Bo) Reeves held for years.  After four years of research and 11 years of working with youth golf programs, Reeves’ dream manifested into reality in 2019 at Jefferson Park Golf course—the Hi-Tee Jr. Little League Golf Program, the first youth golf organization that serves predominantly youth of color in the Seattle and King County communities. Hi-Tee Jr. LLGP exposes youth ages 8 and up to the wonderful world of golf.  

Founder Reeves partnered with Fathers And Sons Together (another community nonprofit organization) to hold Hi-Tee Jr. LLGP’s first golf camp, enrolling 65 youth in the golf program. According to Reeves– now Hi-Tee Jr. LLGP’s chief executive officer– “Hi-Tee is more than just a place to learn the game of golf. It provides opportunities for young people to experience a positive and safe environment surrounded by caring adults. All of the coaches are skilled African American golfers and have worked with youth for the majority of their lives. Hi-Tee Jr LLGP youth and adult participants learn the value of giving back to their community and the true meaning of respect and responsibility.”

Reeves added that in Hi-Tee Jr. LLGP’s mission to reintroduce this sport to young African American youth, our goal is to introduce the youth to the billion-dollar industry that is golf. Reeves said, “We want to expose the youth to all aspects of golf—from learning how to play to learning how to caddie. We want to expose them to the business of golf—from learning how golf courses are designed and how to maintain the groups; to learning how to produce and fit clubs.”

It is estimated that 30,000 gangs and 800,000 gang members live in our communities across the country, with an additional 147,000 living in U.S. prisons or jails. The mission of the Hi-TEE Jr Little League Golf Program is to take guns out of the youth’s hands and replace them with golf clubs– teaching them to take a shot with a 9-iron golf club in their hand and not a 9mm gun.   We encourage and empower youth through fun and challenging experiences that will help them develop and learn life skills on-and-off the golf course.

CEO Reeves emphasized, “I am happy and blessed to have an opportunity to work with a group of youth; keeping them focused to stay in school; to stay out of trouble, and to learn and enjoy the game of golf.” Reeves said  Hi-Tee Jr LLGP is always looking for resources to help expand the program.

Hi-Tee Jr Little League Golf Program is a nonprofit corporation and a Washington State Charitable organization. We are exempt from Federal Income Tax under 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code; contributions to us are deductible under Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the code.

To learn more about the HI-TEE Jr. Lttle League Golf Program visit https://hi-tee-littleleaguegolf.org 

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Heard & Scene

61-year-old man beats fellow golfer over ‘taking too much time,’ Utah cops say

by AAGD NEWSWIRE
written by AAGD NEWSWIRE

A 61-year-old man attacked another golfer in a dispute over “taking too much time” at a Utah golf course, deputies told news outlets. David Robles faces charges of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct in the Saturday, Oct. 8, confrontation, the Davis County Sheriff’s Office told KUTV.

The clash took place at Hubbard Memorial Golf Course on Hill Air Force Base near Layton, deputies told KTVX. A spokesperson told McClatchy News the base had no comment on the incident. A video shot by another golfer shows Robles confront and shove the other man, who tries to push him back with a putter before Robles tackles him to the ground, the Gephardt Daily reported.

The video shows Robles punch the man five times, then kick his head and throat, KUTV reported. Other golfers nearby pulled Robles off the injured man. The man told deputies Robles attacked him in a dispute over “taking too much time on the course,” news outlets reported. Hill Air Force Base is near Layton, a city of 81,000 about 25 miles north of Salt Lake City.

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WILLIE MACK CAPTURES BUTTERFIELD BERMUDA APGA TITLE IN PLAYOFF; KORN FERRY Q-SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY NEXT

by AAGD NEWSWIRE
written by AAGD NEWSWIRE
Willie Mack III (left) displays the winner’s trophy alongside APGA Tour Executive Director Cole Smith Wednesday at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda. (APGA Tour photo)

SOUTHAMPTON, BERMUDA (October 12, 2022) –APGA Tour star Willie Mack III emerged victorious in a three-man playoff thanks to a tap-in par on the first extra hole, capturing the Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship Wednesday at Port Royal Golf Course. It was the first international competition in the history of the burgeoning APGA Tour.  

First-round leader Joseph Hooks of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and Marcus Byrd of Washington D.C. joined Mack in the playoff after a competitive back nine left them all at four-under-par 138.  The threesome replayed 18 and Mack secured his par before Byrd and Hooks missed the putts needed to extend the battle.  Mack won the first-place check of $15,000 from the purse of $60,000, the fourth largest in the history of the APGA Tour.

Mack, the 34-year-old stalwart from Flint, Michigan, now carries another tournament win into the second stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School next week at Plantation Preserve Golf Club in Plantation, Florida, where he hopes break through following multiple near-misses in recent years.  He has upwards of 70 wins on the APGA Tour and mini-tours over the years and made the cut in two PGA TOUR events during the summer of 2021 as part of his journey in professional golf.  Mack advanced out of the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School last month at Championsgate Golf Club in Championsgate, Florida.

Mack sank a 20-foot birdie putt on the first hole Wednesday to start his charge from three strokes back and all three held the lead down the stretch in windy conditions on the 6,842-yard par 71 Port Royal layout.  The PGA TOUR’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship will be contested at Port Royal later this month (Oct. 27-30).

“I tried not to make mistakes today,” stated Mack, who battled injuries earlier in the year and is now feeling confident with next week’s challenge on deck.  “My putting was there today when I needed it.  Hopefully I can bring what I accomplished this week into next week.  It was good to play a PGA TOUR-level course these last two days.”

Christian Heavens of Fairview Heights, Illinois, finished in fourth place at 71-68-139 with Joey Stills of Orlando in fifth at 71-70-141 and Ryan Alford of Shreveport, Louisiana, in sixth at even par 142.  APGA Tour Player of the Year Kamaiu Johnson of Oviedo, Florida, and Aaron Grimes of Compton, California, tied for seventh.

Among the Bermudian participants in the tournament, Damian Palanyandi shot 73-75-148, finishing 13th; Camiko Smith shot 78-76-154, finishing 18th; Oliver Betschart carded a 74-83-157 for 20th; and Cory Desilva registered a 87-78-165, placing 21st.

The invitational tournament was hosted and sponsored by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Butterfield, The Hamilton Princess and Beach Club and Life & Annuity Services (LAS).

The APGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Fall Series resumes later this month with the APGA Tour Charlie Sifford Centennial at Kingswood Forest Golf Club, October 25-26, in Houston, Texas.  Byrd, winner of APGA Tour Valley Forge, and Brad Adamonis, winner of the Ascension Classic/APGA Tour St. Louis, are tied atop the Fall Series Point Standings with 600 points.  The season culminates Nov. 8-10 with the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Fall Series Finale at Tustin Ranch Golf Club in Tustin Ranch, California.

The APGA Tour was established in 2010 with the mission to bring greater diversity to the game of golf by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player development programs, mentoring programs, and introducing the game to inner-city young people. The tour has grown from seven events with $200,000 in prize money in 2020 and 14 events with over $400,000 in prize money in 2021, to 18 events with over $900,000 in prize and bonus money in 2022.

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Heard & Scene

The ASCAP Foundation Launches Scholarship for HBCU Students Interested in Pursuing Careers in Music

by AAGD NEWSWIRE
written by AAGD NEWSWIRE

NEW YORK, October 11, 2022 – The ASCAP Foundation introduces The ASCAP Foundation HBCU Scholarship to provide financial assistance for students who are enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and have an interest in pursuing careers in music. Two recipients will be selected for the scholarship and each will receive $2,500.
 
The scholarship was announced on Monday, October 10 at a special ASCAP Homecoming SZN: Meet the Graduates event at Clark Atlanta University, hosted by ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Membership team. Students enrolled at various HBCUs attended a panel discussion with music executives, who have graduated from HBCUs, including songwriter and producer Khari “Needlz” Cain; Fox Rothschild Associate John Rose; Atlantic Records Director of A&R Sammye Scott; and Quality Control Music Operations Manager / Investment Portfolio Manager Dazayah E. Walker. During the event, the HBCU alums detailed their journey to success from student to professional and shared their favorite HBCU memories and advice for students to take with them as they pursue their entertainment careers.
 
ASCAP’s Homecoming SZN series celebrates the impact HBCU alumni have made in the entertainment industry – specifically in music. Next year, scholarship recipients will be invited to attend an event hosted by ASCAP Rhythm & Soul with students from ASCAP Aspire, ASCAP’s paid internship program for HBCU students.

“The ASCAP Foundation HBCU Scholarship is a natural extension of our efforts to help foster and encourage diversity throughout the music industry,” said The ASCAP Foundation Executive Director, Nicole George-Middleton. “We hope this will be the beginning of an amazing musical future for the selected students.”
 
The ASCAP Foundation HBCU Scholarship is accepting applications until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on November 10. Entrants must write a 250-500 word essay describing their music career goals and how an ASCAP Foundation scholarship can help support those goals. Applicants will be judged by a panel of industry professionals on a specific set of criteria which will include the relevance of the essay response to the topic provided, a unique and creative writing style, and organization and clarity of goal. The rules and application process can be found at www.ascapfoundation.org/HBCU. For further information, please email [email protected].

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Golfer of the Week Featured

Get to know the Port City Golf Club

by AAGD Staff
written by AAGD Staff
Macio Jacobs, President, Port City Golf Club (2022)

The Port City Golf Club was founded in 1971 by Johnnie Middleton and five like-minded avid golfers.  The club was originally founded to fight segregation at South Carolina golf courses,  which was prevalent at the time.  The Port City Golf Club initially did this by uniting with similar clubs across the south by creating their own tournaments, hosting youth clinics and working together to challenge segregation.  

In 1974, the Port City Golf Club filed a discrimination suit with the Department of Justice to be admitted to the South Carolina Golf Association (SCGA).  The South Carolina Golf Association is the organizing body of the state that manages amateur tournaments, handicaps, and affiliation with the United States Golf Association (USGA), which conducts the U.S. Open.  The Port City Golf Club was admitted to the SCGA in 1977.  

The signature event conducted by the Port City Golf Club is its annual Memorial Day tournament held at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course.  This signature tournament, which attracts golfers from around the region, offers golfers not only a competitive and fun golf event, but also the beginning of the annual Spoleto Festival with abundant entertainment and tourist activities.  

Proceeds from the annual tournament are donated to local charities including the Jenkins Orphanage, the Charleston Interfaith Crisis Center, the United Negro College Fund and othe local charities.  The club also hosts multiple youth clinics throughout the year. 

For more information on membership, tournaments/events, clinics and more visit https://www.portcitygolfclubcharleston.com/

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