Monday – October 13, 2025
North Stone Country Club – Huntersville, North Carolina
75 Players
Larry Watkins of Gastonia, North Carolina had his 6th Hole-in-One on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Club of Salisbury, Salisbury, North Carolina on hole #9, 144 yards out, using a 7 iron TaylorMade Club and Bridgestone ball. His playing partners were Tracy King, Deaius Vermon and Ernest Mooring.
As someone who’s always tinkering with equipment in search of that perfect roll, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the new L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS—the first-ever heel-shafted putter built with the company’s signature Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.) technology. I’ve been a fan of L.A.B.’s mission for years: to make putting simpler, more consistent, and—dare I say—actually enjoyable. And this model might be their most exciting innovation yet.
When I unboxed the OZ.1i HS, the first thing that struck me was how sleek it looked—modern yet classic, with that understated L.A.B. confidence. The head design combines a lightweight aluminum body with a stainless steel insert that’s fly-milled to perfection. It gives the putter a beautiful feel at address—solid, not too clicky, and incredibly stable through the stroke.
Now, what sets this model apart is the “HS” (Heel Shaft). Until now, heel-shafted putters and true lie-angle balance seemed incompatible. But L.A.B. somehow figured it out. The secret is their proprietary aluminum riser, which connects the shaft to the head while maintaining that magical balance. It’s available in multiple configurations—from 65 to 74 degrees—so golfers can get the exact setup that matches their stroke and posture.
During my first practice session, I immediately noticed something different: the putter just stayed square. No fighting to keep it on line, no twisting at impact. It felt like it wanted to help me make a pure stroke. For someone who tends to pull putts under pressure, this was a revelation. The balance felt effortless, almost like the putter knew what it was supposed to do before I did.
Another huge plus is the customization. I ordered a Custom OZ.1i HS, so I could pick everything—lie angle, length, head color, alignment line, grip, and even the riser color. It’s rare to see this level of personalization outside of a full tour fitting. Every detail made it feel like a putter built for me, not just one pulled off a rack.
Performance-wise, it’s pure confidence. The roll is smooth, the distance control is spot-on, and the consistency across different greens is remarkable. The heel-shafted setup also gives it a slightly more traditional look at address, which I think will appeal to golfers who have been hesitant to try L.A.B. putters because of their unconventional designs.
As CEO Sam Hahn said, “Lie Angle Balance is so much more than where the shaft goes into the head.” After a few rounds with the OZ.1i HS, I completely agree. You feel the technology working in the most natural way possible. The putter looks traditional, but it performs unlike anything else on the market.
Every OZ.1i HS is hand-balanced and assembled in Creswell, Oregon, passing through multiple stages of craftsmanship before it ever reaches a customer. You can tell. There’s a precision and care that’s hard to miss the first time you roll a ball with it.
For those curious about price, the Stock version retails for $499, while the Custom model starts at $599. Yes, it’s an investment—but if you’re serious about improving your putting, this one’s worth every penny.
In short, the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS takes everything that makes the company’s putters special and packages it in a heel-shafted design that feels intuitive, balanced, and incredibly reliable. It’s not just another putter—it’s proof that innovation and tradition can live in perfect harmony.
After a few weeks gaming it, I can honestly say: I’m rolling it better than ever, and putting actually feels fun again.
Final Verdict: The OZ.1i HS is a game-changer for golfers who want traditional looks with futuristic performance. L.A.B. Golf nailed it. OZ.1i HS is available now at www.labgolf.com and at authorized retailers. The Stock model is available for $499, with Custom versions starting at $599. Golfers can explore all options through L.A.B. Golf’s official website at labgolf.com
The 54-hole event Tuesday-Thursday is preceded by Pro-Am on Monday
The Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour is set to host its 14th event of the 2025 season with the Cisco Invitational, scheduled for October 13–16 at the prestigious Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California. This elite competition will feature an exclusive field of 20 players, including the top 18 golfers from the final 2025 Cisco Cup standings who accept invitations, along with two standout amateurs from the Cisco Junior Series—high school golfers Tye Treadwell of Omaha, Nebraska (ranked No. 296 by the AJGA), and Isaac Diaz of Del Rio, Texas (ranked No. 478).
The tournament champion will earn 700 points toward the APGA’s Jeff Dailey standings and receive a $50,000 winner’s prize from the $150,000 purse—one of the largest on the APGA Tour. Event week kicks off Monday, October 13, with a Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links, followed by three rounds of competition Tuesday through Thursday at Spyglass Hill. The event is the final 54-hole tournament of the 2025 APGA Tour season and will have no cut, ensuring that all 20 players compete across three rounds.
Founded in 2010, the APGA Tour is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in golf by providing opportunities for talented minority players to compete, grow, and succeed in professional golf.
Among the field are several of the APGA Tour’s most accomplished players. Marcus Byrd of Washington, D.C., an eight-time APGA winner and 2025 Cisco Cup champion, leads the Jeff Dailey standings and has made eight PGA TOUR starts since 2022. Chase Johnson, a two-time APGA Player of the Year from Ohio, sits second in the standings and was the only APGA golfer to compete in the 2025 U.S. Open. Other notable contenders include Kamaiu Johnson of Florida, a two-time 2025 event winner and APGA veteran; Willie Mack III, the Tour’s winningest active player with 16 titles; and Luis Gagne of Costa Rica, a former LSU standout and 2018 U.S. Open low amateur. Rising stars such as Jonathan Yoshihiro, John-Baptiste Hakizimana, and Everett Whiten Jr. are also in the field, each having earned impressive results this season.
The week’s schedule includes the Cisco Invitational Pro-Am on Monday, followed by first-round play on Tuesday, October 14, beginning at 7:40 a.m. PT. The second round will take place Wednesday, October 15, starting at 11:50 a.m., and the final round will conclude on Thursday, October 16, with tee times beginning at 11:40 a.m. Live scoring and tee times will be made available online.
The Jeff Dailey Points system, named in honor of former Farmers Insurance CEO Jeff Dailey, recognizes player consistency and performance throughout the APGA Tour season. The golfer who earns the most points across all events—including the Cisco Cup series and the APGA Farmers Insurance Fall Series—will be crowned the Jeff Dailey APGA Tour Player of the Year and receive a $25,000 bonus.
The 2025 Cisco Invitational promises an exciting week of elite competition and sportsmanship, continuing the APGA Tour’s mission to inspire an inclusive future through golf.
Nairobi — More players have secured their spots for the upcoming NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale following their strong performances at the Diamond Leisure Lodge Monthly Mug held on Saturday. Felix Kandie claimed the title overall with 28 points. George Mokaya won the men’s division with 38 points, while Pauline Nduva took the women’s title with 37. In Division Two, Patel Kumar scored 38 and Daniella Gallaway 34 to take their respective titles, and Arcel Adeyemo clinched the junior crown with 35 points.
Kandie said, “It was a nice round. I started with a bogey on the first hole but followed it up with a series of pars. I missed a few birdies, but I’m pleased with how I played. I’m looking forward to competing at Muthaiga and will train harder before then. At the moment, my game is improving, and I know I’ll perform well.”
With the 2025 series entering its final phase, Muthaiga Golf Club will host the final major qualifying leg at the beginning of November, paving the way for the grand finale later in the month. Meanwhile, Nyeri Golf Club, Nyahururu Golf Club, and Kericho Golf Club are scheduled to hold mini qualifiers through club-level events, offering more opportunities for golfers to secure a spot.
On Sunday at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Nairobi Fall Local Tour drew competitive junior action, featuring standout under-par rounds and tight contests across age groups. In the Boys 7 division, Aryan Patel shot 1-under-par; in Boys 9, Hakeem Mutungi finished at 3-under. Ishaan Patel captured the Boys 11 division with a 1-under round. In younger boys’ categories, Victor Haland won Boys 6 & Under with +7, Surya Bongu claimed Boys 8 with +8, and Paren Reel took Boys 10 with +4. In older age groups, Adam Nesbitt won Boys 12 with +3, George Ikirima earned the Boys 13–14 division with +5, and Wahome Mutahi secured the Boys 15–18 title with +4.
Among the girls, Njeri Nganga won the Girls 8 & Under title with +2, Leticia Mwangale took the Girls 9–10 division with +4, Ashley Gachora claimed Girls 11–12 with +8, and Siqian Yu captured Girls 13–14 also with +8. Finally, Shani D’Souza closed out the girls’ events by winning the Girls 15–18 title with +30.
At the same time, John Lejirma of Royal Nairobi Golf Club impressed at the 2025 NCBA Nyanza Open Hippo Pot held at Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu, finishing with a 1-under-par total of 209 across three rounds. In the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series, the competition was fierce: the winner posted rounds of 70, 69, and 70 to edge out William Odek and John Koina, who shot totals of 215 and 223 respectively. Last year’s champion, John Kamais, settled for eighth place after a difficult second round that saw him shoot 13 over par.
Hello Confidants, Constituents and Comrades!
I applaud, and I am happy that a young man has started a “Golf Tour” for young ladies of color, giving them a platform to showcase their golfing talents. However, I still stand by my truth, the name “Sapphire” for the tour for a Black Woman of my age is demeaning and DISRESPECTFULl!!!
Disregard for history to make the name acceptable by explaining Sapphire is a “Gem Stone” is absolutely correct —it is a Gem just like Diamond’s and Pearl’s are. It would be totally acceptable if it was the “White Women’s Sapphire Tour”. But for me, it does not change or ease the pain that the name caused when we were called and catagorized as “Sapphire’s” in my youth.
I understand the young women and their parents, wanting and desperately needing an opportunity to play golf professionally to earn a living as a career! However, I feel saddened that even though some of the creators o that tour have been told and have been educated to what the name means in regards to “Black women” but they just don’t seem to Care.
Some of you might say, “it’s just a name,” and you are correct, it is just a name, but words and names are very powerful and can empower you or disable you….
We live in a society today that is on a very slippery slope of what is permitted and acceptable for some, and against the law for others.
As a very young girl growing up in the Jim Crow South, my grandmother would say, “Never give the Devil a stick to hit you with.” In other words, don’t give anyone or anything a tool or weapon that could help to hinder or cause you harm.
I applaud the founder’s of the Tour, and I wish them well! But I wish they would think about Me, Renee Powell, Althea Gibson, Wendy Boyd, LaJean Gould, Esther Wilson, Oneida Costello, Carrie Russell, Anne Gregory, and All Black women, dead or alive, over the age of 60, who blazed the trail for young ladies that are now pursuing their dreams as Professional Golfers.
I ask those that have eyes to see, ears to hear, and sound minds, to think about the names some of us had to endure, and names we were called while pursuing our dreams. Names such as: “Aunt Jemima, Nappy Head, Black Bi%$ h#, Wh_re’s, Wenches, Nig_ a’s; Black Gal’s, and yes, “Sapphire’s!”
No one is asking the founders to quit or stop the Tour because it is VERY Important, VERY Needed and a VERY Worthy Initiative! All I ask is for you to get educated, and educate our youth about our plight as Black Women in the Wonderful World of Golf. Our Journey , Our Mission and our Stories are Worthy to be told!!!
THINK ABOUT IT !!…Trust the Truth!
What’s In A Name
“We are excited to hear the news that NGPDF member, Ashley Shaw, has verbally committed to play collegiate golf for the University of Georgia Bulldogs,” said Mark Lowry, president of the National Golf Player Development Foundation (NGPDF). “Ashley was our first young person to commit to be a part of NGPDF and we have been honored to support her journey, as well as all our members, as they navigate this golf landscape. Congratulations to Ashley and the Shaw family.”
Ashley, a standout junior from Litchfield Park, Arizona (Class of 2027), first drew national attention in 2024 when she won the John Shippen Shippen Cognizant Cup and earned an exemption to compete on the LPGA Tour at the Cognizant Founders Cup — a milestone that highlighted her poise and talent on big stages. An active AJGA competitor with multiple top finishes, Shaw has continued to collect wins and invitations (including regional and national events) while building a reputation for smart course management, steady putting, and competitive grit. Her commitment to Georgia positions her to join a premier Southeastern Conference (SEC) program known for developing elite players and competing for championships.
Jim Beatty, president of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures and founder of the African American Golf EXPO announced today that Dr. Michael Cooper of Tampa, Fla., has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Jerry Tarde Courage Award and that Stanley Mosk, former Attorney General and Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court will be posthumously recognized as the first Jerry Tarde Legacy Award recipient for his work in eliminating the PGA of America Caucasian only by-law which prohibited non-white golfers from becoming members and competing in its tournaments. The rule was officially removed in 1961.
The awards will be presented to Dr. Cooper and Mr. Mosk’s family at the African American Golf EXPO in Orlando during the PGA Show in January. Previous recipients include Tim Finchem, former Commissioner of the PGA Tour, Jim Awtrey, first CEO of the PGA of America, and Steve Mona, former president of the World Golf Foundation.
Michael W. Cooper, Ph.D., an educator and social change agent is best known as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in golf. For the past four decades he has been a passionate and trusted voice, helping to connect minority communities and golf industry leaders. Recently, he was the USGA Senior Advisor for the HBCU Initiative.
Prior to the USGA, he has served as the:
- Director of Diversity for the World Golf Foundation, where he authored the Golf Industry Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Report in 2010
- Tour Tournament Director for the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) and current Advisory Board Member
- National Golf Player Development Foundation (NGPDF), Advisory Board
- Chairman for the Golf 2020 and We Are Golf ,Diversity Task Force,
- Lead spokesperson, presenter, and diversity advocate at golf industry tradeshows and conferences
- Co-Chairman, “Make Golf Your Thing” Grassroots Grants Program, which has awarded $3M to 318 grassroot organizations since 2021.
- Southeast Regional Director for First Tee national office.
- Founder and Executive Director for Urban Junior Golf, a Tampa Bay community youth program serving underserved and underrepresented communities. .
Dr. Cooper has served as an adjunct faculty member at Springfield College-Tampa Bay campus.
Cooper has been inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame and the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. The native Chicagoan currently resides in Tampa with his wife, Melodie.
The award will be presented on Thursday Jan. 22 from 12 -1,during the African American Golf EXPO and Forum collocated with the PGA Show. Those interested in attending or sponsoring the awards ceremony should contact Jim Beatty at [email protected] or [email protected]. Attendance at the awards ceremony is by invitation only.
Those wishing to attend the EXPO workshops and other networking sessions should register at https://aagolfexpo.com/registration
About The Jerry Tarde Courage and Legacy Awards
The Jerry Tarde Courage Award is given annually by the African American Golf Expo to an industry leader for commitment to people of color in golf. Named after longtime activist, EXPO supporter and industry leader Jerry Tarde, chairman and editor-in-chief of Golf Digest. The Courage Award was inaugurated at the 2023 African American Golf EXPO and Forum. The Legacy Award was initiated to recognize individuals whose historical work for inclusion has made an important impact on the game.
About the African American Golf EXPO and Forum
The African American Golf EXPO and Forum was founded in 2021 and is an annual event dedicated to promoting inclusion in the business, industry, jobs, careers and culture of golf. As of 2025,the EXPO is collocated with the PGA Show. The EXPO connects and empowers underrepresented voices and advances economic opportunity in the golf industry. Now in its 6th year, the EXPO has attracted several thousand people and has had an estimated economic impact of over 3 million dollars. The EXPO is free and open to everyone. People are encouraged to attend workshops, increase personal networks, view exhibits, see new products and services as well as learn about the outstanding community and grassroots work conducted throughout America to promote the game and industry of golf.
The Freedom Junior Golf Classic, part of Alabama’s 8th Annual Rosa Parks Day celebration, will be held December 6–7 at Cottonwood Golf Club in Montgomery. The tournament is open to junior golfers aged 12 to 18 and costs $195, which includes two rounds of golf, lunch, a gift bag, range balls, and awards.
This new event not only promotes youth participation in golf but also celebrates the legacy of Rosa Parks, a civil rights icon whose courage sparked historic change. The tournament encourages skills such as patience, perseverance, and discipline through the game of golf while honoring the spirit of equality and determination that Parks embodied.
Players will also have the chance to earn Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking points and qualify for the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship, presented by R1 Companies.
For registration or donations, participants can scan the QR code or contact Quincy Leonard, founder and executive director at email [email protected]. or call (334) 354-1897 or visit theleofoundation.org
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With halloween just a few days away, it’s a good time to let you know that golfers and caddies say Jamaica’s White Witch Golf Course isn’t just for birdies and bogeys—apparently there are a few “uninvited guests” who insist on joining the game. At dusk, when the breeze whispers through the palms and the sun dips low, some golfers swear they hear footsteps where no humans tread. Weird lights flicker between trees. Shadows slink across the greens as if trying to sneak in a putt of their own.
Located in Rose Hall, in St. James Parish near Montego Bay, on Jamaica’s scenic northwestern coast there are plenty of reasons why this course could get freaky. Built on land once part of the sprawling Rose Hall Plantation, the course combines modern golf design with a haunting historical backdrop that dates back to Jamaica’s colonial and slave era.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Rose Hall was one of the island’s largest and most notorious sugar estates, worked by thousands of enslaved Africans under brutal and dehumanizing conditions. The plantation conducted horrendous acts against the enslaved men, women, and children, while working thousands of them to death.
Rose Hall became infamous for the legend of Annie Palmer, known as the “White Witch of Rose Hall.” According to folklore, Palmer was a cruel plantation mistress who practiced dark magic, tormented enslaved workers, and was responsible for the mysterious deaths of her three husbands. Her ghost is said to haunt the Rose Hall Great House and the surrounding property — including the very hills where the golf course now lies.
Designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, the course officially opened in August 2000 and stretches across 6,758 yards as a par-71 course. the course offers some of the island’s most breathtaking views, with 16 of its 18 holes facing the ocean. the course offers some of the island’s most breathtaking views, with 16 of its 18 holes facing the ocean.
On it’s signature 17th hole, and others, it’s claimed by many who have played here during dusk that game gets freaky, legends tell of phantom golfers who still roam the fairways, clubs in hand, eternally searching for the perfect shot. A whisper in the woods, a cold chill on the 18th hole, or a ball that rolls all by itself—caddies have stories, and they’re not always telling jokes.
So if you ever tee off at the White Witch golf course during dusk, somewhere where the wind carries a laugh (or maybe a ghostly cackle), and your golf ball takes aim for nowhere in particular—don’t blame the sand trap. You might just be sharing the course with someone from beyond the clubhouse.
Coveted Red Jackets Await Winners of One of Golf’s Most Meaningful Events
Chicago, IL — The Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) will mark a major milestone when it hosts its 10th-anniversary National Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club in Chicago from October 12 to 16. The event, long regarded as one of the most powerful and meaningful tournaments in golf, brings together veterans from across the nation who have earned their place through local and regional competition.
Adding to the excitement of this year’s celebration is an impressive lineup of special guests from the world of sports and military leadership including Fifty-eight-year-old Brian McRae, who has been actively involved in golf-related charity work and celebrity outings, including his “50 in 50” fundraising project and numerous golf tournaments supporting community causes. Also joining the festivities is former NFL and three-time college national champion coach Urban Meyer, along with former MLB All-Star pitcher and World Series champion Scott Erickson, former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes, former MLB third baseman, NFL quarterback Josh Booty, and retired Lieutenant General Mike Ferriter of the U.S. Army. Their participation underscores the VGA’s mission of honoring veterans through sport, camaraderie, and community engagement.
The VGA National Championship stands apart from other golf events because of its purpose and impact. The organization was founded to enrich the lives of veterans and their families through the game of golf, offering an avenue for friendly competition, fellowship, and personal healing. Over the past decade, the championship has become a gathering of shared experiences and stories, symbolizing the strength, resilience, and unity of the veteran community. Hosting the milestone anniversary at Olympia Fields, one of Chicago’s most historic and prestigious golf venues, adds even greater prestige to this special occasion.
Among the invited guests, former Chicago Cubs standout Brian McRae brings a distinguished sports background and a continued commitment to giving back. Born in Bradenton, Florida, McRae spent ten seasons in Major League Baseball, playing for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, and Toronto Blue Jays. During his career, he earned a reputation for consistency, athleticism, and leadership on and off the field. His 1995 and 1996 seasons with the Cubs were particularly memorable, when he ranked among league leaders in hits, walks, and stolen bases while serving as a key contributor to the team’s offense.
After retiring from baseball, McRae transitioned into broadcasting and coaching, working as an analyst for major sports networks and serving in college coaching roles. He has also remained active in charitable and community causes, using sports as a platform to mentor youth and support philanthropic efforts. His involvement in the VGA National Championship reflects his ongoing commitment to teamwork, perseverance, and purpose — qualities shared by the veteran golfers competing in the event.
Throughout the week, participants and guests can look forward to an engaging schedule of championship rounds, ceremonies, and interactive events. From the opening welcome to the closing awards celebration, the focus remains on honoring service, fostering unity, and celebrating excellence both on and off the course.
The 10th-anniversary VGA National Championship at Olympia Fields promises to be more than just a tournament — it is a tribute to service, sportsmanship, and the enduring power of community. For more information visit www.vgagolf.org