November 20, 2020 | AAGD STAFF
Tiger Woods will play alongside his son Charlie in the PNC Championship that is scheduled for Dec. 19-20 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida.
Formerly known as the PNC Father Son Challenge, the event features 20 major champions and winners of The Players alongside a family member. Woods has won 15 major titles, thus he will be making his debut at the 2020 PNC Championship with Charlie, his 11-year-old son. And, little Charlie seems to be a chip off the block, winning tournaments and fascinating fans. The youngster participated in a US Kids Golf-sanctioned event at Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City, Florida over the weekend — and he dominated the competition.
Highlights of the PNC Championship include a debut of first-timer, 2017 PGA champion Justin Thomas who will play alongside his father, PGA professional Mike. There will also be 2012 Players champion Matt Kuchar, who has previously played in the event with his father, however, this year he will be on the tee alongside his son Cameron, 13.
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Here’s a look at the current field:
- Mark Calcavecchia and son
- John Daly and son
- David Duval and son
- Jim Furyk and son
- Padraig Harrington and son
- Lee Janzen and son
- Tom Kite and son
- Matt Kuchar and son
- Bernhard Langer and son
- Tom Lehman and son
- Greg Norman and son
- Mark O’Meara and son
- Gary Player and grandson
- Nick Price and son
- Vijay Singh and son
- Annika Sorenstam and father
- Justin Thomas and father
- Lee Trevino and son
- Tiger Woods and son
The tournament will take place without fans, because of COVID-19 restrictions. TV information will be announced closer to the tournament.
November 18, 2020
In keeping with a vision for a golf industry workforce that mirrors America, the PGA of America is launching PGAJobMatch for next year’s PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and the 43rd Ryder Cup.
It’s of great importance to the PGA of America to demonstrably give back to championship host communities, and one of the greatest impacts wanted is to make in each market is creating opportunities for talent from diverse backgrounds to get a taste of working on the operations of a major championship, according to a memo from Radius Sports Group.
Applicants may register by completing the pre-screener questionnaires:
Operations and Merchandise Assistant Temporary Employment Opportunities
“The PGA of America is committed to creating a golf industry workforce that mirrors America, and one of the greatest impacts we can make is to support skill development and the creation of job opportunities in conjunction with our major events,” said PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross.
“PGA JobMatch allows us to deliver rewarding, short-term employment opportunities to individuals seeking exposure to the operations of a major championship. These roles will provide necessary support at some of the most prominent sporting events in the world.”
The PGA of America is inviting talent from diverse backgrounds who are interested in working to support the PGA’s high-profile 2021 Championship events to apply now through PGA JobMatch.
Short-term employment opportunities are available at the following major events:
- 2021 PGA Championship – Kiawah Island (S.C.) Golf Resort (May 17–23, 2021)
- 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship – Southern Hills C.C., Tulsa, Okla. (May 25–30, 2021)
- 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship – Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, Ga. (June 22–27, 2021)
- 43rd Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin (Sept. 21–26, 2021)
- Positions in South Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia and Wisconsin include pre-, during, and post-Championship opportunities from March to October 2021
About these opportunities:
Operations Assistants support Operations Staff in the construction, daily operation and deconstruction of the Championship site. Individuals must be able to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
Merchandise Assistants support merchandise receipt, set up, execution, and tear down for The PGA Shops. Merchandise Assistants gain valuable experience in business, retail, marketing, communications and sports management.
Operations and Merchandise Assistants have the opportunity to meet and work with various representatives in one of the world’s largest working sports organizations.
How PGA JobMatch works:
- Interested applicants must complete the registration form by December 19, 2020 for consideration.
- Qualified candidates will be contacted by the appropriate PGA Departments’ hiring managers to discuss potential employment for each event.
November 18, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
The Capital Long Drive Classic brings together a roster of top male and female Long Drive professionals for the first-ever golf event of its kind on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The inaugural event transforms West Potomac Park into a long drive competition with the iconic backdrop of the National Mall and Memorial Parks area.
The Capital Long Drive Classic airs nationally on Golf Channel on December 17 at 11 AM EST and rebroadcast on December 20 at 5 PM EST.
The event features top professional men’s and women’s long drive athletes in a unique co-ed exhibition that showcases golf’s racial and gender diversity. Events DC partnership with the nonprofit My Brother’s Birdies includes a youth clinic at East Potomac Park Golf Couse, designed to introduce golf to children from underserved communities.
The National Mall will be converted into a one-of-a-kind long drive “arena”. The area normally celebrated for Cherry Blossoms will turn into the most scenic view in Long Drive competition. Washington DC has a rich history in golf.
In 1923, DC hosted the USGA Championship at East Potomac Park Golf Course. The United States Colored Golf Association was founded in Washington DC in 1925, and Lee Elder, the first black man to play in The Masters, managed DC’s Langston Golf Course from 1978-1981.
THE COMPETITORS
ABOUT CAPITAL LONG DRIVE CLASSIC
Our mission is to produce a long drive exhibition that is COVID safe and family-friendly, and to introduce the game of golf to minority and underrepresented communities in the DC area. We believe that golf teaches important life skills and etiquette, exposes young people to new relationships and long friendships, instills the confidence to believe that they can accomplish their goals and dreams.
November 16, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
It didn’t take Chris Arceneaux long to get some new youth golf programs going as the newly appointed Head Golf Pro at Jay & Lionel Herbert Memorial Golf Course in Lafayette, Louisiana. Arceneaux’s new role became effective on October 30 and was announced in a press release by the muni located just East of Highway 90, the public course is easy to find and easy to play.
Arceneaux brings over two decades of experience in the golf industry to the 18-hole course. A driven, family-oriented individual, he established a tenured career as well as a name for himself locally and around the nation.
During his times as Assistant Golf Professional at Cherry Valley Golf Club in New York and Quail Valley Club in Vero Beach, Florida Arceneaux was active as coordinator with the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, so it is no surprise that he is engaging with the youngsters in his new role.
(photo: contributed)
Arceneaux has hosted several business professional networking events and hopes to have monthly networking and business card exchange events at Muni. His nonprofit organization, the Darby Foundation, established a S.T.E.A.M.S. Academy in Freeport, NY and later Long Beach, NY. Arceneaux hopes to work with local organizations to establish an afterschool S.T.E.A.M.S. Academy mentoring program and a junior golf program at Muni.
“I’m so grateful and thankful God blessed me with this opportunity to return home closer to my mother and family after being in New York for 25 years,” said Arceneaux following the new position announcement. “I look forward to using all I’ve learned from others, as well as my experience as an Assistant Golf Pro in New York and Florida to help make an impact in the community through mentoring, internship, junior golf, and other programs for the next generation.”
Another program at the course to benefit youth is being developed in partnership with Generations Sports Golf Academy. The pilot program will introduce kids to golf.
Arceneaux proudly confirmed the scheduling of late-fall golf clinics which will be held at the venerable course over the final two months of the 2020 calendar year.
With my career focus being community, member relations, tournament management and junior golf, I am honored to have the opportunity to join this team and am committed to taking the Jay & Lionel Hebert Municipal Golf Course to the next level,” Arceneaux said. He was born and raised in Lafayette and resided across the street from Muni and says that is where his passion for golf first started.
Arceneaux is a graduate of Northside High School, where he played on the golf team, lettered and went to the golf state championship each year as the team captain. He later attended Southern University in Baton Rouge and USL in Lafayette before deciding to enter the PGA’s Professional Golf Management Program. Chris relocated to Brooklyn, New York in 1995 to live his dream working jobs in sales management and has over two decades of experiences, skills and accomplishments within the golf industry, including working relationships with PGA Head Pros at first class private country clubs and facilities.
I am thrilled to have such a professional and family oriented individual join our team! With Chris’ positive attitude, commitment to grow the game and industry expertise, I know he is going to be an excellent addition to our community,” states retiring Muni General Manager, Wayne Wills.
About Jay and Lionel Hebert Municipal Golf Course:
The course, located at 1121 Mudd Avenue in Lafayette, was originally built in 1926 and is the oldest course in Southern Louisiana. After undergoing a major renovation in 2010, it is now seen as “The New Course at an Old Location”. Muni features a 72 par, 18-hole, 6,426-yard course, a quality Pro Shop, and a restaurant. The course rating is 70.1 and it has a slope rating of 117 on Bermuda grass.
For more information visit or contact Jay & Lionel Herbert Memorial Golf Course at 337.291.5557 or reach Chris Arceneaux at [email protected]
NOVEMBER 16, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
New World No 1 Dustin Johnson claimed his second major with a record-breaking Masters finish of 20 under, for a score of 268. The golfer who is known for his calm demeanor following errant shots is likely to gain many more victories.
36-year-old Dustin finished on 20 under and five shots ahead of competitor Cameron Smith and Sungjae Im.
In 2016, Dustin also won the US Open. Fans who down-talk his game are the last thing on his mind, as he continues to work hard and prove his naysayers wrong.
Watching Dustin’s swing, strong drives and the extensive control that he exerts over his tools is way-past awesome. Some have even compared his skills to being the closest thing to Tiger Woods at his peak. One exception, Tiger was at the top of his game for at least 20 years.
the 36-year-old as he fought back tears in his post-victory interview.
posting a record score of 20 under par to win by five strokes,
“I want to get to number three first, but I do dream of winning a lot of majors,” Johnson said in his press conference afterwards. “Just hadn’t quite happened yet. Hopefully this one will help give me a little spring. I feel really good about everything that I’m doing. I feel really confident in the golf game.
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Dustin sported a wide, happy grin as he slipped into the Green Jacket, which defending champion Tiger Woods eased him into.
“Obviously having Tiger put it on was awesome and unbelievable and you wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Dustin.
The win for Dustin was more than something special, it accompanied the memories of his youth, since he was raised in South Carolina, just a little over 75-miles from Augusta. No doubt, he has always had this win tucked in the back of his mind.
“My goal is to play for about eight, nine, maybe 10 years, and then hang out with my kids and Paulina (Gretzky).”
One advantage Dustin has as a professional golfer, he does not let bad shots get the best of him. He knows how to let the past be the past and aim for doing better on the next hole. This type of focus is what helps keeps him going, and going for the win.
For instance, during Sunday’s round when he made his two bogeys at four and five, he didn’t seem to twitch at all, he just tipped his head, as if to shake off the dust of those terrible shots, and he kept going. You have to admit, it takes some kind of mental strength to do that. But this is what Dustin is made of. This is the edge that he has over many other players.
That’s why it was no surprise to those who know how Dustin operates when his shot at six tipped he leaderboard in his favor, sending him soaring off into the forefront. His shot on the par-five eighth in two was almost a guarantee that the tournament belonged to him. The birdie at holes 13 and hole 15 were exciting to watch….Great win, Dustin.
November 16, 2020 | BY KELLEY PIERRE
Sewsunker ‘Papwa’ Sewgolum was the son of Indian immigrants whose grandparents migrated from India to South Africa to become indentured servants. “2020 marks 160 years since Indians arrived in South Africa,” said Papwa’s son Rajen during a live Zoom interview this week.
On November 16, 1860 a ship carrying Papwa’s grandparents along with many other indentured laborers onboard arrived on the shores of South Africa from India. The passengers were all seeking a better life. However, the conditions in South Africa for the newly arrived immigrants were harsh and the couple lived an impoverished life, fishing and farming to make ends meet and to feed their growing family.
One day while Papwa and his father were heading out to fish, there was a golf course they always had to cross. On one particular day, as Rajen says the story goes, Papwa found a golf ball, closely examined it and was enamored to learn more about the game. Eventually he started to play using a stick on the sand.
BEGINNING TO PLAY
Papwa began his official involvement in golf as a caddie at age 16. He entered an amateur tournament with borrowed shoes and clubs and won. He grew to become a prolific golfer competing in South Africa and internationally, he went on to win the Dutch Open three times out of six, a feat that has not been topped til this day.
In this video interview Rajen Sewgolum continues the legacy of his father by sharing insights and personal experiences on the amazing life of Papwa, his involvement in trying to end racism in the game, and his friendship with other legendary golfers, including South African golfer Gary Player.
Discover Papwa’s many accomplishments, the challenges he faced, the hardships growing up, tournaments he played in and his achievements before being banned from playing golf. Watch, listen and hear how his son Rajen is continuing to propagate this untold story.
WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW BELOW:
“It’s a sad state of affairs, you know, that somebody of that statue is not gien the recognition that he deserves.”
Rajen Sewgolum, son of Papwa Sewgolum
Learn more by visiting and contacting Rajen Sewgolum https://www.facebook.com/rajen.sewgolum
Little LA Productions | Details for contributions: [email protected]
Kelly Pierre is a Certified Coach with U.S. Kids Golf, Founder & CEO of All Access Golf and Director of Circulation and Consumer Engagement at African American Golfer’s Digest
November 15, 2020
HOUSTON, Nov. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nonprofits across the country who hold fundraising events are having to strike a delicate balance between Covid 19 concerns and the need to continue funding worthy beneficiaries, many of whom count on the money raised at these fundraisers to help continue their work.
Houston-based Golfers Against Cancer (GAC), a 501c3 whose goal is to fund cancer research, was faced with that decision. GAC Founder and Co-Chairman Bobby Jones was clear in his message that he felt the benefits of holding the events far outweigh the risks.
“Our support in directly helping to fund specific cancer research programs is vital to the overall effort in finding a cure. These research organizations rely, in large part, on GAC and other groups to continue this important work. GAC remains steadfast in helping to contribute each and every year; this year being no exception.”
“That does not mean our events will neglect the proper protocols,” he says. “We are already assessing how many participants we can safely host for our GAC Dinner to keep appropriate distance between attendees.”
GAC Tournament Director Bob Spinetti adds, “We will encourage the same fundamental safe practices for our golf events.”
Schedule:
The GAC Dinner is on Saturday, November 21, 2020 6:00 p.m. – Seating may be limited so make your reservations early. Masks will be required and social distancing maintained.
The Corporate Shootout is on Sunday, November 22. It recognizes the major sponsors of GAC. Play is on Deerwood and the Forest courses for Diamond and Platinum level sponsors, and the $5,000 Longpré Memorial ProAm teams. United Airlines is the presenting sponsor. Shotgun start at 11:00 a.m.
The Main Golf Tournament and Mike Longpré ProAm are played on Monday, November 23. The Longpré is for both events, registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start.
Register on the web site at https://golfersagainstcancer.org/registration/.
November 13, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
After just a few short months following the successful January 2020 launch of her Black Golf Directory, effective today, Jamie Taylor has officially resigned from her position as Programs Manager for the LPGA Foundation. Earlier in the week, Jamie announced the expansion of her consulting company, JT Mobile Training, releasing a statement which read:
“I am writing to inform you that I will be moving on from LPGA this Friday. I am excited to share that I will be working to expand my consulting business (JT Mobile Training) and LPGA will become my client! I will be helping to increase diversity in our Girls Golf programs, LPGA Amateurs, and LPGA Professionals memberships.” The firm will offer mobile training programs that will teach how to attract and retain diverse customers.
Jamie, a Cleveland, Ohio native who currently resides in Sanford, Fla., continued in her statement by saying, “I’ve really enjoyed over the last five years working with you on Girls Golf eLeaders, Experiences, Five E Stages of Learning, Camps, App, Tour Clinics, educational webinars, LPGA Foundation Scholarships and Leadership Academies.”
“Fortunately, I will continue to work with you by providing trainings on Recruitment and Retention of diverse groups in 2021, and connect you with organizations that cater to diverse communities. I applaud you for dedicating your time and energy to help bring more girls into the game, and look forward to joining you in this effort in my new role. The LPGA Foundation team will be taking over my areas of responsibilities, please email [email protected] with any questions.”
A Gannon University Varsity Women’s Golf team member, Jamie served as captain her junior and senior year and received her bachelors and MBA in 2007. She was also the first Greater Cleveland Junior Golf Scholarship Fund alum to be elected as president of the executive team.
JT Mobile Training is a home-based business located in Sanford, Fla. which focuses on providing customer awareness, retention and engagement training. The company is officially named Jamie Taylor, LLC, but doing business as JT Mobile Training, a for profit entity.
Launched on Martin Luther King Jr’s. birthday holiday this year, Taylor’s future plans for the Black Golf Directory include making it a 501c3. To learn more about JT Mobile Training visit wwww.jtmobiletraining.com, follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jtmobiletraining. Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/jtmobiletraining/?viewAsMember=true
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(November 12, 2020 | GolfChannel)
Editor’s Note: Round 2 is expected to begin at 9:30 a.m. The golfers finishing up Round 1 will play in the first wave in Round 2, which means they will play back-to-back rounds in the morning while those who got all of Round 1 in — like Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau — will have to wait until later in the afternoon to get cranked up. That’s just how the cookie crumbles. With sunset just before 5:30 p.m., it will likely be tough to decide on a 50-player cut before Saturday.
Can he do it again?
So far, so good for the reigning Masters champion. Tiger Woods made three birdies in his first seven holes and ended up with a bogey-free, 4-under 68 Thursday at Augusta National.
It was Woods’ first bogey-free round in a major in his past 106 major rounds. The round also tied Woods’ best opening-round score at the Masters.
“I put a lot of it together today,” Woods said afterward.
Woods, who started on No. 10, birdied both of the par-5s on the back side, Nos. 13 and 15. He hit the green in two at the former, two-putting for his first birdie of the day.
VIEW FULL LEADERBOARD HERE
After his up-and-down birdie at No. 15, Woods nearly holed his tee shot at the par-3 16th. He made the short putt to move to 3 under.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Television: Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN); Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (CBS); Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (CBS)
Live stream: Click here for the Masters.com streaming schedule. Click here for the live steam.
Radio: Thursday-Friday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. ET; Saturday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Sirius 208 and XM 92)
November 13, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
Serving the goals of the organization to stimulate the interest in golf for men and women, United Black Golfers Association (UBGA) President Vernel Bennett and esteemed UBGA member Davida Davis spoke with Brother Esquire on his All Men Are Not Created Equal podcast. Streaming live, Bennett and Davis engaged in a lively conversation while discussing the challenges facing Blacks on the links, and, how and why the UBGA has developed, as an effort to help create a safe space for Black golfers to enjoy the game of golf while networking.
Often conceived as a “white man’s sport” golf is often not a reflection of the diversity of America and the minority groups that make us the nation. In March 2014 Bennett saw the need for creating an organization that would bring together like-minded Black golfers and thus started the UBGA. The membership-based group has a full calendar of events (prior to COVID-19) and travel opportunities and is open to golfers across America.
Davis included in her personal opinions of the game, mentioning how women are often intimidated when playing the sport, along with citing the time constraints that are required to complete 18-holes. However, Davis says that women are being enlightened by the organization, starting to “get the hang of things” and are discovering that the activity is “just a good for women as it is for men.”
Bennett mentioned that UBGA is special, because the organization is more than just about golfing, but about networking, providing scholarships and learning for each other. “We never want our member to ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable on any golf course,” said Bennett who’s UBGA has provided scholarships to over 36 students, giving more than $24,800 in educational funds.
One of the main purposes of the organization is to teach networking and personal growth and development. With a current roster of 70 members, the Laurelton, Queens (NY) based group is one of the few co-ed clubs in the United States. “We keep our robust database of members informed of activities, but we also welcome non-members to our events.”
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“We have one of the most dynamic teams of golfers that you have ever seen,” said the Harlem born and raised Bennett. The 6-year-old club has associates members across the nation and breaks down by gender at 60 male, 40% female. The group’s members are made up of corporate workers and semi-retirees and retirees. “Golf is great for networking and the game is ‘ageless’, at 80-years old, you’re still playing,” said Bennett. Just think of the face-to-face opportunity that you have playing 18-holes and being on the course with someone for 5-hours.”
UBGA MEMBERSHIP
Annual membership is $20 monthly and there is a $100 one-time initiation fee. The groups official colors are orange and black and members receive a short sleeve golf shirt along with a UBGA logo golf cap are a part of their membership.
When it comes to cost and the amount of money that is required to play the game, Davis comforted those who have been reluctant to learn the game by saying, “Anything that you want to go after and learn, you always have to put out a little.” She also shared ways in which a new golfer can reduce the amount of money they spend to get involved in golf.
For more information to join the organization contact United Black Golfers Association at https://www.unitedblackgolfers.org/
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