On October 16, 2022, Ruth Cavin made her first hole-in-one at Spring Lake Golf Course in York, SC. She used her Taylormade M2 9 iron on the par 3 hole #9 playing 89 yards. She used a Calloway Super Soft Matte red golf ball and she was playing with Verbena McIlwaine.
Report Day 3, Oct 22, 2022 — Saturday, Oct. 22 was another great day of fellowship, networking, learning, sharing, and playing golf with 30 other fellow African Americans. Just who are these good people? A retired Air Force, lieutenant general, lawyers, accountants, business owners, entrepreneurs, business executives, business professionals, and former professional athletes from the USA and Canada.
We all share a common bond- the love of the game and the desire to share the power of the world and business of golf in our respective communities. These good people through the efforts of the Black Golf Clubs they belong to are hosting tournaments not only to crown club champions but to raise money for scholarships, mentor youth, support local charities and create networks for ongoing professional development. Now through the efforts of Rick Summers and Earnie Ellison, the vision is to capitalize on our resources and relationships to collectively amplify our efforts.
These and other issues were discussed during the second part of the day after a great morning of golf at Tuckers Point Golf Club. The Black Golf Clubs President’s Summit was held on this day and I believe this day will be forever remembered and revered in history as the day that the collective power of these clubs came together.
Western States Golf Club, Desert Mashie, Par Busters, Divas On Course, Fairfield County, 10 All In, Pro Duffers USA, Pro Duffers Florida, Black Lives Matter Golf Club – Nova Scotia are here not only enjoying the golf and weather but to conduct business and to harness the power of this game and the $192 Billion economic impact of this industry for their respective communities. These groups are representative of the 200 or more Black golf clubs in the US and Canada. Some of the groups have been around for over 50 years and have been ignored or just plain overlooked by the golf industry. That is about to change
These groups are realizing the latent power and potential of an ongoing collective effort to intentionally impact the industry. Through the discussions led by Rick and Earnie, the ideas were flowing from everyone.
Here is a sampling of what was discussed:
Several people eagerly volunteered to work with Rick and Earnie post-Bermuda to move this collective forward and make this dream a reality.
The understanding was universal, if we don’t do this for ourselves no one is going to do it for us. Let’s understand our power and let’s put it to use. We play this game and have been playing for years. We pay money to play locally, nationally and internationally. There are literally hundreds of trips taken by us to play golf around the world.
We definitely count in this wonderful world of golf. This collective power is about to be unleashed and our communities and Golf will benefit and grow as a result.
Well done Rick, Well done Earnie. Thanks for your vision, leadership and persistence in making this happen.
View leaderboard HERE
PLANTATION, FLORIDA (October 21, 2022) — Willie Mack III put the finishing touches on an amazing array of accomplishments Friday by advancing through the second stage of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament to earn playing privileges on the 2023 circuit.
The 34-year-old native of Flint, Michigan, chalked up some of his biggest wins over the past three years on the newly-prominent APGA Tour, including victories in the 2021 and 2022 Billy Horschel APGA Invitational at TPC Sawgrass. The two-time APGA Tour Player of the Year will tee off later this month in the PGA TOUR’S Butterfield Bermuda Championship after receiving an exemption by winning the APGA Tour Bermuda event Oct. 11-12.
He shot 13-under 271 for the four rounds (66-69-67-69) at Plantation Preserve Golf Club in Plantation, Florida, ending up in a tie for 14th to finish among 19 players advancing to the final stage next month. All of today’s qualifiers earn membership for the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour season, with priority stature to be earned across four rounds of competition Nov. 4-7 at The Landings Club in Savannah, Georgia.
Mack has over 70 wins in professional golf with two made cuts on the PGA Tour and another on the Korn Ferry Tour among his accomplishments.
Report Day 2, Oct 21, 2022 —
Today was better than yesterday here at the 2022 Bermuda Black Golf Clubs Championship and I did not think that could be done. Each of my 5 senses is on overtime here on this beautiful island of Bermuda in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, thanks to the leadership and vision of the Bermuda Tourism Authority led by Tracy Berkeley, working with PGA Magazine leader Rick Summers and the venerable golf leader, Earnie Ellison.
My sense of sight was overloaded all day, starting with the bus trip to the Mid Ocean Golf Club in Tucker’s Town to standing at almost any tee box and viewing the royal blue waters of the ocean. It simply makes you grateful to be alive to savor these moments.
It was like that all day. Seeing my fellow golfers from around the world, seeing and experiencing the camaraderie of accomplished people of color all here to play, learn, share and grow. I didn’t think it could get any better, but it did. We were even greeted by a fire performer upon arriving at the Bermuda Society of Arts for the Champions Dinner
Golf is just that powerful. It touches your heart, your soul, your being if you let it.
I heard from people of all backgrounds who shared stories about their life’s journey and the impact of golf on their life and on their mental health. Golf is goodness and healing.
At the Champion’s Dinner, I and my fellow duffers heard from individuals who were Super Bowl Champions, Olympic Gold Medal Winners, National Champions, Collegiate and Professional Champions. These amazing athletes absolutely captivated us with their stories of accomplishment and overcoming their adversities on their route to greatness.
How could you not be inspired by listening to Santonio Holmes being told he was too small to play football but became Super Bowl XLIII MVP anyway. Hearing Josephus and Noah Lyles talk about their journey to world track and field dominance. Turning professional right out of high school and with their earnings purchasing a new car for their high school track coach, WOW!!
We all heard from Bermuda tourism executive, Hazel Clark who talked about her collegiate and Olympic career. Mind you, she made 3 Olympic teams in the span of 12 years and she is just as capable in business as she was in track.
Savoring the smell of the pristine ocean, the superb Bermuda food excites one’s senses in unimaginable ways. Bermuda makes you happy to be alive for these moments. If you golf, even if you don’t golf, you must come to this beautiful island of just 63,903 people.
Bermuda has also developed into a highly successful offshore financial center and the island ranks among the wealthiest mostly because of international businesses, like insurance and financial services companies that operate in the country. These businesses account for around 85% of Bermuda’s GDP.
Tasting Bermuda is easy, too easy and too often. The food and beverage are outstanding. The blend of African American, British and Portuguese make for combinations that excite the palate. You can eat healthy here with the assortment of fish and vegetables and still have room for the fabulous Chocolate Ganache cake with hazelnut crème anglais. My only suggestion is to pace yourself. Please try the ginger beer-based cocktails. I am so glad that they don’t let nonresidents drive as these beverages are very tasty – trust me.
I like many others have touched and been touched by the warmth and genuine hospitality of Bermudians. I mean even our bus drivers, who while traversing the narrow and winding roads are providing history and geography lessons about this paradise which is 25 miles long and 2 miles wide at its widest point.
Did you know that, Bermuda has more golf courses per capita than any other country in the world?
I and everyone in my foursome touched many parts of Bermuda some of which I’m sure were not meant to be touched. Our drives did find the fairway but also found palm trees, bushes, water and other native habitat. But we still had an enjoyable time.
Rick Summers took $1.25 off of me for the longest drive in the fairway even beating out Santonio Holmes whose bombs of 270 – 300 yards fueled by his 118 mph swing speed didn’t find the fairway on this hole, a rarity.
Santonio gladly and eagerly took $1.00 off of me by hitting the green on a 203-yard par 3 with his 6 iron. So, I’m down a couple of dollars but I have time to recover.
Remember, I said I smell money here— so stay tuned. My senses are on overload and yours will be too when you visit this island paradise.
I can only hope that you will have the excellent coordination of time, travel and logistics provided by the PGA magazine staff as I have had the good fortune of enjoying.
Tina Thatcher and Julie Yuen, I tip my golf cap to you ladies and thank you for keeping the group on time, hydrated and excited. These ladies are the best. Rick should take his new found wealth and share it with these beautiful people…I’m just saying.
Well it is now 4:57am and I am going back to bed to get ready for another day, this time at Tucker’s Point, bus departs at 7am. On second thought, I will just stay up. The things we do in the name of golf.
Report Day 1, Oct 20, 2022 —
Little did I realize when my day started from my home in Omaha, Nebraska, that would end on such a celebratory note. It was not looking good this morning at 4:02 when I was stopped by Omaha airport security because of the presence of my divot tool. Yes, I had to explain to the TSA agent that this was not a weapon but a retractable divot tool commemorative of the historic 2022 Charlie Sifford Cup.
Well, I still had to go back to the check-in counter and check it with the rest of my luggage. Not the greatest start to my day and trip to Bermuda to participate in the Inaugural Bermuda Black Golf Clubs Championships being held October 20-24.
This event in the brainchild of Earnie Ellison, longtime golf industry leader and founder of the Ellison Consulting Group, Rick Summers, CEO and publisher of the PGA Magazine Group, and Hazel Clark, Director of Global Sales & Business Development for the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
The mission is to bring leaders of African American golf groups from the USA—of which there are several hundred, as well as International groups together, to not only compete for bragging rights for the best players but to also address the issues and opportunities for African American worldwide in the business and industry of Golf. Sort of a Make Golf Your Thing movement on an international scale.
The day indeed got progressively better after making my flights on time and having the accepted papers to enter the country of Bermuda.
Upon my arrival in Hamilton, Bermuda. I was able to clear customs and pick up my baggage in a matter of minutes and everyone during the process was polite and friendly. Did I mention that it was gorgeous weather as well? Well, Bermuda has that year-round. Not used to that in Omaha – Oh well.
I and others on the connecting flight from Atlanta (Ga) were picked up by and bussed destined to the five-star Hamilton Princess Hotel where we were met with even more gracious hospitality. The ride was adventurous, as the roads were a bit narrow, and driving in on the left side of the road as is the automobile driver and steering wheel, by the way.
In Bermuda, for safety reasons, the law prohibits non-residents from owning, renting, or driving four-wheeled vehicles. Therefore, tourists must rely on taxis, buses, or rental scooters to get around the island.
Once checked in at my hotel and after getting some rest I prepared for the 6 PM reception, and the rest is history.
I met people from all over: Chris word, Founder of Greenwood Golf from Charlotte, NC, Ron Everett from Stratford, CT, Stanley Campbell, owner of Martin Downs Golf Course in Palm City, FL and Doug Hill with the Black Lives Matter Golf organization in Nova Scotia, Canada, just to name a few. Black Lives Matter Golf (BLMG) grew to 120 participants in 2021 at Grandview Golf and Country Club located in the historical Black community of East Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada
In a span of just 3 years, BLMG has achieved recognition in both local and National media and was awarded the Community Sport Organization of the year 2021/22 by The Provincial Sport Organization Support 4 Sport.
I certainly met more distinctive individuals and will discuss them in my next reports from Bermuda.
There is even more celebration as the 60 people at the reception joined in congratulating Booker T and Toni Evans who celebrated their honeymoon in Bermuda 35 years ago!! Booker is President of the Desert Mashie Golf Club and Toni is deeply immersed in Desert Mashie as well. Desert Mashie is based in Goodyear, AZ.
We celebrated the birthday of Granville Brown, National President, of Western States Golf Association with a beautiful and delicious cake organized by his wife Dr. Ellen W. Brown, President, Divas On Course Golf Club of Las Vegas, Nevada.
My celebration continued by meeting one of the most accomplished athletes in the world Noah Lyles. He is the bronze medalist in the 2019 Olympics and the 2022 World Champion in the 200 meters. So as a former 200-meter runner myself this was great. I asked Noah when he would go under 19 seconds which has never been done. He told me with great authority – 2023 would be the year. You heard it here first. Run Noah Run!
In all fairness, I was equally impressed with meeting Hazel Clark who was an Olympian in 2000, 2004 and 2008. I, along with others, watched her dominate the 800 meters for years. You also might also remember her dad, Joe Clark, the no-nonsense inspirational principal of Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, as brilliantly portrayed by Morgan Freemen in the movie, “Lean On Me “
What a Great Day.
Well, that’s my report for Day 1. Stay tuned More to come….
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 operations interns. Interns will travel extensively throughout the United States during the internship
to help conduct national junior golf tournaments.
Job Responsibilities
• General tournament set-up, execution and break-down
• Start and score players
• On-course rules officiating and enforcing Pace of Play
• Volunteer support and coordination
• Execution of social activities for players and/or parents
• Monitor equipment inventory, maintenance, and replenishment
• Public speaking
• Customer Service
• Operation and maintenance of company vehicles
• Working with golf course staff, sponsors, and stakeholders
• Maintain and work within a tournament budget
Job Qualifications
• Basic golf knowledge is preferred, but not required
• Experience in event management or operations is preferred, but not required
• Past experience in a team environment
• Efficiency, multi-tasking and time management
• Ability to work and communicate in a team atmosphere
• Highly motivated, self-starter and willingness to take an active leadership role
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• Basic computer knowledge and skills (Microsoft Office)
• Fiscally responsible
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])
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])
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/.
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.
WATCH THE 2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT VIDEO BELOW
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.
For more information visit Swing Into Their Dreams Foundation or swingintotheirdreams.com or email [email protected]
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.