When it’s sunny, you’ll find 93-year-old Victoria Kingdom hitting golf balls in her backyard in Riviera Beach. The Honda Classic is now creating a scholarship in her name for minority kids.
National Black Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Induction video. Recognizing Cobbs Creek into the NBGHOF Class of 2021.
CHICAGO – For the first time in cinema, iconic Masters Tournament caddie of 54 years, Carl Jackson, is opening up about his life – an extraordinary journey of triumph over obstacles interwoven through six decades of American civil, social, and political unrest. His stories and the stories of that time have been kept in his personal vault – until now.
Jackson has begun working with award-winning Chicago-based studio Sheridan Road Productions on Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story, a documentary that will explore his life and that time in American history in a way he hopes will inspire all people to rise above their own challenges.
Despite his impoverished beginnings, as a young boy in the deep south who dropped out of school at the age of ten to support his family by caddying for some of America’s greatest golfers, Jackson’s story is not one of blame, anger, resentment, or hate. Rather, Jackson is adamant that the story of his life reflects the goodness and miracle of it all.
“I want to show people what freedom is. From an early age, I knew there was a better way than anger and rage,” said Jackson. “I want to show people that when you face injustice or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, you can either let those things defeat you, or you can rise above them. I wasn’t going to be oppressed or let my circumstances crush me. I was going to rise above.”
In Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story, this historic figure will recognize and honor the people who helped him succeed and show how through dedication, hard work, dignity, and strength of character, he overcame every obstacle he faced and an almost pre-ordained destiny at birth, as an uneducated, poor black child from the deep south during the decades that changed the face of America.
Acclaimed by some of the best golfers in the world for his keen understanding of the greens at Augusta National, Jackson caddied his first Masters Tournament in 1961 at the age of 14, and his final round in 2015 at the age of 67. During this time, he was on the bag for such greats as Bruce Devlin, Gary Player, and Ben Crenshaw, including Crenshaw’s Masters victories in 1984 and 1995 when one of the most epic sports photos (of Jackson and Crenshaw) of all time was taken. Today, Jackson runs a foundation called Carl’s Kids, which seeks to bring the game of golf and all of its life lessons to underserved youth.
Completion of the documentary Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story is expected within the year. This announcement of Sheridan Road Productions’ rights to the life story of Carl Jackson comes on the heels of its latest feature film, The Road Dance, which won “The Audience Award for Best Picture” at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2021, and celebrated its U.S. premiere at the Santa Barbara Film Festival earlier this month. Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story is not the first golf-themed production for Sheridan Road Productions, having also produced Tommy’s Honour, which won a 2016 BAFTA Scotland best picture award, as well as the sports/lifestyle television series pilot The Golf Explorers filmed in St. Andrews in 2019.
Sheridan Road Productions is an award-winning international television and film development and production company. With more than 50 years of combined entertainment and media experience, Sheridan Road Productions delivers outstanding film and television projects for a diverse viewing audience. For more information visit https://sheridanrp.com. Any questions about the production of the film may be directed to Maryilene Blondell ([email protected]) or Jim Kreutzer, Co-CEOs at Sheridan Road Productions.
Amari Avery, was one of eight junior golfers featured in the 2013 Netflix documentary, “The Short Game.” Today, the four-time Rolex All-American and the No. 2 ranked senior in Golfweek’s rankings, joins the Trojans golf team at the University of Southern California (USC) as a 2022 spring semester freshman and will immediately compete for playing time.
Avery, age 18, is from Riverside, Calif., and already has an impressive biography. She has played on some of the game’s biggest stages, including the 2021 Augusta National Women’s Amateur and at the 2021 Women’s U.S. Open. The homeschooled student’s resume includes medalist honors at the 2019 California Women’s Amateur, a 3-0 record playing for the 2021 U.S. Junior Solheim Cup team and playing in the 2021 LPGA Founder’s Cup.
Avery was co-medalist at the Brentwood C.C. to make the U.S. Open and captured The John Shippen Shootout to earn her berth in the Founder’s Cup. She tied for ninth at both the 2021 Girls’ Junior PGA Championship and the 2021 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. The 5’6” player ranked second by Golfweek in the 2022 Class, won a 2020 Cactus Tour event as an amateur and also played in the 2021 Symetra Tour’s Garden City Charity Classic.
She reached the round of 32 in the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, was a semifinalist in the 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball and reached the Round of 16 of the 2018 U.S. Girls’ Junior. Avery finished at 3-under to win the girls division of the inaugural 2021 Mack Champ Invitational at Memorial Park G.C. in March 2021 and won her first four Toyota Tour Cup events in 2017. The standout athlete was second alternate at her 2017 U.S. Open qualifying site and was the 2019 SCGA Majoring in communications at USC, Avery strives to be her best in every aspect.
AUGUSTA, GA (March 2, 2022) ─ Lee Elder, Calvin Peete, Jerry “Hobo” Osborne, Carrie Russell, and Joseph Rice are just a few of the legends who will be honored during a special invitation-only event set to be held on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Martin Downs Golf and Country Club in Palm City, Florida.
The private function will begin at 5:30 p.m. and is organized by the Georgia- based concerned citizen’s group, Preserve The Legacy Committee, to salute, honor, and remember the amazing achievements of several distinguished honorees. Serving as emcee for the evening is Mr. Earnie Ellison, Managing Partner, Ellison Consulting Group, LLC.
A celebratory toast will highlight the significant contributions that each has made to the sport of golf during their lifetimes while recognizing the challenges faced during their era. The event will conclude with a 21 Ball Salute to Pioneers and Legends with participants being those who stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way.
“We are looking forward to commemorating the great golf achievements and contributions to American history of these legends,” said Committee Member Ramona Harriet, a Black golf historian, author, of “The Journey of African Americans in Golf,” and Creator/Executive Producer of the first-ever African American Golf Museum on Wheels. “We will pay tribute to these great pioneers in the sport, whom we cannot forget, as we honor their perseverance, pride, boldness, and passion,” said Ms. Harriet.
“Those whom we celebrate and honor at this tribute have sacrificed much in their lifetimes, they never gave up the fight for inclusion, and because of them, Black people are able to participate at the highest level of the game today,” said Founding Committee Member Arthur Johnson.
The evening program has limited seating and will include an exhibition of historic golf artifacts and memorabilia and a special presentation will be shared. Dress attire is golf casual.
For those who receive the highly sought-after invitation, the RSVP deadline is March 5. Afterward, any open seats will be made available free of charge.
Supporters for the Special Tribute Event include MRA Mobile Experiential, Summit Golf Foundation, Stanley Campbell, Club Pro Manufacturing USA, African American Golfer’s Digest, and Epochs of Courage African American Golf History Exhibition and Mobile Museum.
For more information contact Ramona Harriet at 352-434-0204 or email [email protected].
The full roster of special tributes and honorees is shown below.
ABOUT PRESERVE THE LEGACY COMMITTEE
Preserve The Legacy Committee is an independent citizens group based in Augusta, GA. Board Members include Ramona Harriet, Arthur Johnson, David Rachels, and Rosevelt Walden.
ABOUT MARTIN DOWNS GOLF CLUB
Martin Downs Golf Club is South Florida’s premier golf destination. The former PGA & US Tour qualifying course is owned by Stanley Campbell and is among the few African American-owned golf courses in America. Situated on 83 acres of natural Floridian scenery in Palm City, Fla., Martin Downs aims to transform the sport of golf into a lifestyle that promotes health and wellness, regardless of age or ability. For more information visit https://www.martindownsgolfclub.com
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce the launch of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion scholarship program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, Maryland. Troon will annually award a $25,000 scholarship to a UMES student enrolled in the PGA Professional Golf Management Program or Hospitality Management Program.
The Troon Diversity, Equity & Inclusion scholarship program is committed to providing educational assistance to students from diverse backgrounds seeking to enter the field of hospitality, including Hotel and Restaurant Management, Professional Golf Management, and Turf Sciences.
“Troon is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals to grow their love of the game of golf and the endless career opportunities within the industry,”said Kendall Murphy, Director of DEI at Troon. “This new scholarship is more than growing the golf and hospitality industry, it is about providing opportunities to make the industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. That is the future of the industry, and this scholarship allows us to facilitate that growth moving forward.”
https://www.pga.org/membership/associate-programThe Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship is the work of the University’s Golf Development Council, whose sole purpose is to increase the visibility of UMES’ profound PGM program. UMES is the only historically black college with an accredited undergraduate program for Professional Golf Management. The program partners with the PGA of America, country clubs, and golf courses across the country to provide students with authentic opportunities and experiences to benefit them in the profession and sport.
“The generosity of Troon will go to directly help the mission of our Professional Golf Management Program and that is to produce a diverse and talented group of professionals in the golf industry,” said UMES Director of Athletics Keith Davidson. “Our University has made their niche in golf and we are proud that Troon has recognized us and are happy to partner with them on this and future initiatives. I also want to thank Troon, the Development Council here at Maryland Eastern Shore and President Anderson for her trust in me to help steer this initiative that helps lay the foundation for future golf partnerships that will create jobs and opportunities for our students.”
“On behalf of the entire UMES Golf Development Council, I want to personally extend my thanks to Troon and the DE&I Council for their commitment, tireless effort, and collaboration over the last year in making this a reality,” said Anthony G. Stepney, PGA Master Professional Senior Advisor and Chairman of the UMES Golf Development Council. “There is no doubt that this scholarship will make a difference for our students and ultimately the hospitality industry as a whole.”
The UMES Golf Development Council is comprised of leaders in the golf industry, UMES administrators, alumni, and local and regional leaders. The sole purpose of the council is to serve as an advisory board on the progression of the only HBCU undergraduate PGA Golf Management program. This council strives to utilize its network and skills to build the presence of the program in the Golf industry.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 630-plus locations around the globe, including managing 650-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 615-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, Casa Verde Golf, and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
By Sana Noor Haq, CNN
Updated 1231 GMT (2031 HKT) March 7, 2021
CNN)Made redundant from her job at Lockheed Martin at the age of 55, Clemmie Perry started thinking she needed to find a hobby.
She turned to golf, but was immediately struck by the lack of diversity. So ever since Perry picked up her first set of clubs in 2013, she has made it her mission to bridge the access gap in the sport.
Founded in 1950, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is one of the longest-running women’s professional sports associations. But the LPGA has historically struggled with a lack of diversity and inclusion in the game.I
t took a little more than a decade for the first Black player, Althea Gibson, to join the tour. Fourteen years later Nancy Lopez followed suit, becoming the first Hispanic player to compete on the LPGA Tour.
At the age of 36 Althea Gibson made history after becoming the first African American golfer to earn status on the LPGA Tour. She was also known for her seminal tennis career.
Since 1950, just eight Black players have held full-time membership in LPGA Tour history, according to the organization.
The LPGA says most of its tournaments have approximately 100 to 120 players and fields are based on a “Priority List.”
Players in approximately the top 150 are generally considered full-time as they get into a majority of events, the LGPA confirmed to CNN Sport.
Of the more than 530 LPGA Tour members, about 220 of whom are active competitors, there is only one Black player with full-time membership — Mariah Stackhouse — the LPGA confirmed to CNN. Stackhouse is No. 127 in the LPGA’s priority list for 2021.”
There are various ways to earn LPGA Tour Membership, including winning an event, advancing through our Qualifying Series, advancing from our developmental tour or earning a certain amount of money in a given year,” added the LPGA.
Meanwhile on the LPGA and Symetra Tours combined as few as 2% of players are Black compared with 55% of White competitors, according to statistics provided by the LPGA.
Read the entire article at CNN.com
Pro Golfer Kevin Hall is seen having a grand time at the Inaugural Jim Thorpe’s Invitational, the premier 36-Hole Golf Tournament was held February 25-27 at Champions Gate Golf Club, Omni Resort in Orlando, Fla. (right, next to Mr Thorpe) Matthew Vital and his brother Michael with other guests.
At PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, you’ll find experienced staff to help you with all of your needs at this ultimate resort that offers 54 holes of golf. In the well-stocked golf shop, for the last two years G. Sean Schley, PGA, has worked as one of several Assistant Golf Pros at the Club. His warm and friendly demeanor is accompanied by decades of serving individuals and families on and off the course.
For Schley, his love for golf is an opportunity to inspire others and he believes that his presence is proof that one can accomplish anything. The Florida A&M University graduate asserts that being at the Club “means a lot” and gives hope to other African Americans that they, too, can realize their dreams of working successfully in the golf industry.
On duty, Schley’s responsibilities include running golf operations along with Ladies Day —which has quadrupled in number since he came on board.
“The PGA Golf Club has done a tremendous job in bringing diversity here,” says Schley, whose hire represents their commitment to the Club and other properties they own.
Working seasonally for years in the golf industry, Schley was born in Camden, NJ, and moved to Port St. Lucie around age 12, and grew up there. After 23-years of pastoral ministry at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, Schuley retired and is now fulfilling his passion full time in golf. “It’s amazing,” he says, while not hesitating to give some good advice to anyone seeking to work in the golf industry, citing mentorship as a key element for guidance and direction.
To reach G. Sean Schley, PGA, to book lessons or clinics contact him at 772-783-2024 or email [email protected]
View the full interview below.
Editor’s note: During the video interview when referring to the Ladies Day group grotwh, Schley says that his use of the word “squandering” should be replaced with the word “struggling.’ (Video interview conducted by LJ Finney)
Tucked away in Florida is a hidden gem called Port Saint Lucie. Unlike Orlando, West Palm Beach, or Miami inundated with travelers from around the globe, events, and parties, Port Saint Lucie offers a refreshing approach for relaxation and fun. It is appealing for both golfers and non-golfers of every age because there is a lot to do, from the Saturday Farmer’s market to hitting golf balls at PopStroke which is co-owned by Tiger Woods.
Located on the “Treasure Coast,” Port Saint Lucie and the neighboring communities deliver a trifecta of African American history, golf, and life-altering sunrises. Port Saint Lucie earned the name Treasure Coast when a fleet of eleven Spanish ships sank offshore in a hurricane full of gold and silver.
Port Saint Lucie is home to multiple public, semi-private and private golf courses within 30 minutes. Martin Downs Golf Course, owned by Stanley Campbell, is a 45-minute drive, one county away. Although not in Port Saint Lucie, when staying so close not visiting a Black-owned golf course is a missed opportunity.
Port Saint Lucie is home to the PGA Village which opened in 1996. Located at 1916 Perfect Drive are three distinct and uniquely challenging golf courses, Wanamaker, Dye, and Ryder. Many mistakenly overlook The PGA Short Course, a par-3 course, but it is the real hidden gem because golfers can work on their short game for little to no cost. The best way to prepare for golf at PGA Village is to play the par-3 course, says G. Sean Schley, the first Black Assistant PGA professional.
The Wanamaker Course requires conservative and strategic approach shots. At 7079 yards from the back tees, this Fazio-designed course leverages Florida’s natural landscapes. The green on hole #7 is mindblowing, undulating, and conveniently adjacent to a pond. From 100 yards in, each hole on this course is a pleasure for anyone with a sharp short game. Putting presents a unique challenge with slick greens and extreme undulation on every hole.
The speed variations on a single hole make the most experienced golf wonder if reading these greens, requires a degree. The birth of The PGA of America in 1916 was inspired by Rodman Wanamaker, the course’s namesake, and golf course address. Golf cart attendant, John Stockl, a native of NJ who retired and now lives his best life working at the golf course, enjoys hole #16 because it is a “true course management hole” and the challenge is what everyone loves.
The Ryder course is reminiscent of the Carolinas. Named in honor of Samuel Ryder, founder of the Ryder Cup, it is also designed by Fazio, this course measures 6826 from the furthest tees. From Medal, Tournament, Standard, Middle, Forward, to Friendly, PGA Village’s impressive selection of several tee boxes make the experience enjoyable for varying skill levels and strategically improves your game.
The fairways adorned with Bermuda grass allow for trick shots like putts with your hybrid because the greens are fast, as is the pace of play at every golf course in PGA Village. Hole #9 is the most difficult. This hole and a few others strangely require golfers to play uphill into the wind. It is unkind to anyone that slices the ball. A multi-level green makes ball placement critical to avoid a dreaded three-putt stroke.
“Dye Designs believes that Dye courses can produce better golfers.” Designed by Pete Dye, the Dye Course at PGA Village requires golfers to think about every shot. Measured at 7221 yards from the longest tee, the links-style course leverages design elements from old-school courses in Scotland. Hole #2 is the most difficult on this course and while it is a long par-4, the approach shot to the narrow green raises the difficulty level of this hole. Features like pot bunkers, undulating greens and fairways, and waste areas highlight the natural wetlands while making the round a “Dye-abolical” experience.
Aside from having 54 holes of pristine golf, PGA Villiage is a unique destination because it is one of only two official golf courses run by the PGA. The other course is Vahalla in Louisville, Kentucky.
In addition to golf, visitors will discover stories of resilience, creativity, and culture in Post Saint Lucie and Fort Pierce. The rich cultural history of the Florida Highwaymen and Zora Neale Hurston are two more invaluable gems.
Many have not heard of the Florida Highwaymen Heritage Trail. Displayed along the Florida highways, 26 African-American artists painted over 200,000 regional landscape paintings starting around 1950. Of the known 26 painters, 8 are still alive today. The historic Backus Museum contains a collection of the Highwaymen pieces.
The Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage trail is a different journey, rich with history, intertwined in a small community named Fort Pierce. Forever changed by her vibrant spirit, unapologetic prose, and resilience, the community continues to celebrate her as their own. The tour takes visitors back to an era when redlined neighborhoods were self-sufficient and thrived, serving as the foundation for Black Wealth, despite the circumstances. Both Heritage trails play an instrumental role in keeping the legacy.
Covering professional golf as fans have never seen it before, ESPN‘s America’s Caddie is in its third season. The featured segments hosted by the gregarious longtime caddie and ESPN golf analyst Michael Collins give viewers insight into the caddie life through interviews with some of golf’s biggest stars. The series follows Collins on his journeys across the country as he makes his way in this part travelogue, part golf history lesson, part celebrity hangout roadshow.
Season 3 of America’s Caddie will include eight episodes previewing the biggest events of the year in professional golf, including THE PLAYERS Championship, The Masters, PGA Championship, Scottish Open, TOUR Championship, and more. View available segments of America’s Caddy at https://www.espn.com/watch/series/e5b902f6-7a4a-4616-9b8e-26a411d06f2c/americas-caddie
Jim Thorpe Invitational (L-R) Ron Jones, John Perry, Jim Thorpe and Reggie Shell.Jim Thorpe’s Inaugural Premier 36-Hole Golf Tournament kicked off on February 25 at 2:30 pm at Champions Gate Golf Club, Omni Resort in Orlando, Fla., with a golf clinic led by former PGA Champions Tour winners Jim Thorpe and Jim Dent along with US Kids Golf Certified Instructor John Montgomery. The unparalleled event was presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by the resurged United Golfers Association for youth and adults. The 3-day event took place under the radar of many Orlando, Florida residents. It wasn’t highly advertised or promoted; I sorta stumbled onto it myself. The Invitational was created as a 2-day tournament open to “Elite Minority Junior Golfers” ages 18 and under.
A 6:00 pm Welcome Reception was held on the 10th tee of the International Course on Day 1 and the competitors teed off from there, as well for the challenge. An exciting Professional and Pro-Am competition took place in conjunction with the junior participants. All events were played using USGA rules and modifications and the US Kids Golf Tournament Hard Card for youth. Only players in the 9 and under age group are “required” to have caddies for this event. All other players were deemed they “may not” have a caddie. Spectators were welcomed wit free admission to watch the juniors and Pro.
(far right) Father and daughter from Tampa, Fla., with 9-year-old Tyler Lambert and her mother Erin Pitts (left) from Washington, D.C.The tournament attracted junior players from all over the U.S., as well as Canada and the Caribbean. Boys and girls, age 9 and under, participated in a stroke play format (18 holes tournament). Age groups 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18, played 18 holes each day (36-hole tournament).
On Saturday, Feb. 26, a delicious dinner was served at the Georgia Convention Center during a very informative two-hour (4pm-6pm) “Investing In You” panel discussion with HBCU Alumni, Tour Players, parents, and industry professionals.
From the up-close and personal view that I witnessed today, Jim’s tournament has super potential to become a showcase event for the Central Florida area. Especially with it being played less than one week ahead of Orlando’s Signature Event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which starts March 3rd.
Nathan Lambert, who turned 3 years old on February 9th. shows off his skills at Jim Thorpe Invitational.So far it appears Jim has done a magnificent job recruiting sponsors for this inaugural event, but if more sponsors, promoters, and supporters get on board with this definitely, worthwhile junior event, I think the sky’s the limit.
Hat’s off to Jim Thorpe, one of our original, trailblazing pioneers among Black golfers. We’ve lost Charlie, Calvin, and Lee, so let’s give Jim all the support we can while we still have him.
John Perry (left) with Justin Blazer, Tournament Manager, Jim Thorpe Invitational.Follow Jim Thorpe Golf and see reels and more photos from the tournament on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jimthorpegolf/
View more from the Jim Thorpe Invitation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jimthorpeinvitational