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March 3, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF

Central Florida Business Diversity Council (CFBDC) held its 3rd Annual Black Heritage Golf Tournament on Saturday, February 27 teeing off for a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. to a rousing group of players.

With Coronavirus protocols strictly enforced, The event benefits the CFBDC and student scholarships. Larry Mitchell, president of, CFBDC said, “We must celebrate and educate…marking some of the many memorable moments in the history of African Americans in golf.” The 18-hole tournament was held at Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland, Fla., a golf course that was the first to open its doors to Black golfers during racial unrest in 1966.

The day featured a buffet-style breakfast, lively entertainment, delighted guests with onsite vendors, a wide selection of memorabilia, giveaways, hole contests, and top teams and tournament winners were rewarded with a variety of prizes and bragging rights.

Highlighting the tournament, sponsored by Lakeland Electric, was a very special luncheon awards ceremony that paid homage to 5 of Polk County’s very own: Hall of Fame Black golfers 101-years-old Herbert Dixon, Charlie Owens, Richard Lewis, Eddie Postell, and Abbie Coleman.

The CFBDC is a tax-deductible, non-profit organization on a mission to advocate, educate, and facilitate on behalf of minority businesses and small businesses. For more information on membership visit http://cflbdc.org/

The event of the year gave players and spectators “101 ways to help Mr. Dixon’s Kids,” while also presenting a day full of fun, excitement, and camaraderie for over 100 players from across the state. Mr. Herbert Dixon, in attendance and playing in the outing, was a most gracious host, joyfully greeted guests, and shared in the beautiful day at the outing which celebrated his 101st year.

Fulfilling a promise to give back to his community, funds generated from the tournament will be used to assist college students in achieving their academic goals. Held on Sunday, March 27, 2021 at the Bartow Florida Country Club, a course in which he could only caddy during the time of segregation, this year the club paid tribute to Dixion by naming the driving range after him.

Dixon was born on September 15, 1919, and enjoys playing golf almost every day. He was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (1998), and the African American Golfers Hall of Fame (2012). Although his physical age has continued to climb, Dixon’s golf score hasn’t—he still shoots close to the high 60s and low 70s that he achieved as a young man.

The Herbert Dixon Charity Golf Tournament was sponsored by the Bartow Deacons and Stewards Alliance, Inc.

March 26, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF

Launched as an initiative aimed to bring more interest and participation of African Americans to the sport and recreation of golf, National Black Golf Month was first announced in April 2011 by the African American Golfer’s Digest. Each year since then the concept has been bringing hundreds of new players to golf courses around the country to learn, play and gain a better understanding of the game.

According to the United States Golf Association’s 2019 report, golf’s overall reach is at 101 million, on-and-off the course, that’s one out of every 3 Americans age 6+. Yet, African-Americans still only make up around 5% of the nation’s golfers and a tiny fraction of the high-level amateurs and professionals.

“From our initial concept, we have seen the interest in golf get a strong foothold in our Black communities around the country, attracting individuals who currently play the game, or are curious about it,” says AAGD Publisher Debert Cook.

“Myself, as a teenager, I was exposed to an experience on the driving range by two of my uncles who were Vietnam veterans, living in San Diego, Calif. The sport intrigued me, I had never held a golf club before, but it wasn’t until nearly 30-years later that I actually took instruction and started playing. Otherwise, I never had exposure to the game. Giving youngsters and adults exposure to golf is what National Black Golf Month is achieving.”

The aim of National Black Golf Month is to capture the attention of those in the Black community who are unfamiliar with the sport. Organizers hope the effort will continue to attract new people through a message and environment they can feel comfortable with.

During the entire month of April, golf centers, community organizations, clubs, instructors, and others are welcomed to submit their FREE golf programs and events to the AAGD NATIONAL BLACK GOLF MONTH Calendar where items will also appear on the NATIONAL BLACK GOLF MONTH Facebook Page. “It’s an ideal opportunity for golf instructors, coaches, and golf clubs and organizations who are looking to increase their memberships, client base, or program options,” says Ms. Cook.

Over the last decade of National Black Golf Month programs hosted by organizations, clubs and coaches across the country have included a variety of events including morning golf clinics, half-day on-course instruction, golf etiquette, youth sessions, age Golf 101 meet-ups, and more.

To be listed programs and events are required to be FREE to attend, yet, some may require fees for equipment, snacks, meals, etc.
Events can be listed HERE at https://africanamericangolfersdigest.com/submit-an-event/

Updates and information may also be found on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/National-Black-Golf-Month-107836248068633

NATIONAL BLACK GOLF MONTH celebrates and encourages African Americans and their families to become active participants in golf and the impact of this $84 billion dollar industry.

Annually, in America there are several months dedicated to recognizing and honoring African American efforts and achievements:

• February: Black History Month
• April: National Black Golf Month
• June: Black Music Month
• July: Black Family Month

“Programs and events that are centered on learning the game while growing participation in golf on a national scale for families and individuals will make a difference for changing the landscape of golf,” says Ms. Cook.

VIEW CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ABOUT
National Black Golf Month is an effort conceived in 2011 and designed to attract more African Americans to the game of golf and to garner greater awareness of the sport and its many health and career benefits.

March 25, 2021 NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

The Knickerbocker Golf Club, Inc. is one of the oldest African American golf clubs in the United States. Founded in 1944 and located in New Haven, CT., It has been a center for golf, social, and recreational activities for its members, and the community.

The KGC, Inc newly elected officers for 2021:

• President – Louis Hughes
• Vice-President – Wayne Ricks
• Secretary – Linda McLaughlin
• Treasurer – Pat Newton-Foster
• Financial Secretary – Gloria Baker-Parker
• Members of the Board of Directors:
• Willie A. Holmes
• Tony Carberry
• Wesley Thorpe, Jr.
• Marie E. Bell

The vision of the Knickerbocker Golf Club is to promote the sport of golf and to reinforce a sense of community for our growing membership. We endeavor to provide nothing short of excellence in every activity, service, event, and member interaction. The Knickerbocker Golf Club, Inc., at its core, is passionately committed to diversity and inclusion. Membership is open to men and women.

For more information visit the Knickerbocker Golf Club Facebook page.

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March 27, 2021

Cruiseline.com and Shipmate have announced the results of a Return to Cruising Survey to coincide with the nearly one-year mark of the suspension of cruising in the United States. These survey questions were designed to cover frequent topics of interest within the Cruiseline.com and Shipmate communities, as well as gather consumer insights on new protocols being incorporated around the cruise industry to ensure passenger health and safety. 

Survey results included 11,000 traveler respondents. 26% of participants reported being over Age 65, 54% between Ages 46 – 65, and 20% are 45 and under. Overwhelmingly 72% reported that they do not travel with children under the age of 18. 11% reported that they do travel with children under 18, and 17% say it depends on the cruise.  

The main focus of this survey was to gauge travelers’ confidence in cruising once again. As a whole, 93% of participants responded that they would consider cruising in 2021 or 2022 when operations resume. Of this number, 66% specifically reported they would cruise again as soon as 2021 and 27% reported that they would cruise in 2022. 1% reported that they would not cruise in 2021 or 2022, and 6% reported that they were unsure if they planned on cruising during this time period.  

“By a large majority, our survey participants said that they are ready to get back on a cruise ship as soon as possible this year. This shows that there is a tremendous demand out there to cruise again after one year of not sailing, and travelers are feeling confident in the new health measures being implemented by the cruise lines,” said Jamie Cash, General Manager of Cruiseline.com and Shipmate. 

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As of now, no formal statements have been made from the CDC or other official organizations regarding vaccine requirements by cruise lines. This topic has been highly speculated and discussed within the Cruiseline.com and Shipmate communities.

Of those that responded they would cruise in 2021 or 2022, 72% reported they would cruise if a vaccine is required, 17% would not cruise if a vaccine is required, and 11% reported they are unsure. Many new health and safety guidelines introduced from cruise lines have indicated that masks will be mandatory on cruise ships, specifically when social distancing is not doable. On February 2, 2021, the CDC issued an order which will require the wearing of face masks by all travelers into, within, or out of the United States which includes wearing face coverings on ships and traveling through cruise ports.

In the Return to Cruising Survey of respondents who reported they would cruise in 2021 or 2022, 56% reported they would travel if masks are required, 22% reported they would not cruise if masks will be required, 22% reported they were unsure. From these questions regarding new health protocols, we can conclude from our community response that cruisers are slightly more willing to cruise if a vaccine is required whereas they are a bit less likely to consider cruising if a mask will be required to be worn while onboard. 

The next part of the Cruiseline.com survey concerned specifics from those who will cruise in 2021 or 2022 regarding their travel preferences. The top three lines that respondents reported they would consider sailing first of all cruise lines were: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Respondents were also asked which regions around the world they would consider cruising to once that particular region is open. 87.9% of individuals reported they would cruise the Caribbean, with Alaska and the Canada/New England regions coming in second and third. 

The conclusion of the Return to Sailing Survey questioned respondent’s booking preferences. Of those that would cruise in 2021 or 2022, 61% reported ship size nor passenger capacity would be a deciding factor when booking their next cruise, 28% reported ship size and/or passenger capacity will be a determining factor in selecting a cruise, and 11% reported they are unsure at this time. 

(This article originally appeared in CruiseLine.com)

March 26, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF

How safe will it be to attend the Masters in Augusta, Ga., next month is up for grabs, as earlier this month, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said that he is not yet considering limiting attendance for tournaments only to those who have received COVID-19 vaccine shots.

In othe sports, the Miami Heal will open two of its lower bowl sections to fans next week, however, entry is only available for those fans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for at least 14 days. A simiar policy is in effect for some of the NFL’s Draft Theatre which NFL Draft officials have embraced for the player-selection process that will be held in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, from April 29 through May 1.

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In January, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley relayed that only a limited number of spectators would be permitted onto the course for the Masters scheduled for April 8-11. Althought his has not changed, the rules for also allow for individuals holding daily practice rounds, tournament tickets and series badges to no longer be required to produce negative COVID-19 tests.

Masters ticket holders were made aware of the decision via email, per ESPN’s Bob Harig and GolfWeek. The message included that those with tickets to Berckmans Place, the tournament’s high-end hospitality venue, must take at-home coronavirus tests 72-hours before arriving. They will also undergo on-site testing.

It is still unclear exactly how many paying patrons will attend this year’s Masters, Harig wrote, and spectators are required to wear proper face coverings and observe social distancing guidelines.

Thus far, no North American professional sports league has announced intentions to utilize so-called “vaccine passports” to restrict attendances for games and other events.

March 24, 2021 | BY KELLEY PIERRE

Professional golfer Cameron Champ was virtually welcomed to “The Hill”, also known as Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), on Wednesday, March 24, in a private check presentation and news conference for the school’s golf program. Cameron, fresh off the Mack Champ Invitational, which honors his late grandfather, Mack (“Pops), and creates more opportunities for diverse golfers, was joined by his father Jeff Champ the Co-Founder of the Cameron Champ Foundation.

Prairie View A&M University is the second-oldest public institution in Texas and a Historically Black College/University founded in 1876. The event’s purpose was to create further opportunities for diverse golfers, which goes to the Mack Champ Scholarship Program and benefits the PVAMU University men and women’s golf teams. The men’s team won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 2018 & 2019, and the women’s team recently committed Freshmen Jalyn Robinson as the 2018 Sac-Joaquin Section Division 3 girls golf individual champion.

In November 2020, Cameron Champ announced that the Cameron Champ Foundation and Chevron would donate $40,000 to establish scholarships for the PVAMU golf teams. This action inspired a group of prominent businessmen, led by Wendell Haskins (former PGA of America Director of Diversity) to help expand the reach. Haskins has a long history in sports and golf and has created tremendous access to the game through his annual Original Tee Golf Classic which primarily benefits youth.

Wendell’s constituency raised $64,000 towards the PVAMU scholarship effort. When added to the initial $40,000 donated by Cameron Champ and Chevron and $100,000 contributed by the PGA Tour, this brings the total amount to $204,000.

“Golf is a game that requires resources, and you often need money to deploy those resources,” said Haskins. “Being able to give these kinds of donations away is very critical, and quite honestly much needed throughout the entire diaspora to promote golf,” Haskins added.    

Prairie View A&M athletes are taught upon entering the college to get into the habit of doing community outreach and support, and they are encouraged to participate in such organizations as Habitat For Humanity, food pantries, food drives, and working with local stores.

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“48 months is the duration of time they typically spend on the college campus, so we want to make sure we provide opportunities for community engagement, so they will be accustomed to doing it once they transition out with their degree,” said Dr. Reed, PVAMU’s athletic director.

Casting bread upon the waters was instilled in Cameron since he was young. “One of the things we have always taught Cameron was to always give back, always understand your family’s history,” said Jeff Champ. Mack Champ wanted to get to Prairie View but was drafted into the military. He wanted to attend because his principal in school graduated from Prairie View and brought education back in his community.

“It’s about giving them a chance to succeed in whatever they want to do, obviously, right now, golf is what they want to do but also getting a proper education and a degree from Prairie View, then, from there they can be successful people,” said Cameron Champ.

To learn more about making a contribution visit here

March 25, 2021

It’s a good guess that many of us are itching to take a break from COVID-19 America.

As recently as 2018, 17 percent of African-Americans took one or more international trips, according to the travel market research firm, Mandala Research. That same year, the firm reports, African American travelers spent $63 billion in overseas and domestic travel. 

Travel experts already see a travel boom on the horizon.

For Americans who prefer to get away on this side of the Atlantic Ocean without having to quarantine when you get to where you’re going, here are 10 destinations to consider:

Aruba. U.S. visitors must take a PCR (nose swab) COVID-19 test prior to arrival, upon arrival, or both. They must also have visitor’s health insurance when traveling in Aruba. 

Bahamas. U.S. visitors can skip the mandatory quarantine by testing negative for COVID-19 five days or less before leaving the U.S. Visitors must also apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa, which requires you to opt-in to mandatory Covid health insurance. A second, rapid antigen test must also be taken on day five of the visit. Children 10 years old and younger do not need to be tested prior to arrival.

Curaçao: Only American visitors from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Florida will be allowed to enter, with proof of a negative test from within 72 hours before travel, and a state-issued ID to prove they live in one of the approved states. Visitors also must fill out an online immigration card and Passenger Locator Card within 48 hours of their departure from the U.S.

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Ecuador.  Numbering about 1,120,000, Afro-Ecuadorians (pictured above) account for about 10 percent of Ecuador’s population. Prior to traveling, U.S. visitors must submit proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 10 days prior to arrival. If you do not submit results prior to traveling, you will have to take a PCR test (at your own expense) upon arrival.

Jamaica. Americans can visit Jamaica, provided they request a travel authorization in advance and upload proof of a negative PCR test for COVID-19. They will also be subject to health screenings upon arrival. 

Costa Rica. Costa Rica is open to American travelers from all states. U.S. travelers must show proof of medical travel insurance and a negative PCR test for COVID-19, taken within 48 hours of travel.

Saint Lucia. Americans age five and older must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within seven days of their arrival. Visitors 18 and older have to submit a Travel Authorization Form. Saint Lucia has a Level 2 travel advisory.

Saint Marteen. Be prepared to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 120 hours of your arrival. You must also fill out an online immigration card prior to travel. 

Turks and Caicos. A negative coronavirus test taken within five days prior to travel is required. Travelers also are required to fill out an online questionnaire about their health and have travel health insurance. These parameters don’t apply to children under nine years old.

U.S. Virgin Islands. Visitors above the age of five must submit negative COVID-19 test results through an online Travel Screening Portal five days before traveling. Once in the country, they must adhere to local safer-at-home parameters.

Source: Encore Jets