Date: Sunday, November 11, 2018
Course: Sunset Hills Golf Course
Charlotte, North Carolina
Tees: 66.6/111
Players: 26
Submitted by John Love
(November 9, 2018) Suzy Whaley was elected the first female president of the PGA of America on Friday, November 9, 2018. The historic occasion came at the associations’ annual meeting in Indian Wells, California.
Whaley is the first female president in its 102-year history of the PGA of America
Whaley has been in the public spotlight since she qualified for the 2003 Greater Hartford Open by winning the previous year’s Connecticut PGA Championship. Though Annika Sorenstam played earlier in 2003 at Colonial on a sponsor’s exemption, Whaley was the first woman to qualify for a PGA Tour event since Babe Zaharias in 1945. Whaley shot 75-78 to miss the cut.
Whaley, 51, is the director of instruction at Suzy Whaley Golf in Cromwell, Connecticut. She has been a member of the PGA of America since 2001 and has previously served two-year stints as secretary and vice president.
Whaley is the 41st PGA president. Jim Richerson, the senior vice president for business development for Troon, moved from secretary to vice president. John Lindert the director of golf and COO of The Country Club of Lansing (Mich.) was elected the new secretary.
Derek Sprague, a PGA of America past president, characterized Whaley’s election as “amazable.” I think it’s a significant step forward for women who play golf. It’s past time for us to see women in the game’s administrative ranks.
Debert Cook, publisher AAGD remarked, “This is the era of the ‘woman golfer’ and Suzy is an excellent choice. I have personally met her and, admire her warmth and charm and leadership skills. I am looking forward to personally congratulating her soon.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Dr. Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA,
Makes History as an honorary female member
of the Royal and Ancient
The PGA of America consists of 29,000 golf professionals and also runs prestigious events, such as the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup [when hosted in the U.S.].
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Lineup
of Special Events to Honor and Recognize Veterans
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2018) PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced that Sunday, Nov. 11—Veterans Day— will serve as the 2nd Annual PGA National Day of HOPE.
PGA National Day of HOPE has two goals: Celebrate our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom; and raise awareness and support for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the signature military program for PGA REACH.
To support PGA National Day of HOPE, a lineup of special events will take place in conjunction with active HOPE chapters across the United States. Currently, there are more than 90 HOPE Chapters helping more than 2,000 Veterans annually. To make a donation, please visit PGAREACH.org.
Featured events and programs in conjunction with PGA National Day of HOPE include:
- Veterans participating in the Northern California PGA Section HOPE program will be recognized on-field at Levi’s Stadium prior to the NFL’s Monday Night Football game between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants.
- The Carolinas PGA Section will host the inaugural PGA REACH – Carolinas HOPE Cup at Pinehurst Resort. Eleven teams consisting of Veterans who have graduated the 8-week HOPE program and a PGA Professional will team up for a 9-hole Scramble. The teams represent HOPE Chapters throughout both North and South Carolina.
- The South Florida PGA Section will host an Open House for Veterans and their families on Friday, November 9, at the Ft. Pierce PGA HOPE Chapter (Fairwinds Golf Course) and Monday, November 12, at the Fort Myers PGA HOPE Chapter (Alico Family Golf). PGA Associate Blaine Lytle, who leads the program at Alico Family Golf, is a military Veteran.
- Congressional Country Club and 100 of its members hosted 30 PGA HOPE Veterans for their graduation from the program, where they played a 9-hole scramble. After the graduation ceremony, the Veterans were invited to attend a ceremony where Congressional Country Club was presented the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of their OSS (CIA) service during WWII.
- After six weeks of instruction on the golf course, the Metropolitan PGA Section recently hosted a graduation event for 80 Veterans who participated in the Rehabilitative Golf Program. Met Section PGA Professionals, which include military Veterans, led the HOPE program.
- HOPE programs will be scheduled in active HOPE markets across the country during the week leading up to Veterans Day. The list of HOPE markets is available at pgareach.org/services/military/.
Additionally, an inspirational “Hero” video featuring Jack Nicklaus, which debuted last year in conjunction with the inaugural PGA National Day of HOPE, will be relaunched and shared through PGA and partner digital and social channels. The video demonstrates the true power of PGA HOPE, highlighting the positive impact of golf programming on military Veterans with disabilities.
“Golf can be an effective part of the therapeutic rehabilitation process, and PGA HOPE is making a difference in the lives of thousands of veterans,” said Ryan Cannon, Senior Director, PGA REACH. “PGA HOPE programming takes place year-round, but on Veterans Day, we invite the entire golf community to join us in honoring our country’s heroes, and raising awareness for PGA HOPE, so that it can continue to expand and serve even more veterans.”
PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program features a six-to-eight week instructional golf clinic, followed by a graduation ceremony and on-course golfing opportunities. Fully funded by PGA REACH, PGA HOPE is offered at NO COST to military veterans. Led by PGA Professionals, PGA HOPE has helped thousands of veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides.
For more information on PGA HOPE or to make a donation, please visit PGAREACH.org.
About PGA REACH
PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Twitter and find us on Facebook.
By AAGD STAFF
Harold Varner III explained to The Golf Channel why he was penalized one stroke after his round for grounding his club on hole No. 11 during the third round of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, contested October 29 – November 4, 2018. at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas. The 2018 tournament held a field of more than 120 prestigious players and Varner says that he was “not trying to cheat” when he put his club down and saw the ball move on Saturday. At the end of the round, he was at -12 with 18 holes to go.
On Sunday, Bryson DeChambeau, at -21, ultimately claimed the PGA Tour victory and $1,260,000 in prize money.
RELATED ARTICLE: Harold Varner III Opens Up: “So You Wanna Grow Golf?”
TPC Summerlin is a par-72, 7,243-yard golf course and home to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, the second event the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup season. The tournament is more than a highly anticipated professional golf tournament, it is a celebration of community where military personnel and local first responders receive free admission to the grounds.
PAST RESULTS Shriners Hospitals for Children Open
Ending: 11/4/2018
Purse: $7,000,000
PAR: 71
Total FedExCup Points: 2,989
Course: TPC Summerlin Las Vegas, NV
November 5, 2018 | BY AAGD STAFF
It is an all-time celebration for golfer Eddie Manderville as the Minnesota Golf Association has honored the champion player and long time MGA Senior member on November 3 at Theodore Wirth Golf Club for back-to-back, holes-in-one he had on the Wirth Par 3 course on August 9, 2013.
To mark the significance, a bench was dedicated to Eddie for this accomplishment which will be placed on the 7th hole. Friends and club members gathered to celebrate Manderville at the beautiful Wirth Chalet Fireplace Room. In attendance were more than 100 people including many Senior Tour players. Pictured with Eddie on the new bench are his wife, Lorraine along with his three playing partners on that fun day in 2013 when he hit his two perfect shots in a row
Congratulations Eddie, way to go!
(Rear) Gary Hartfield, President/CEO, Serenity Village Inc. (Front, L-R) Vasti Amaro, CEO, Vasti Transportation, Attorney Nina Dawne Williams, WOCG General Counsel, Sally Mapstone, Principal, University of St. Andrews, Dr. Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA, Clemmie Perry, Founder and Executive Director, Women of Color Golf, Sandra Braham, CEO, Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, Colette Glover-Hannah, CEO, Hannah’s Shoe Box, Marcelle C. Jackson, CEO, MJE Bookkeeping & Consulting.
Read, Listen and Learn how the lives of seven African Americans have been forever impacted as “The Scotland Seven” through their experience at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, during the historic recognition of golf legend Renee Powell in the naming of the school’s new dormitory, Powell Hall.
On September 19, 2018, history was made when Dr. Renee Powell PGA/LPGA unveiled the plaque to be affixed to the hall dedicated in her name. The significance is unparalleled because Dr. Powell is the only American to have this honor bestowed upon her; the recognition is all the more remarkable because Dr. Powell is a woman of color. Joining Powell at this auspicious occasion in Scotland was the CEO, Advisory Board and members of Women of Color Golf, Inc.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
It all began when the University of St. Andrews, the oldest University in Scotland (founded in 1413) contacted Powell last winter to inform her of their desire to name one of its newest student residence halls after her. After Powell’s initial shock, then humble acceptance, the University began preparing an official announcement and set the date for a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony. To think that this institution, established 79-years before Columbus, so-called, ‘discovered’ America, would bestow on Powell this unprecedented honor at the University of St. Andrews—one of the world’s top 100 universities—according to the international league table the QS World Rankings, is remarkable.
A DELEGATION OF SUPPORT
Normally being called to the principal’s office is not a fun experience, but when seven people traveled from Tampa and Miami, Florida—purposefully to go to the Principal’s office at the University of St. Andrews—it was a life-changing experience.
Just to clarify, the title of School Principal in Scotland is equivalent to that of a University President in the United States.
Coordinating a delegation to travel and celebrate with Powell on the Scotland trip was an all-out effort initiated by Clemmie Perry, founder and president of Women of Color Golf (WOCG), a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Tampa, Florida, whose mission is to promote and facilitate the inclusion of minority women and girls into the game of golf.
Perry swiftly organized a delegation of supporters to accompany Powell on this most exciting journey. Dubbed the “Scotland Seven”, Perry had convinced a group of six of her co-patriarchs to travel 16-hours on an international trip to Scotland. The trip costing each of them a few thousand unbudgeted dollars. Clemmie is obviously very persuasive!
These seven individuals regarded their expense as an investment in a trip of a lifetime to travel to the Home of Golf, to personally witness their “sister” Renee Powell receive such a prestigious honor.
Renee Powell (left) with Principal Professor Sally Mapstone
“Golfing legend Renee Powell has unveiled a plaque to celebrate the opening of a new student hall of residence in St Andrews named in her honor. Powell Hall, a five-story building adjacent to Agnes Blackadder Hall at North Haugh, has 205 rooms and is part of a £70 million ($88,935,210.00) investment in student accommodation by the University which will create 900 new bedrooms over and above the 4000 that the University already provides.”—University of St. Andrews website.
Renee Powell as she gazes at her name engraved on the University of St. Andrews’ new Powell Hall.
This is not Renee’s first honor from the University, as she has received an honorary doctorate, been a guest lecturer and their annual ladies tournament bears her name.
A rendition on the gate depicts Renee Powell Hall at University of St. Andrews.
Gary Hartfield, one of the Scotland Seven, who is also an author and serial entrepreneur, said it best several years ago when describing his book entitled “STAND” stating:
“As human beings — all of us, no matter your cultural background — you will encounter obstacles in life where you’ll have to make a stand.”
Well, Principal Mapstone did indeed make a stand. I asked her why she undertook this effort to honor Renee Powell. This was her response:
“Dear Jim,
In relation to your questions:
1) We chose to honor Renee because she is already a much loved and valued member of our community, having received an honorary doctorate from the University of St Andrews in 2008. The University is committed to drive forward a bold agenda on equality and diversity and we see Renee as a wonderful role model in this regard. Naming Powell Hall after her reminds our University community every day that we have amongst us in our wider St Andrews community an African American woman who believes in each and every one of us maximizing our potential with spirit, kindness, and courage. We could not have a better model for our students, and our staff.
2) It was absolutely wonderful to see Renee’s friends and supporters travel all the way to Scotland to be with her to celebrate Powell Hall’s opening and to meet members of the University. The opening ceremony and the dinner held afterward were so much enhanced by their presence – both occasions were uplifting and extra special. We celebrated Renee and we celebrated our commitment to diversity, and we had great fun – what could be better.
All best wishes,
Sally Mapstone
Professor Sally Mapston
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
University of St Andrews”
I was privileged to talk with five of the Scotland Seven and want to share their thoughts and comments to convey how they were touched by the experience.
Colette Glover-Hannah
Meet Colette Glover-Hannah, a mompreneur, and newbie to golf in 2018, who is the Founder and CEO of Hannah’s Shoebox, an online shoe store that provides self-esteem and confidence to girls who wear women size shoes. Colette shares her thoughts and reflections about the Scotland experience, WOGC and the game of golf.
”in addition to thinking about our past and the conditions that our ancestors endured in trying to play golf in the United States, particularly that of the Powell family, this trip allowed me to think about the possibilities that golf offers. It has taken me from picking up golf clubs in February to having the honor and pleasure of traveling to the birthplace of Golf in September. I was so grateful for the opportunity to honor Dr. Renee Powell, a living golf legend with the caveat of it being on foreign soil.”
“I also realized that our presence as African Americans (the Scotland Seven) attending this prestigious event at the 600-year-old University of St. Andrews also showcased our sincere commitment to Dr. Renee Powell to all who attended the recognition ceremony. It did not go unnoticed that we were present by others in attendance who commended our dedication and support for Dr. Powell.”
“Another takeaway is that I am very committed to promoting the rich legacy of Dr. Powell to others domestically and abroad. I am indebted to this golf giant who paved the way so that I and other women of color, for generations to come, will have the opportunity to play a game that presents limitless possibilities on and off the golf course.”
“Let me finally add that I am so grateful to Clemmie Perry and her leadership of the Women of Color Golf. It is because of her that we have been given these rich opportunities. Her amazing insight to start this organization is also the ‘why’ we were in Scotland.”
I listened to another member of this special group, WOGC, general Counsel Nina-Dawne Williams, Esq. based in Miami. She has been selected as one of the 100 Most Influential Caribbean Americans. She is a veteran entertainment attorney whose practice includes a clientele of artists and entities in the worlds of music, theatre, film, fine art, dance, and literature.
Nina-Dawne Williams, Esq.
Attorney Williams received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Miami and Juris Doctor Degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In 2008, she studied at The Oxford Institute for Legal Practice in Oxford, England and qualified to practice law within specific jurisdictions in the United Kingdom.
Nina, who has not golfed in 40 years and has previously visited Scotland, had actually predicted to Clemmie Perry upon the founding of WOGC that, and I quote: “Girl, you are going to end up in St. Andrews.”
How prophetic were those words!!
Nina also feels strongly that the Scottish do not have a hardened and imperialistic attitude toward African Americans, and, have a more historical empathy toward African Americans. In part, due to their country’s long-standing struggles for independence from Great Britain. (Sound Familiar?)
Nina further stated, “I felt completely at home and felt and no negative animus toward me because of the color of my skin. Everybody walked away with their hearts changed, and changed to the better.”
Another distinguished member of the delegation was Dr. Sandra Braham, who knows quite a bit about human services and higher education. Dr. Braham oversees the Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services in Clearwater, Fla., with more than 500 staff members. There she directs the implementation of the agency’s programs which support families in more than 35 Florida counties.
Dr. Sandra Braham
Dr. Braham has also served as Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Assistant Vice President for Outreach Programs at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) from 1992 to 2006. She secured more than $20 million in federal and state grants and developed programs focused on helping low-income youth access, enroll and succeed in higher education.
Dr. Braham received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Missouri at Columbia and her Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Educational Leadership and Administration from UTEP.
She is a strategic visionary leader with broad experience in organizational development, diversity and staff engagement. She knows a thing or two about challenges.
“Some people don’t understand the experience, some people don’s understand the struggle.”—Dr. Sandra Braham
Listen as Dr. Sandra Braham describes the Scotland experience in her own words.
Gary Hartfield
Meet Gary Hartfield who has been on a leadership path since he was a young boy. The first in his family to obtain a college degree, Gary earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Engineering Technology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Passionate about bettering his community, Gary entered the professional world in education. Motivated to impact higher education from a leadership position, he re-enrolled in school to earn a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the University of West Florida. Gary eventually followed the pull to be an entrepreneur that had been tugging within him for years.
Gary’s compassion for others led him to launch Serenity Village Inc., which consists of several assisted living communities in Florida, and Serenity Village Insurance and Consulting, LLC.
“Because of Renee Powell and her leadership…we’ll be able to tell this story to our children, and our grandchildren.”—Gary Hartfield
Listen to Gary Hartfield, the only male on the trip, as he shares his experience.
Clemmie Perry
Lastly, I listened and talked to Clemmie Perry, founder of Women Of Color Golf (WOCG) and a Helen Davis “Waves of Change” leadership award recipient. Hear Clemmie in her own words talk about the Scotland experience, as well as the challenges and opportunities she faces at WOGC.
Perry staunchly believes that we as a people are going to have to stick together to support and sustain ourselves. She is realistic and knows that the golf industry considers WOCG, and other organizations like it, ‘community-based’ organizations, and says, they cannot help us to get to our community.
Listen to Clemmie Perry, Founder of Women of Color Golf, as she shares her experience.
“There was nobody there from the PGA of America. Nobody. So had we not supported her she would not have been represented.”—Clemmie Perry
Not only did the Scotland Seven witness history but they also found time to play 9 holes at St. Andrews! Enough said!!
In my humble opinion, the game of golf and the leaders of golf owe a tremendous thanks to these seven people for taking the time and effort to personally witness one of the greatest honors ever conferred on Renee Powell, an American golfer who happens to be an African American. Renee, you literally take us to places we never dreamed possible. Thanks, my sister!!
James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest
James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest and Founder of NCS International, an Omaha, Nebraska-based company provding an array of economic development services. He also serves on the Golf 20/20 Diversity Task Force and recently launched Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, a golf promotion and management company.
by Brendan McGuigan
The journey to the Little River Inn is your first sign that you’re headed somewhere special. The drive on the bucolic Highway 128 takes you through stands of ancient redwoods, past historic farming communities, and into the unparalleled Anderson Valley wine region. As you near the coast you’ll enter a region of towering redwood trees, before it gives way to sweeping views of the Pacific, unlike anything else in California. On this dramatic stretch of coastline you’ll find the family-owned and operated Little River Inn. The inn has beautiful views of the ocean from nearly every room – and from the golf course that dominates the upper stretches of the hillside.
(Photo by Brendan McGuigan)
Little River is located only three hours north of San Francisco, and the ‘town’ itself is easy to miss if you blink. It boasts an official population of 117 people, and dates back to the redwood boom of the 1850s.The Little River Inn – still owned and operated by the fifth-generation descendants of settler Silas Coombs – remains largely unchanged from those early days.
The Inn retains a small-town feel that’s difficult to find in resorts these days. The employees are very friendly, and the owners are involved in every aspect of daily operation. All of the main rooms feature ocean views, and many of the suites have hot tubs on the deck (from which you can watch the sun go down over the Pacific).
The Little River Inn golf course is a gem of the coast. It was designed by the founder of the Little River Inn, Ole Hervilla, in 1957. The story goes that Ole was watching Arnold Palmer on TV one day, and he thought about how a golf course might draw more guests to his new hotel. He sent out for quotes on building a course, received three bids back, and promptly decided to do it himself. He was fond of saying that those golf architect’s high prices made a golf architect out of him.
(Photo by Brendan McGuigan)
The 5,458-yard course is in the middle of wild woodland, and from many holes you’ll look out over the sweeping Pacific Ocean. It’s also one of only a handful of Audubon-certified courses in the US, and you’re likely to see blue herons, osprey, and deer while you play. The Audubon certification is in keeping with the family’s focus on environmental stewardship, so the course also follows best practices when it comes to habitat management, water quality, water conservation, chemical use reduction, and educational outreach.
The course is 9 holes that you can play like 18. It features three tee placements, and dual greens on holes 7 and 9. There’s also a driving range and putting green – and of course, a fully-stocked Pro shop with snacks, drinks, and gear. Between play you can visit the adjacent Salon and Spa for a full range of treatments. When played as an 18-hole course it features 5,409 yards from the longest tees, with a par 71. This USGA rated 71, has a slope rating of 68.2/120 for men, 68.8/122 for women, and 62.7/99 for junior/forward tees. You can walk or ride, but because of the hilly nature of this course, motorized carts are available.
(Photo by Brendan McGuigan)
After your game, don’t miss Ole’s Whale Watch bar – the bar Ole Hervilla opened when he opened the Inn in 1939. The views from the bar are some of the best on the coast, and yes, at the right time of year you can watch the whales go by as they migrate along the California Coast.
The wine and beer lists here are great, and the cocktail selection is wonderful – it’s a great capstone to a perfect day. If you’re a beer fan, don’t miss the Little River Inn Saison, crafted by Chef Marc Dym with the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.
The bar menu features excellent takes on standard fare – an in-shell steamed clam chowder and ‘Billionaires’ bacon sliders are local favorites – along with some exciting light fare, like green lip mussels broiled with wasabi tobiko and served with ponzu sauce.
Chef Marc Dym, Little River Inn
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, the Little River Inn has a gourmet restaurant on site as well, serving up traditional favorites like Steak Diane and Sole Almondine, along with dishes such as Confit Pork Osso Bucco. And guests swear by the warm Ollalaberry cobbler for dessert. In the morning you have to try Ole’s Swedish Hotcakes.
Set aside at least one evening to be back in your room by sunset – the views from your deckside Adirondack chairs are unbeatable.
For more information on golf and travel experiences at the Little River Inn visit www.littleriverinn.com or call 1.888.INN.LOVE.
|
Mackenzie Mack is Junior Leader of the Year, Tina Tombs is Teacher of the Year, Kelley Brooke is Professional of The Year, Christa Teno is Coach of the Year. |
| DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Oct. 24, 2018 – The LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) membership today announced the following members as winners of the 2018 national awards in acknowledgment of their dedication and achievements: Mackenzie Mack, The First Tee of Tampa Bay, Tampa, Florida, Junior Golf Leader of the Year; Tina Tombs, Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, Phoenix, Arizona, Teacher of the Year; Kelley Brooke, Bethpage Black Golf Course, Farmingdale, New York, Professional of the Year; Christa Teno, Seminole State College of Florida, Stanford, Florida, Coach of the Year.
The national award winners were selected by the LPGA T&CP membership’s Executive Committee from the pool of the section award winners voted on by officers of the six regional sections: Central, International, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Western.
|
“There are so many talented women in the LPGA T&CP,” said Mack. “To be recognized amongst these women is exciting and is truly an honor.” As a junior golfer, Mack played for and was a member of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT), Teens on the Green and the Western States Golf Association (WSGA). She was awarded a full golf scholarship to Indiana State University (ISU) where she became the first black woman to compete as a member of the women’s golf team. During her time at Indiana State, she spent one season as assistant coach with the ISU women’s golf team and co-founded a non-profit organization called Tee it Up – a conduit to grow the game of golf and share her passion with underserved communities. In 2011, Tee it Up was awarded a grant that allowed Mack and her team to teach golf to children in Bitburg, Germany. Mack has since become a teaching professional member of both the LPGA T&CP and PGA of America. She is TPI certified, US Kids certified, First Tee certified, and High School Coach certified. She is a site director with the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program and has held status as a playing professional on the Suncoast Ladies and LPGA Symetra Tours. Mackenzie Mack can be congratulated at [email protected] or at her facebook page.
|
||||
|
||||
|
She has developed a ‘state of the art’ educational system at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club where she implements programs at all levels, ranging from youth to amateurs, and from women and businessmen to professionals. “I am both completely shocked and totally honored to be the 2018 recipient of the LPGA National Teacher of the Year Award,” said Tombs. “My professional career began on the LPGA Tour, but I have been the most fulfilled by this sport and my career during my time as an instructor and member of the LPGA T&CP. This game has given me so much, and because of this, I will continue to give back to it in any way I can. I can’t think of any profession that I have had that is more rewarding than what I get to do out on the course with my students, mentors, teachers and family each day. Further, I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn from my esteemed colleagues. Thank you for bestowing me with this great honor.” Tombs was ranked among Golf Digest’s top-10 amateur golfers in 1984 and while a collegiate player at Arizona State University, she won two tournament titles and was a two-time NCAA All-American. She played on the LPGA Tour from 1988-1999, her best results coming with her victory at the 1990 Jamie Farr Toledo Classic and a runner-up spot at the 1993 Sara Lee Classic, where she posted a career-low 64 during the final round before losing to Meg Mallon on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff. A member of the LPGA for more than three decades, she has trained with the best psychologists, coaches and instructors the game can offer and in 2001 she decided to take this wealth of knowledge and share it with the community around her. In 2008, she joined the LPGA T&CP Membership and in 2010 she gained her Class A through the fast-track Certification process. During her time in the golf industry, Tombs has been the recipient of several prestigious awards. In 2014, she was voted the LPGA National Teacher of the Year and the LPGA Central Section Teacher of the Year. She was ranked among Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Arizona for 2017-2018 and was listed in the T&CP’s Top 50 LPGA Teachers for 2017-2018. |
||||
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
“I was in shock when I received the call,” Brooke said of being named Professional of the Year. “The LPGA T&CP is filled with hundreds of talented and revered professionals. Being recognized as the Professional of the Year was not something that I even dreamed about. This is truly the highlight of my 30-year career.” After moving to New York City in 1992, Brooke began transforming golf programming in that area from a relatively unorganized leisure activity to a highly organized and highly participated sport. Due to her dedication, thousands of women, men, juniors, seniors, children with special needs and economically disadvantaged children have learned the game and participated in leagues and programs. The highlights of Brooke’s time in NYC include the formation of The Police Athletic League Golf Program for 4,000 economically disadvantaged kids, the NYC Dept of Ed District 75 Golf Programs for children with severe disabilities, the NYC Junior Golf Club for children who seek instruction and tournament play, The Brooklyn Women’s Golf League and the Kelley Brooke/Golf Channel Junior Golf Camp. In 2004, Brooke was awarded the federal concession of managing Brooklyn Golf Center (the only driving range in Brooklyn) and Riis Park Golf Course. In 2006, she formed North Shore Golf Group and put in a bid to operate the busiest driving range in the country, successfully winning the contract for Alley Pond Golf Center and starting operations there in June 2007. Brooke has also spent three decades increasing public exposure for women in golf, proving that women can compete in an industry dominated by men. In the early 1990s she created, produced and hosted an instructional golf television program called ‘On the Tee with Kelley Brooke’ which aired in NY. She currently appears as a guest on The Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible”, acting as the golf expert when the show remodels a hotel with a golf course. |
||||
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
“This is an incredible honor for me, my family, my players and Seminole State College of Florida,” said Teno. “Yes, I love what I do, I’ve worked very hard, but this is also a chance for me to say thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. Every day I wake up excited to spend time with my team and my co-workers, so being recognized by the LPGA for simply doing what I love makes me blessed beyond belief!” Teno went to North Texas State University on a golf scholarship from 1981-1985, graduating from there as a playing professional on the Futures Tour (1985-1997) and the LPGA Tour (1988-1991, 1996). She joined the LPGA Teaching Division in 1997 and won the LPGA Teaching National Championship in 1998. Teno was an LPGA National Evaluator from 2003-2013 and worked as an LPGA Teacher at several locations from 1988-2005. She was the Head Professional and General Manager at Bainbridge Country Club from 1997-2000 and went on to become the head coach at Seminole State in 2007. Teno was inducted into the Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, and into the NJCAA Coaches Hall of Fame in 2017. |
||||
|
About the LPGA T&CP The LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) membership, founded in 1959 as an outgrowth of the LPGA Tour, boasts the largest membership of women golf professionals in the world. LPGA T&CP members are certified as golf instructors, coaches and business managers through a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the changing needs of the golfing public. More than 1,700 strong, LPGA T&CP members are dedicated to the advancement of golf and serve throughout the golf industry as head professionals, assistant professionals, teaching professionals, directors of golf, owners of golf schools and facilities, golf administrators, college and high school coaches and more. LPGA T&CP members support the LPGA’s various grassroots programs that were created to involve women and youth in golf as well as contribute to the overall growth of the sport. These programs include LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, LPGA Tour Junior Clinics, the LPGA Lesson Zone presented by Volvik, and LPGA Golf Clinics for Women. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information, log onto www.lpga.com. |
.png)
Keith Dawkins (courtesy The First Tee)
(October 25, 2018)–The World Golf Foundation Board of Directors announced today that Keith Dawkins, who just recently joined The First Tee as its incoming CEO last year, will be leaving the organization, according to the golf blog newswire Hooked On Golf.
The First Tee Chairman Tim Finchem told the blog, “Keith was instrumental over the past year as we transitioned from Joe Barrow’s longtime tenure into this new chapter for the organization,” said “We learned a lot from his experience and expertise, and we wish him the best as he transitions back to his roots within the media and entertainment industry. We are excited to soon announce the results of our search for his replacement.”
Dawkins, a 25-year veteran of media and entertainment, came to The First Tee from Nickelodeon, where he served as Executive Vice President, reports the blog. Dawkins replaced longtime First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who retired at the end of 2017.
“I have not only enjoyed the past year at the helm of The First Tee, but I also learned a tremendous amount about the passion, history and bright future of the game of golf,” said Dawkins. “I’m confident that my perspective from outside the traditional scope of the game made an impact and will be leveraged as The First Tee continues to find new and exciting ways to reach and positively impact young people around the world. I look forward to returning to the media business, my true passion, but I will always remain thankful to The First Tee, Tim Finchem, The PGA TOUR and the World Golf Foundation for this incredible opportunity.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Keith Dawkins, Nickelodeon Executive Becomes New CEO for The First Tee
Through Nickelodeon Sports, Dawkins helped forge relationships with all major sports leagues to create new, multi-platform content and drive marketing events and initiatives, including an on-site presence at Super Bowl LI in Houston. While at Nickelodeon, Dawkins led the engagement between the PGA TOUR and Nickelodeon, which resulted in a PGA TOUR-themed weekend on Nickelodeon and an on-site branded kids’ zone at THE PLAYERS Championship.
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations.
Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States. In 2016, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 5.3 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Johnson & Johnson is The First Tee’s Legacy Partner and Southern Company is its Education Patron. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.
[slide-anything id=”35534″]
AUGUSTA GolfFEST 2020
African American Golfer’s Digest
DATE: Thursday, November 12, 2020
LOCATION: Augusta Municipal Golf Course
2023 Highland Ave, Augusta, GA 30904
|
Several ticket packages available for golf’s most unique event held in Orlando, Florida
ORLANDO, FL (Oct. 17, 2018) – Diamond Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announced today that tickets are now on sale for the inaugural 2019 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions Presented by Insurance Office of America. The tournament will be held Jan. 17-20, 2019 at Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons Orlando in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. New for 2019, the tournament will be one of the most unique events on the LPGA Tour, bringing together some of the world’s top women golfers to play side-by-side with a roster of world-class celebrities. Only LPGA professionals who won an official tour event in 2017 or 2018 qualify to play in the tournament, so the competition will be tough and the weekend filled with on-the-course action. The professionals will play 72 holes of stroke play with no cut for $1.2 million in official prize money, and compete alongside a roster of sports and entertainment celebrities, who will be competing for their own $500,000 purse utilizing a Modified Stableford format.
Several ticket packages are available for purchase, ranging from $12 for a single day presale pass to $400 for a four-day suite pass, which includes complimentary food and drinks in a suite overlooking the green on Hole 17. To date, 35 LPGA professionals have qualified to play in the inaugural event, including Brittany Lincicome, Brooke Henderson, In-Kyung Kim, Michelle Wie, Shanshan Feng, Inbee Park and Sung Hyun Park. For the full list of qualified LPGA players, visit DiamondLPGA.com/players. Hall of Famers Ray Allen, Brian Urlacher, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, John Smoltz and Marcus Allen; seven-time Cy Young Award Winner Roger Clemens; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester; Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander; former NASCAR champion Michael Waltrip; NHL star Jeremy Roenick; and actors Alfonso Ribeiro and Jack Wagner will be among the celebrities competing.
RELATED ARTICLE:
|
Former Georgetown College (KY) All-American Captures Inaugural Gimmie Golf Professional Invitational
In typical golf fashion, from October 13-14, 2018 the final hole was the determining factor. Christian Heavens, Chip McDaniel, and Kyle Kmiecek battled all day in the bitter cold, rain, and windy conditions. It proved to be Heavens week, as he made a 5-foot par save on the final hole at Boone’s Trace National Golf Club to secure the victory and the $5,000 first-place prize. The field included former University of Kentucky All-American Chip McDaniel, 2018 U.S. Open Participant Cole Miller, and former PGA Tour player Cliff Kresge, among others.
Heavens has been playing professional golf for 7 years upon his graduation from Georgetown College. He has competed on the Golf Channel’s Big Break, Latin America, and Florida professional tours, during his professional tenure. Christian credited his ball-striking, putting, and strong mental fortitude to allow him to win. Christian stated that he plans to try some PGA Tour Monday Qualifiers this fall, along with Asian Tour Q-School, in hopes to keep climbing golf’s professional ladder.
Gimmie Golf, Founder and Owner Todd McDaniel says, “I decided to have the tournament this September. The reason why was it was between Web.com Q-School stages and there wasn’t a whole lot of tournament going on. I’ve always wanted to host a pro event and it appears this won’t be the last after all the positive feedback and success.” McDaniel is an avid competitive, scratch golfer, who played collegiately at the University of Kentucky. Originally from Manchester, KY, 1.5 hour south of Lexington, he lives at Boone’s Trace National Golf Club, just south of Lexington where the event was held. “I would play more but I balance running Gimmie Golf with being a Civil Engineer Project Manager. ” His Gimmie Golf Facebook Group (started in 2016) has over 6300 members and is growing.
McDaniel would like to give a big thanks for support of the tournament to Boone’s Trace National Golf Club, owners Chris and Cameron Rutherford, and the following sponsors: Patrick “Heyyyyo” Hickey, TBay Golf LLC, Scott’s Service Center, Prairie Farms, Brysen Conway, Marcus Hylton, Eric King, 1-LT. Colby Davis, Russ and Jo Wolfe, Rory Gerber, Jake Hanzlik, Chris Garton, Grant Talbert with New Millennium Asset Management, Jerry Nolan with KSS Home Improvements, Zac and Jr Lujano, and Glen Dunigan.
RELATED ARTICLE: Christian Heavens Wins The New Year Open
Gimmie Golf is a business owned by Todd McDaniel, a former University of Kentucky golfer. They specialize in buying/trading/selling new golf equipment and apparel. The brand has grown tremendously in the past couple of years with a following of over 6300 members on Facebook.
Top 10
1. Christian Heavens 65-69= 134
T-2 Kyle Kmiecek 66-69= 135
T-2 Jeremy Martin 68-67= 135
4 Chip McDaniel 65-71= 136
5 Scott Webb 70-68= 138
6 Blake Cartwright 69-71= 140
T-7 Kenny Goodykoontz 74-67= 141
T-7 Nathan Kerns 70-71= 141
T-7 Cole Miller 73-68= 141
10 Andrew Stephens 71-71= 142