January 24, 2021 | By John Perry












January 24, 2021 | By John Perry













PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Jan. 21, 2021 –The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has granted an exemption to standout APGA Tour golfer Kevin Hall, whose sign-language introduction of The Masters on CBS generated worldwide attention in November. A veteran of multiple Korn Ferry Tour events and the 2017 Genesis Invitational, Hall will tee it up with the best players in the world for the prominent annual stop February 11-14 at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Hall, 38, is a three-time winner on the emerging, diversity-focused APGA Tour, which has grown to 13 events with $350,000 in prize money over the past decade. He won the APGA Tour’s 2016 season-long Lexus Cup Point Standings Championship and received the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption into the PGA TOUR’s 2017 Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods.

After becoming deaf at age two, Hall persevered athletically and started playing golf at age nine. A lifelong resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, he attended St. Rita School for the Deaf and played golf for Winton Woods High School. He earned a scholarship to The Ohio State University, graduated with a degree in journalism and won the 2004 Big Ten individual championship by 11 strokes. He turned pro the following year and has competed on the APGA Tour and other mini-tours plus Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR events since.
Hall’s journey in golf played a role in his selection to do the video introduction to The Masters on CBS. While acknowledging the absence of signature roaring crowds at spectator-less Augusta National, Hall’s enthusiasm and authenticity in his sign language offering captured the essence of one of golf’s most important events in the midst of a global pandemic.
“It is an honor and a blessing for me to compete in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am on the PGA TOUR,” stated Hall, who was informed of the exemption by Tournament Director Steve John. “The tournament will be different in many ways due to the evolving situation with the virus but it is going to be a moment I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. I can’t wait.”
“Kevin Hall is an inspiration and a talented player whom we are thrilled to welcome back to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am,” said Steve John Tournament Director and Monterey Peninsula Foundation CEO. Hall played in the 2006 tournament at Pebble Beach shortly after winning the Big Ten individual championship for Ohio State.
On January 30, Hall will compete in a PGA TOUR environment when he tees off in the
APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open Invitational, the second annual special event organized by the Century Club of San Diego and Farmers Insurance®. APGA Tour players compete in a one-day, 27-hole tournament on Torrey Pines North while the best players in the world play the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open on Torrey Pines South.
“The Torrey Pines experience will be very exciting. For more than a decade now, the APGA Tour has done a fantastic job of providing opportunities for minority golfers working to compete at the highest level and I’ve benefitted greatly.”
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has become one of the most internationally-recognized stops on the PGA TOUR. The tournament is continuing to work closely with the PGA TOUR as well as local officials to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved with the event, which will not allow spectators.

January 22, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
Last January, during her “Birdies Not BS” podcast, golfer Cheyenne Woods first met Yankees center outfield, Aaron Hicks, while interviewing him. The two hit it off and have been dating since last spring. This week at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, Woods is still by her man’s side, this time as his caddy for the tournament.
The Tournament of Champions (TOC) runs Jan 21–24. On Tuesday’s late afternoon round, the couple stood on the 18th green looking focused and determined. As the niece of famed golfer Tiger Woods, Cheyenne is a popularized player and gains a lot of attention wherever she goes. So, it’s not certain how much attention was actually on her boyfriend Hicks who was competing in the celebrity division at Tranquilo Golf Club.
“We just play a lot when we’re home,” said Woods who is trying to regain her LPGA status, “and we take everybody’s money.” Just last week Woods (who is trying to regain her LPGA status) documented Hicks’ impressive ace at Silverleaf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona – on a 303-yard par 4, with 3-wood.
The couple seems to have a great connection together, both caddy for each other at times and Hicks actually was on the bag for Woods in the final round on Jan. 17 when she dominated a Cactus Tour event, winning by 16 shots. Impressive is the fact that Woods was the only player in the field who finished under par on the desert mini-tour, winning $2,000 for her 67-65-68 showing in Sun City.
“Just nice to win,” said Woods. “I hadn’t won since Australia a few years ago.”
Hicks has been playing golf since a youngster at age 5. At age 13 he decided that baseball was his thing and put the golf club aside for a while. He has shared that Woods is responsible for him upgrading his skills in the sport.
Woods, a Wake Forest graduate, last won the 2014 Volvik RACV Ladies Masters on the Ladies European Tour and is currently working to regain her full status on the LPGA. She’ll be teeing it up in Monday qualifiers in 2021 and competing on the Symetra Tour.
“Apparently I sliced the ball every time I putted,” he said to GolfWeek.
Woods said her main role this week will be helping Hicks with course management and keeping him loose. It will be Hicks’ first time playing in a televised golf tournament, but he’s keeping it all in good perspective.
“This isn’t what I do for a living,” he said, “so I’m not going to take it personal if don’t play well.” And anyway, it certainly won’t be the caddie’s fault.

Posted: January 21, 2021
The Director of Community Impact is accountable for developing and implementing a community impact strategic plan while delivering performance over time in line with agreed upon goals.
The Director builds and maintains relationships across stakeholders within public, private, and not-for-profit organizations impacted by and having influence on Augusta National Golf Club’s (“ANGC”) community efforts.
The individual displays financial acumen by assessing the performance of community-related investments as well as managing a budget and forecasting expenses.
The Director collaborates across all internal departments creating and maintaining alignment with leaders in support of community initiatives. In addition, the Director will represent the organization at community events and embody the organization’s Mission and Core Values.


January 20, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
On Saturday, February 27, the Third Annual Black Heritage Golf Tournament will tee off bringing an abundance of camaraderie and challenge to participants while benefitting the Central Florida Business Diversity Council (CFBDC) and student scholarships. Coronavirus protocols will be followed.
The 18-hole tournament will be held at Cleveland Heights Golf Course, 2900 Buckingham Avenue, Lakeland, Fla. Of significance is the fact that this course the golf course that was the first to open its doors to Black golfers during racial unrest in 1966.
Highlighting the tournament will be a very special awards ceremony during lunch that will pay 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, along with featured entertainment and much more.
Larry Mitchell, president of, CFBDC is looking forward to welcoming golfers to the tournament and says, “From John Shippen to Tiger Woods and Renee Powell to Charlie Sifford, African Americans have played a significant role in the growth of golf both on-and-off the course. We must celebrate and educate…marking some of the many memorable moments in the history of African Americans in golf.”
The tournament includes a buffet-style breakfast, wide selection of raffle memorabilia, giveaways, hole contests, and top teams and tournament winners will be rewarded with a variety of prizes to enjoy along with their bragging rights.
Morning registration will begin at 7:30am and golfers will tee off for a shotgun start at 8:00 am. The tournament is sponsored by Lakeland Electric.
Online registration for the tournament is now open at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-black-heritage-golf-tournament-2021-tickets-129242147743. The registration deadline is February 18.
Vendor Participation Packages are available and include lunch for 1 person. For more tournament information on sponsorship and vendor opportunities contact Larry Mitchell at (863) 661-9483 or email larrymitchell@[email protected], or call Darrell at (863)709-4810.
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/

January 20, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
On Tuesday, golfer Tiger Woods announced that he recently underwent back surgery and will miss at least two events on the PGA Tour. The operation is Woods’s fifth back surgery, including a 2017 spinal fusion procedure that led to a remarkable comeback, capped by a triumph at the 2019 Masters.
The recent surgery marks the third time that Woods has undergone the less drastic microdiscectomy procedure, which he had done before, between 2014 and 2015. The 45-year-old said this time the procedure was aimed at removing “a pressurized disc fragment” that was pinching his nerve and causing “discomfort” at the PNC Championship.
In December 2020, Woods played alongside his 11-year-old son Charlie—who wowed spectators with his golfing skills. Following the surgery, Woods’ medical team deemed his microdiscectomy to have been a success and “expect him to make a full recovery,” per his social media announcement, he is withdrawing from two California events at which he has been a fixture over the years: January’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines and February’s Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.

According to Woods, he still plans to host the Genesis Invitational, adding, “I look forward to begin training and am focused on getting back out on Tour.”
Golf Digest cited sources in reporting that the “hope” for Woods is to play in the Masters, scheduled to tee off April 8.
Woods has been under a siege of sorts, following several personal issues — many of which were brought back to public scrutiny through an HBO documentary this month — Woods’ leg injuries began to curtail a glorious playing career that had him on track to go down in history as the greatest player of all-time status, but his back sidelined him in 2014 when he was forced to sit out the Masters for the first time since 1995. Afterward, Woods played on-and-off in 2014 and 2015, without winning a single tournament; and, he did not compete at all in the 2016 PGA season; He disappointed many of his fans by missing the cut in his one 2017 PGA tournament, the Farmers Insurance Open.
At the Presidents Cup in December 2017, Woods participated as a non-playing assistant captain. Following an April spinal fusion surgery, he said that the constant pain he once experienced was “gone”, adding: “I don’t know what my future holds for me. … I just don’t know what my body is going to allow me to do.”
The fusion procedure was described by a one spinal surgery expert described as an “almost miraculous” outcome for Woods because he was able to play a full schedule in 2018 and, capped the season with a crowd-pleasing win in September at the Tour Championship. This win became his first PGA victory since 2013.
With his 2019 Masters victory Woods earned his 15th major title (his first since 2008). The win gave Woods a much better chance for reaching Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18.
Woods won the ZOZO Championship in Japan in October 2019, followed two months later by leading the USA to a 3-0 comeback win at the Presidents Cup in Australia. But, when Woods made it to the November 2020 Masters (delayed and rescheduled by the Coronavirus) his status was tied for 37th in his previous seven PGA events, going back to February’s Genesis Invitational.
Seeking a win to defend his Masters title and get major No. 16, Woods started out very well with a round of 68, but it didn’t last long and the former World No. l was out of contention by the final round. Reportedly Woods was having some problems with both his knee (operated on five times). At the end of the tournament, Woods finished tied for 38th.
“My body just has moments where it just doesn’t work like it used to,” he said then. “No matter how hard I try, things just don’t work the way they used to, and no matter how much I push and ask of this body, it just doesn’t work at times.”
The Giboney Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, with the mission of providing resources to under-served students and communities. Mary Giboney (1925-2020) stressed the importance of education and family, and her giving attitude and spirit created the vision for the Giboney Foundation.
In her honor, the Mary Giboney Memorial Scholarship has been created to provide support for students of minority backgrounds, pursuing an education at accredited two or four-year universities.
our tax-deductible (EIN: 85-0716837), non-refundable fundraiser registration will provide you with the following:
Tournament Overview: 18 holes of golf (including range balls, golf cart), end of the tournament luncheon & presentation
Tournament Format: 4-player Shotgun
Tournament Awards:


January 19. 2021
LOS ANGELES – Tournament Host Tiger Woods announced Willie Mack III as the recipient of the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption into the 2021 Genesis Invitational field. Awarded since 2009, the exemption represents the advancement of diversity in the game of golf.
“Willie learned to golf with his dad just like I did and those are memories that will last forever. I am excited to see Willie make another lasting memory when he tees it up at Riviera,” Woods said. “Willie has endured through difficult times off the course the past few years and I know Charlie would be proud of how he has stayed focused on achieving his dream.”
Mack, a native of Flint, MI, played college golf at Bethune-Cookman winning 11 titles as a Wildcat. In 2011, Mack became the first African American to win the Michigan Amateur Championship. Mack currently competes on the Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Tour and Florida Professional Golf Tour, earning Player of the Year honors for both tours in 2019.
“I want to thank my father who introduced me to the great game of golf,” Mack said. “My dream since I first picked up a club has been to play on the PGA TOUR. It’s really special that I will play in my first PGA TOUR event because of an exemption named after Charlie Sifford, a person I’ve long admired, and in a tournament hosted by Tiger Woods, who is the reason I got into golf.”
The start at Riviera during the 2021 Genesis Invitational will be Mack’s first on the PGA TOUR. Mack has previously played on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR Latinoamérica Tour.
Since 2009, the exemption has been given to a golfer representing a minority background to play in the annual PGA TOUR event at Riviera. In 2017, the exemption was re-named to honor the memory of Charlie Sifford, the first African American player to compete on the PGA TOUR. Previous exemption recipients include Vincent Johnson (2009), Joshua Wooding (2010), Joseph Bramlett (2011 & 2020), Andy Walker (2012), Jeremiah Wooding (2013), Harold Varner III (2014), Carlos Sainz, Jr. (2015), J.J. Spaun (2016), Kevin M. Hall (2017), Cameron Champ (2018) and Tim O’Neal (2019).
The 2021 Genesis Invitational will be held February 15-21 and broadcast on GOLF Channel and CBS. To enhance the fan experience at home, the tournament is excited to offer games, activities and more to keep viewers engaged with the tournament while watching. Also the Genesis Invitational is taking its family village virtual in 2021 with digital activities, challenges, education resources and more for kids ages 5-12. These fan enhancement elements will be available on GenesisInvitational.com in the coming weeks. For the latest news and information, follow the tournament on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheGenesisInv.
About The Genesis Invitational
One of the most historic and longest-running events on the PGA TOUR, The Genesis Invitational celebrates its 95th playing, February 15-21, 2021, at historic Riviera Country Club. With TGR Live serving as the event management company for The Genesis Invitational, the primary benefiting charity is TGR Foundation, with proceeds from the event supporting the foundation’s education programs in Southern California. The tournament’s title sponsor is Genesis, a global luxury automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of performance, design and innovation. For more information about The Genesis Invitational, visit GenesisInvitational.com

Posted: January 19, 2021
PROGRAM SITE(s): Waveland Facility (primary), Robert A. Black GC, Diversey
Range, et. al.
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Program Development and CEO
CLASSIFICATION: Salaried/Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with experience
Private Instruction (supplemental income opportunity)
Full Benefits (Health, Vision, Dental, 401K, et. al)
About First Tee Greater Chicago:
First Tee of Greater Chicago, a 501 (c) 3 organization, is dedicated to impacting the lives of young people in the Chicagoland area by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Founded in 2000, First Tee Greater Chicago reaches young people through its core program, the Life Skills Experience, as well as outreach to the broader community through its School and Community Program.
Job Summary
The Director of Instruction (DOI) & Site Manager position will be primarily assigned to the Waveland Clubhouse and Practice Facility (currently in development), assisting with administration at other program sites as assigned. The DOI collaborates with the Director of Program Development on: 1) overall program and curriculum development, 2) coach recruiting and training, and 3) planning, promoting, and scheduling primarily for Waveland and other facilities as assigned.
As a member of First Tee Greater Chicago’s leadership team, the DOI will serve on the Board-led Facilities Committee, actively participate in strategic planning, and advise on other operational, programmatic and outreach initiatives as appropriate.
Additionally, the DOI will have the option to deliver private instruction outside of programming hours (see below) at our Waveland facility, to supplement their income through a mutually agreed-upon shared revenue program.
Duties and Responsibilities
Site Management and Lead Coach – Waveland
● Oversee day-to-day operations and programming at the Waveland facility
(with additional staff support)
● Serve as the lead coach for Waveland, and assist with coaching at other
program sites as assigned/needed
● Ensure a safe working and learning environment for all visitors, staff, coaches and volunteers at the Waveland facility
● Recruit and train coaches, volunteers, and seasonal staff for Waveland, and other program sites as assigned/needed
● Report on program site highlights, needs, and basic metrics
● Assist in coordination and tracking of registration and participant progress for Waveland and other program sites as assigned/needed
Program Development, Administration, and Instruction
● Work with the Director of Program Development to improve overall quality of instruction and delivery across all program sites (with a special emphasis on Waveland as an “incubator” for new program development) and with the goal of converting outreach kids to LSE registrations, and retaining youth from program entry through 18 years old
● Collaborate with Director of Program Development to revise and implement coach training program
● Assist Director of Program Development with maintenance and updating of Sales Force registration records for Waveland, and other program sites as
assigned/needed
● Develop a retention plan to move participants through certification levels
● Identify, encourage, and assist qualified youth to participate in golf
tournaments, national opportunities, and local chapter events
● Optional: provide private instruction to local youth (and potentially adults) at
self-assessed fees; through a mutually agreed upon shared revenue model (to help cover facility usage and operational costs)
Outreach & General Responsibilities
● Promote the Outreach Programs (School and Community Program) throughout service area, and when needed, recruit schools and youth service organizations to adopt the program(s)
● Model First Tee 9 Core Values and be able to convey First Tee’s mission to key stakeholders and the general public
● Assist as needed in the planning and operations of chapter special events,
fundraisers, and marketing/outreach activities
● Assist Director of Program Development with accurate reporting of grant
metrics and financials
● Demonstrate and adhere to the First Tee Code of Conduct
● Maintain a professional and cordial attitude with staff, families and public alike
● Other duties, as assigned Qualifications
● Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university
● Golf Experience Required, PGA/LPGA Member/Apprentice preferred
● Experience with youth development programs, or educational environment
● Exceptional communication and managerial skills
● Comfortable interacting with and communicating across a wide range of
stakeholders: kids, parents, donors, volunteers, coaches, etc.
● Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends
● Access to personal vehicle highly recommended (mileage reimbursement
provided) Licenses and Certificates – Possess a valid Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to First Tee. Candidates must agree to a background check and comply with Safe Sport requirements.
Please send Resume and Cover Letter to [email protected]
January 19, 2021 | BY DIANA SIMS

Physical activity is one of the most important elements of healthy lives among students in this technology reliant world. This is why getting young children involved in sports like golf can have tremendous benefits. It is a way to encourage physical activity in a safe and controlled environment. Of course, the advantages of golf surpass the physical aspects and include emotional and social advantages. In this article, we discuss some amazing reasons why your kids ought to play golf.
Physical Reasons Why Kids Ought to Play Golf

Experts suggest that all children should engage in some form of physical exercise to remain healthy and for optimal development. In this modern era where technology encourages a largely sedentary lifestyle, it is even more important to find ways of motivating kids to stay outside and play. Golf offers exercise and impacts physical strength and well-being. Here are notable advantages:
Research shows that kids largely benefit from getting immersed in sports. Golf offers a good entry-level sport to encourage working out and get kids away from televisions and video games. Also, evidence shows that by playing golf, students get to work on their strength and build physicality. It is an entry sport, meaning that it can motivate children to consider trying other sports.
There are skills taught in golf trainings like hand-eye synchronization, which can be transferred to other areas of life. Starting early also encourages life-long habits relating to healthy exercise. If hobbies such as swimming are added into the mix, they can help with enhanced endurance.
Golf is a great way to start physical activity without overworking. While the game tends to be low in terms of intensity, it still offers immense cardiovascular workout that can assist with preventing obesity, overweight, and associated health complications.
Golf, therefore, offers a safe and positive space where students can remain active with a limited likelihood of physical injury. Unlike sporting engagements like hockey or soccer where there are opportunities for tackles and injuries, golf tends to be relatively safe. Of course, kids should still be taught to take care of their body and perform minor stretches before starting to play rounds of golf. Offering quick essay help to children can allow them to free up some time for play.
Another physical advantage of golfing for children is that it triggers connection with natural environment. The sport is a chance for kids to get outdoors and enjoy their environments. Also, many courses are well-maintained and spectacularly landscaped. This means that those who want to play a round of golf get to relish the beauty of lawns and trees as well as an assortment of flowers. Being in nature with plants and birds has numerous health benefits.
Social Benefits of Playing Golf
Young kids who play golf also enjoy numerous social benefits. For instance, since the game can be played in teams or alone, it allows people with different personalities to thrive. Introverts can get some alone time, benefiting from the quiet concentration. Children can also get chances to play in groups or with partners, allowing them to develop friendships and fostering social skills. While any form of sport can allow children to make friendships, the nature of golf particularly encourages this component. The easy pace allows participants to engage in conversations as they play.
Also, playing golf has been shown to build business skills. At an early stage, developing a child’s business skills can be important as they learn independent decision making. Golf also teaches strategies and etiquette. Also, many businessmen already use golf as a platform for meeting clients and partners. If your child has an interest in the game, he or she already has a head-start in the world of business.
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
The world we live in today is very stressful, with numerous demands for young children. Golf presents numerous emotional and mental developmental benefits. There is so much involved in the sport including instilling values for problem solving. Golf teaches discipline and responsible behavior. There are numerous rules involved, although this can be introduced slowly to learners. Grasping these rules teaches kids to develop self-discipline.
In this article, we have highlighted why parents should introduce their children to golf. The sport introduces kids to an outdoor physical activity, allowing them to bond with the environment and improve their social skills. It is also a chance for people to improve patience and learn useful problem-solving skills.

January 19, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
It seems that times are changing for some consumer brands when it comes to reacting to their ambassadors using slurs. This comes to light in less than one week since professional golfer Justin Thomas uttered a homophobic slur on the golf course following a missed shot.
Thomas quickly apologized for the derogatory comment which he uttered to himself in frustration upon missing a 4-foot par put. However, the word was picked up by an on-course microphone and heard on Golf Channel‘s telecast during the third round of the PGA Tour‘s Tournament of Champions on Jan. 9 at Kapalua Resort in Hawaii.
Thomas apologized, saying, “It’s inexcusable,” he said to Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis after the round. “First off, I just apologize. I mean, there’s no excuse. I’m an adult. I’m a grown man; there’s absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that.”
In an immediate response to the slur used by Thomas, Fashion company Ralph Lauren, which has sponsored Thomas since he turned professional in 2013, announced they were dropping the American as a paid endorser.
Ralph Lauren is one of Thomas’ key sponsors and responded with this statement:
“We believe in the dignity of all people, regardless of age, race, gender identity, ethnicity, political affiliation or sexual orientation,” the company said Friday in a statement. “In reflecting on the responsibility we have to all of our stakeholders, we have decided to discontinue our sponsorship of Mr. Thomas at this time.”
Despite the quick mea culpa, Ralph Lauren and its Polo brand of clothing made a quick decision to let got from its paid endorsers the No. 3-ranked player in the world.
“While we acknowledge that he has apologized and recognizes the severity of his words,” the Ralph Lauren statement read, “he is a paid ambassador of our brand, and his actions conflict with the inclusive culture that we strive to uphold.”
Not pulling their sponsorship of Thomas is Acushnet-owned brands Titleist and FootJoy. As of today, the two mega-companies still were listed as backers on his website. On record for loosing a sponsorship for the use of a slur is is PGA Tour player Scott Piercy who was dumped by Titleist, FootJoy and at least two other sponsors just days after he posted a homophobic slur directed as presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg on Instagram, nearly two years ago. In this incident, although Piercy apologized he was still reportedly also disciplined by the PGA Tour.
According to his website, Thomas also has sponsorships with Citi, NetJets, Woodford Reserve, Beats by Dr. Dre and Troon.
After the incident, Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil-rights organization, tweeted: “This type of discriminatory language causes real harm, and there is no place for it in sports. We must continue to work for greater inclusion and acceptance. That’s how we all ultimately will win.”
27-year-old Thomas has 13 PGA Tour victories which include the 2017 PGA Championship. He is a former top-ranked player in the world who next competition on the PGA Tour (based on his past years’ schedules) will most likely will be at the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Feb. 4-7 at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.