By Debert Cook, CMP
Carlos Brown is Director of Instruction at Bullallo Creek Golf Club (Dallas, TX) and the Owner of Carlos Brown Golf Academies with locations in Texas and California. Brown is also an amputee who lost a portion of his left leg, from the knee down, as the result of an on-course accident in 2016 when he twisted his left foot in a sprinkler head hole and the injury got badly infected. However, fast-forward, Brown has not let the amputation stop him from realizing his dreams and continuing his passion for teaching the game and inspiring others. The 38-year old embraces a positive attitude that just won’t let him quit–no matter what the circumstances. Along with his gregarious laugh and wide smile, Brown encourages even the most introverted newbie golfer to swing for success.
Brown has been a certified instructor for 15-years and has received numerous awards. He actively serves on the Callaway Golf National Board Staff and is a former coach for the USA National Junior Team, a Future Champions Golf (FCG) award winner (twice) and Tour Tournament Director for the Texas sector. After his amputation, he admits that his life took a bit of a turn, and things changed, as he had to adjust to a whole new way that his body worked. “After my amputation and I closed my Southern California golf academy in Industry City, since I needed to just focus on one academy, and because my number one priority was walking again,” said Brown.
CATCHING UP
“I am still teaching (better), playing and God is still prospering me in so many ways,” Brown said in an interview with the African American Golfer’s Digest. We spent a few minutes catching up with him, learning what’s been going on these last few years. And, to no surprise to our editors, we discovered that the world is a much better place because of him.
Brown, who studied at the University of Hawaii, takes a holistic approach at his golf academy to inspire student-athletes and, he is committed to helping them “Learn, Apply, and Build” their skills. His “LAB” gives students the foundation needed for growing their golfing ability.
Over the last two years, Brown has been busy with numerous projects, including being a part of “18 birdies,” a commercial that is running on The Golf Channel, ESPN, and regular TV stations. He has gained (again) recognition as a Golf Digest “Top 40 Teacher”, along with working with FCG as a Junior Golf Instructor and most recently, being nominated to the list of Millineals to Watch.
AAGD: When was the amputation of your lower left leg done?
BROWN: The first surgery was August 31, 2016 (a few days later) the second surgery was September 1, 2016.
AAGD: What were your biggest physical and emotional recovery challenges and how did you handle this?
BROWN: “The biggest physical challenge was before I got my prosthetic. Going grocery shopping and navigating through public areas was very tiring and inconvenient. Emotionally, I would say that being hard on myself was the biggest challenge for me, because, I felt like I let my family, friends, and my student down.”
“I felt like I was a burden. I felt really selfish because they were worried. And some of them had to put their life on pause to a degree to help me. Honestly, I didn’t handle this well. God really ministered to me during my recovery and he took care of me from the beginning, until now. He let me see that He will always be there. So, I really didn’t have a lot of worries after that. I realized that my family and everyone else helped because they loved me, and I also realized that learning how to navigate through life (pre-prosthetic) showed me how to really push myself, how creative I could be. And, it made me tougher. So, I’m very thankful that I went through what I did.
RELATED ARTICLE: Carlos Brown’s Doctors Amputate Top Golf Instructor’s Infected Foot And Lower Leg
AAGD: What are you most proud of regarding this situation as it relates to your golf career?
BROWN: “I’ll give you a couple of answers….I’m proud of my players! They really stuck by me, showing how much they love me. They still worked hard when I was out. I was very proud to see how strong and committed they were to being great players. Second, I’m proud that I’m part of a club company like Callaway who stepped in and encouraged me along with a great Golf Community that rallied together to help me. I thank God for them.”
Carlos Brown continues to be ranked among Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers since 2010, and was named African American Golfer’s Digest’s Coach of the Year (2011).
AAGD: What advice do you have for someone who feels they are facing a seemingly unbearable, life challenging situation?
BROWN: “We have to understand that it rains on the just and the unjust and that sometimes you’re going to go through things. It was my faith in Jesus Christ that helped me to get through it, and one thing I tell people is that I never had this “why me” attitude, because who am I to say that I shouldn’t have to go through things, when they’re people in this world who are going through things (some worse than me) right now, yet they are still reaching their dreams, accomplishing goals, in spite of the things that they’re going through.”
Brown continues, “So, you might be going through something tough, and you might have your moments of sadness, you might even fall, but you will not fail because a failure is somebody who stays down. If you keep your eyes on Christ you will get up and you will realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that if you don’t quit, you will win.”
WE ALL HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE
“I believe that we all have a purpose in life, but we have to be prepared for the purpose that God has for us and sometimes that means facing giants in our lives. But what we all have to understand is that each giant that we slay helps us prepare for the next giant so, that when we reach our purpose we have all the tools that we need. We will also have the confidence and the wisdom to be successful in our purpose. So I pose this question to everyone: Are you a giant slayer?”
By AAGD STAFF
(August 30, 2018)
“It was good and I can’t thank God enough for putting me in that situation,” says professional caddie Wayne Birch Jr. Birch is on the bag for PGA Tour golfer Troy Merritt, and, he finally gets to add this winning notch to his belt. Proudly holding up the gleaming trophy from the Barbasol Championship, held July 16-22, 2018 at Champions at Keene Trace in Nicholasville, Kentucky, Birch was all smiles. The prolific golfer also becomes the first African American caddie to accomplish this tournament’s win since Freddie Burns (2000) who caddied for Hal Sutton at The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. With Birch’s help Merritt shot -23 at the Barbasol Championship which debuted in 2015 as an alternate event to The Open Championship in Britain in July.
A PLEDGE TO WIN
“I pray every week that I am going to win. But this was the week,” said the 34-year old golfer in an interview with African American Golfer’s Digest. “That’s what I told my buddy, fellow pro caddie Cedric Lamar. I was going to win! Birch and Lamar both hail from Atlanta, Ga. Together, they are two of only four black caddies working on the PGA Tour. “I told him, we were going to win in Memphis at the St. Jude tournament, but we didn’t win there. We came in 12th. Then, at the John Deere Classic in Moline, Illinois—but we came in around 49th there, and we needed to make a 31-footer putt on the last hole in order to make the cut on the numbers,” said 34-year old Birch. At the end of that day, Birch returned to his shared room with Lamar (to save money on expenses) and, again, reiterated, “We’re going to win this week.”
Zack Rasego (r), South African caddy and longtime friend and mentor to Wayne Birch Jr. (l). Rasego is a veteran caddie who has won nearly 35 times and on almost every continent, including the British Open and the US Open.
“We birdied 16 and bogeyed 17, so we were desperate and needed to make a 31 footer the next day (Friday) but there was a rain delay, in fact, all week we had rain delays, so we couldn’t finish out. We had to come back on Saturday morning and make that long putt. We got out there early and hit two shots: one to get on the green and the other to make the putt. And we made it! After that, I had to go back to the hotel room to just chill out! We shot five under, two days in a row, but we didn’t win, we came at 49th.
Then, right after that, we headed to Kentucky with confidence and shot a 62 on Thursday and we led the tournament all four days. Where we won!
Wayne Birch praises his grandmother Gertrude Smith (l) and his mother Geraldine Birch (r) for his success in life.
The Atlanta native played college golf at Southern University where he was All-American and graduated with two degrees: a Bachelors in Education with a concentration in Health and Physical Education and a Masters in Education Administration. Since 2016, Birch has worked full-time caddying on the PGA Tour. “I tried to play pro golf but it was difficult because I did not have a whole lot of money behind my efforts. I did not have any sponsors. While trying to play pro, Birch worked both as an educator and Athletic Director at Lee High School, Baton Rouge, La., he was the youngest Athletic Director in the state, then age 28.
RELATED ARTICLE: Famed Black Pinehurst Caddie Willie McRae to be enshrined in CGA Hall of Fame
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Wayne Birch at the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship with his mother Geraldine Birch (l) and cousin Julia Harvey (r).
“It is kind of hard, now that I am getting older and caddying full time, to still pursue that pro golf career. These guys playing pro are a lot younger. And, it is kind of hard for me, as I am getting older, to just leave the lucrative field of professional caddying to go to making no money. Where now, in tournaments with Troy, I am playing for $7 million purses nearly every week.” Caddies get a percentage of their player’s winnings, so even coming in at last place, let’s say the pro wins $15,000, it is still good money for a caddie. “The money is really good when you play well,” says Birch. “When we won, Troy made $630,000, and I got 10% of that.”
Wayne and Alison Birch
Recently married, on December 30, 2017, Birch met his lovely wife Alison 13-years ago while he was attending Southern University and she was at Florida A&M University (FAMU). “She does not play golf but supports me all the way. In fact, I did not win on the PGA Tour until I married her.”
During his spare time, Birch enjoys being outdoors fishing and hunting wild hogs and deer. His Instagram page showcases some of his catch.
With a 1 handicap, Birch’s advice for golfers hoping to get into professional caddying is, “besides being at the right place at the right time, it’s good to start off on a tour like the Web.com. Right now, we only have 156 total PGA Tour caddies yet there are only four black caddies on the PGA Tour. They are Wayne Birch Jr., Cedrick LaMar (caddie for Nicholas Lindheim) and Reynolds Robinson (caddie for Brett Stegmaier) who has caddied for more than 10 golfers in the last 10 years. Then, there is Zack Rasego, a South African (caddy for Branden Grace).”
The 18th annual Morrison Golf Classic took place at Falmouth Country Club in Falmouth, MA the weekend of August 24. Created by Boston-based couple George and Janet Humdy-Morrison in the year 2000, the Morrison Golf Classic offers attendees the opportunity to fellowship, support a few worthy non-profits, and learn more about African Americans who have contributed to the game of golf. “It’s truly a family affair,” said Mr. Morrison, who along with his wife who co-produce the annual event with their son Sekou Morrison (professionally known as SekouWrites).
Full of smiles at their all-white party, the architects of the Morrison Golf Classic, Janet Humdy-Morrison (center) and George Morrison (right), joined by their son Sekou Morrison (left), celebrate their 18th year of golf, fellowship, and giving back to local non-profit organizations in the Cape.
For its historic 18th year, the Classic raised money for two notable non-profits: the Urban Golf Academy and Zion Union Heritage Museum. The Urban Golf Academy is a Boston-based organization created by Keith McDermott to shape the lives of African American youth by introducing them to values inherent in the game of golf. The Zion Union Heritage Museum, located in Hyannis, was created by John L. Reed to educate visitors about the contributions of African Americans and Cape Verdeans to the history of Cape Cod.
On Friday, August 24, a happy hour event was hosted by Cape Cod residents Charles D. Evans and Paul Glass in a private backyard oasis. On Saturday, August 25, an early round of golf at Falmouth Country Club was followed by Yoga on the Green – a special class taught by Linda Wellness Warrior proceeded a golf putting clinic and “white party” luncheon catered by Jerome Humdy.
Perfect Example Show Band
New York-based indie soul singer Rachel Walker
For the second year in a row, live music was provided by the Perfect Example Show Band, with a special guest appearance by New York-based indie soul singer, Rachel Walker. During the luncheon, the keynote was given by TV personality, best-selling author and creator of Dream Leapers, Harriette Cole, who inspired the audience to work diligently on their dreams. Cole also signed and sold copies of her book, 108 Stitches: Words We Live By.
This year, the Morrison family included a very big ticket item in their silent auction: a bright red Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 convertible! The bid winner, from Boston, was elated upon delivery of the vehicle.
On Sunday, the Morrison Golf Classic moved to Hyannis, MA for a catered brunch which was held at Zion Union Heritage Museum. Attendees were also treated to a museum tour by the founder, John L. Reed. Other notable Morrison Golf Classic attendees included ex-NFL players Byron Chamberlain, Garin Veris, and Robert “Bubba” Pena as well as Los Angeles comic book creator Korby Marks and New York blogger, Nicole Powell, the editor of TheSportStyle.com.
(l-r) Mike Thomas, Clarita Ivonne, 2-time Super Bowl Champion Byron Chamberlain, and Isiah George are frequent attendees of the annual gathering.
Sponsors of this year’s event included Golf Quests the Vacation Specialists for Golfers, Toyota North America, Dixon Golf, African American Golfer’s Digest, Roche Brothers, Diane Da Costa, Wasidah Francois, Judith D. Burnett, Rocks By Sekou, Bay State Banner, Rudy Horn Productions, Mann & Rodgers Funeral Home and many others.
Attendees enjoy the 18th Annual Morrison Golf Classic
Professional photos by Tanya Parks and Nicole Powell.
Seth Waugh, CEO, PGA of America
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2018) – Seth Waugh, a former Deutsche Bank Americas CEO, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of America. Waugh will guide the business and overall strategy of one of the world’s largest sports organizations, serving the Association’s nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals into an exciting new era.
An Independent Director on the PGA of America Board of Directors, Waugh is completing a three-year term of service, during which the Association focused on a long-term strategic plan to serve the PGA Member and grow the game.
Since 2017, Waugh has served as a Senior Advisor and then a Managing Director at Silver Lake, a global leader in technology investing. He will continue on as a Senior Advisor to the firm.
In 2016, he was also appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Alex. Brown, following the sale of Deutsche Bank’s Private Client Services division to Raymond James. Waugh also served in the management of Florida East Coast Industries in 2014.
“It is an honor and privilege to be invited to lead this remarkable Association into its second century,” said Waugh. “Like so many, I share a passion for the game that has given so much to me, and in the process, has somehow become a huge influence in my life. The opportunity to work with the nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals and others in the game to give back and to help our beautiful sport evolve is a true gift. I look forward to getting into the field to engage with our Members, learn more about the issues that matter most to them, and look for ways to enhance their careers and lives. I am grateful for the trust that the Officers and the Board are showing in me. It will be exciting to see all the good that we can do together as an Association and an industry.
“Leaving Silver Lake has been the hardest decision of my career, and I want to thank my partners for their support and commitment to excellence. There is a reason they are the best in the world at what they do.
“I am also grateful to my predecessor Pete Bevacqua for leaving the PGA in such strong shape, with a long-term strategic plan that will be the road map for our planning. Because of Pete’s good work and the work of the leadership team, the PGA Staff, the Board and Officers, and our Sections, I take over at a time that allows us to optimize our impact—and put particular focus on how to add value to our dedicated Members. I am truly grateful for the game of golf and this amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Previously, Waugh spent 13 years at Deutsche Bank, including 10 years as CEO of the Americas, overseeing an unprecedented time of growth for the Bank in the region. He also served as Chairman of the Deutsche Bank Americas Advisory Board, an external strategic advisory team conceived under his leadership. During this time, Waugh worked with the PGA TOUR to create the former Deutsche Bank Championship (now the Dell Technologies Championship) in Boston.
“With Seth Waugh steering the PGA of America as our new CEO, we are gaining a leader who is respected across multiple industries for his vast strategic management experience and vision,” said PGA President Paul Levy. “Seth’s passion for PGA Members and the game of golf—as demonstrated by his service on the PGA of America’s Board—coupled with his global expertise in business, will serve our Members well.”
Prior to joining Deutsche Bank, Waugh was CEO of Quantitative Financial Strategies (QFS). He also spent 11 years in various leadership roles at Merrill Lynch, culminating in serving as Co-Head of Global Debt Markets. Earlier in his career, Waugh managed the Corporate Bond and International Trading desks at Salomon Brothers.
Waugh serves on the Board of Franklin Templeton Advisors and the Advisory Board of Workday, Inc. He also served on the FINRA Board of Governors until 2015. Waugh’s philanthropic endeavors have included serving on the boards of the: World Trade Center Memorial Foundation; YMCA of Greater New York; Multiple Sclerosis Society of Greater New York; Executive Committee of Partnership for New York City; St. Vincent’s Services of Brooklyn; Local Initiatives Support Corporation; and Harlem Village Academies, as well as President of the Board of the Lawrenceville School, and Trustee at Wake Forest University.
Waugh holds a B.A. in Economics and English from Amherst College. Seth and his wife, Jane, reside in North Palm Beach, Florida. Together, they have five children, one of whom, Clancy, played golf at Wake Forest and SMU, and is now trying his hand in the professional game.
Waugh succeeds Bevacqua, who was recently named NBC Sports Group President, and will officially start at the PGA on Sept. 24. John Easterbrook Jr., PGA will continue to serve as Interim CEO until such time.
Second Ward 7th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament
Saturday, August 25, 2018 – Harry L. Jones Golf Couse at Renaissance Park
Charlotte, North Carolina
28 Players
Ladies
1. Denise Shropshire‐Ashaunta Epps‐Stacy Steele‐Tracie Gordon 60
Open
1. Frank “Figgie” Brice‐Dejai J. Carter‐Chauncey Jones‐Dennis Summers 58
2. Ben Black‐Nathan Williams‐Jerry Caldwell‐Darryl Marshall 60
3. Leonard Miller‐Ted McClain‐Henry Bennette‐Joe Allison 63
4. Ira Alexander‐William “Pop” Woodard‐James Rush‐Mack Foster 65
5. Steve Lawrence‐Shelley Lawrence‐Wilch Caldwell‐ Raymond Cantey 66
6. DeWitt Mobley‐Leroy Thorns‐Simon Broom‐George Herron 66
Closest to Pin
#3 Nathan Williams
#11 Dejai J. Carter
Longest Drive
#2 Tracie Gordon (Ladies)
#2 Leonard Miller (Men)
Click to print out the Second Ward 7th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament Tournament Results
Submitted by John Love
Final results from APGA Tour Long Beach @ Skylinks GC 2018
Final results from APGA Tour Championship LA @ Chester Washington GC 2018
Final results from Lexus Cup/Adrian Stills Award bonus points 2018
About
Advocates Pro Tour’s mission is to bring greater diversity to the game of golf by developing African Americans and other minorities for careers in golf.
APGA Tour is a nine-year-old non-profit organization whose mission is to bring greater diversity to the game of golf. The APGA Tour board plans to accomplish this by sponsoring professional golf tournaments, establishing player development programs, mentoring programs and by introducing the game to inner-city young people.
The APGA Tour consists of a minimum six tournaments nationwide with nearly $200,000 in prize money. The Adrian Stills Bonus Pool provides an additional $22,000 for APGA Tour members. In addition to a professional division, each APGA event features a professional senior and amateur divisions for players with handicaps of 5 or less.
To bring greater diversity to the game of golf the APGA Tour has partnered with inner-city youth organizations to introduce both boys and girls to the game. APGA also sponsors Diversity Symposiums where leaders of the minority golf community gather to discuss ways too best.
Join the APGA Tour
August 23, 2018
Submitted by Michael Cooper
28 players of the 43 finished under par.
33 of the 43 players had at least one day under par.
| First name: | Last name: | Round one: | Round two: | Total | To par | Prize Money | Lexus/ AS |
|
| 1 | Landon | Lyons | 62 | 68 | 130 | -14 | $ 7,500 | 600 |
| 2 | Brandon | Robinson-Thompson | 64 | 68 | 132 | -12 | 4,000 | |
| T3 | Christian | Heavens | 64 | 70 | 134 | -10 | 2,000 | 127 |
| T3 | Derrick | Williams | 67 | 67 | 134 | -10 | 2,000 | 127 |
| T3 | Kevin | Hall | 67 | 67 | 134 | -10 | 2,000 | 127 |
| T6 | Willie | Mack | 67 | 69 | 136 | -8 | 850 | 101 |
| T6 | Max | Cohen | 68 | 68 | 136 | -8 | 850 | |
| T6 | Aaron | Grimes | 68 | 68 | 136 | -8 | 850 | |
| T9 | Trey | Valentine | 69 | 68 | 137 | -7 | 725 | 85 |
| T9 | Kamaiu | Johnson | 70 | 67 | 137 | -7 | 725 | 85 |
| T11 | Felipe | Velazquez | 69 | 69 | 138 | -6 | 500 | 72 |
| T11 | Kyle | Wilson | 69 | 69 | 138 | -6 | 500 | |
| T11 | Shep | Archie | 70 | 68 | 138 | -6 | 500 | 72 |
| T14 | Marcus | Manley | 68 | 71 | 139 | -5 | 57 | |
| T14 | Davin | White | 68 | 71 | 139 | -5 | 57 | |
| T14 | Tommy | Schaff | 68 | 71 | 139 | -5 | 57 | |
| T14 | Mark | Victorian | 69 | 70 | 139 | -5 | 57 | |
| T14 | Connor | Johnson | 70 | 69 | 139 | -5 | ||
| T14 | Blake | Barens | 70 | 69 | 139 | -5 | ||
| T14 | Rovanta | Young | 72 | 67 | 139 | -5 | 57 | |
| T21 | Brad | Adamonis | 70 | 70 | 140 | -4 | ||
| T21 | David | Lawrence | 74 | 66 | 140 | -4 | ||
| T23 | JP | Thornton | 72 | 69 | 141 | -3 | ||
| T23 | Jordan | Bohannon | 73 | 68 | 141 | -3 | ||
| T25 | Doug | Smith | 69 | 73 | 142 | -2 | ||
| T25 | Tim | O’Neal | 71 | 71 | 142 | -2 | ||
| T25 | Michael | Herrara | 74 | 68 | 142 | -2 | ||
| 28 | Chuck | Spears | 73 | 70 | 143 | -1 | ||
| T29 | Jarred | Garcia | 66 | 78 | 144 | 0 | ||
| T29 | Clay | Myers | 70 | 74 | 144 | 0 | ||
| T31 | Gabriel | Hernandez | 73 | 72 | 145 | 1 | ||
| T31 | Montrele | Wells | 75 | 70 | 145 | 1 | ||
| T31 | Jonathan | Coleman | 74 | 71 | 145 | 1 | ||
| T34 | Gabriel | Cruz | 72 | 74 | 146 | 2 | ||
| T34 | Camiko | Smith | 77 | 69 | 146 | 2 | ||
| 36 | Troy | Kuramarohit | 73 | 74 | 147 | 3 | ||
| T37 | Will | Lowery | 77 | 72 | 149 | 5 | ||
| T37 | Joe | Hooks | 75 | 74 | 149 | 5 | ||
| 39 | Tyler | Munro | 73 | 77 | 150 | 6 | ||
| 40 | Tre | Craig | 73 | 78 | 151 | 7 | ||
| 41 | Tiger | Hubbard | 79 | 73 | 152 | 8 | ||
| 42 | Christian | Thornton | 80 | 74 | 154 | 10 | ||
| 43 | Harold | Stafford | 79 | 76 | 155 | 11 |
About
Advocates Pro Golf Tour’s mission is to bring greater diversity to the game of golf by developing African Americans and other minorities for careers in golf.
APGA Tour is a nine-year-old non-profit organization whose mission is to bring greater diversity to the game of golf. The APGA Tour board plans to accomplish this by sponsoring professional golf tournaments, establishing player development programs, mentoring programs and by introducing the game to inner-city young people.
The APGA Tour consists of a minimum six tournaments nationwide with nearly $200,000 in prize money. The Adrian Stills Bonus Pool provides an additional $22,000 for APGA Tour members. In addition to a professional division, each APGA event features a professional senior and amateur divisions for players with handicaps of 5 or less.
To bring greater diversity to the game of golf the APGA Tour has partnered with inner-city youth organizations to introduce both boys and girls to the game. APGA also sponsors Diversity Symposiums where leaders of the minority golf community gather to discuss ways too best.
Join the APGA Tour
Basic Info
| Founded | 2009 |
| Location | 6709 La Tijera Blvd, LOS ANGELES CA 90045 |
Contact Info
| Contact | Ken Bentley |
| Phone | (818) 298-0410 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.apgatour.org/ |
| Timeline |
Courtesy Lynn Uni.
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Lynn University Director of Athletics Devin Crosby announced on August 7, 2018 that Andy Walker has become the new head coach of the Fighting Knights’ National Champion men’s golf program. Walker has over a decade of professional touring experience and has coached at the collegiate and professional levels, earning nine Coach of the Year award designations.
“Andy is an elite collegiate golf coach,” said Crosby. “He is well known among various PGA, NCAA and international golf authorities, and importantly, our current student-athletes highly recommended him throughout the search process. They’re looking forward to working with him, and I’m confident his personal yet innovative coaching techniques will be a great fit for our Fighting Knights athletics programs.”
In accepting the position Walker has relocated to Boca Raton from Phoenix, Arizona, where he served as the head coach of men’s golf at South Mountain Community College (SMCC) and as a senior staff instructor and director of player development at the Golf Channel Academy.
Since 2013, Walker led the SMCC Cougars to back-to-back National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Championships in 2015 and 2016. The Cougars also held the No. 1 national ranking for 155 out of 156 weeks since the summer of 2013. Walker’s most decorated recruiting class claimed three Region I Championships, four Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) Championships and 31 tournament victories. Walker has coached two Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Phil Mickelson National Freshman of the Year honorees and three GCAA Arnold Palmer National Champions. His student-athletes have collected a combined 25 All-American selections and 30 All-ACCAC accolades. Off the course, SMCC was named the 2018 NJCAA Academic Team of the Year with a 3.81 GPA.
RELATED ARTICLE: Andy Walker Pumped Up To Lead
At the Golf Channel Academy, Walker trained junior to professional-level golfers to build physical and mental skills that translate into improvements during competition. Walker’s clients include professional golfers from the PGA, LPGA and European Tours, along with notable stars from the NFL and MLB.
Walker’s success earned him a GCAA Dave Williams National Coach of the Year accolade, two nods as the NJCAA National Coach of the Year, five ACCAC Coach of the Year awards and a GCAA West Region Coach of the Year honor.
“I’d like to thank Dr. Kevin M. Ross, Greg Malfitano and Devin Crosby for this opportunity,” Walker said. “It is a privilege to work with a strong athletics program that has been so successful in and outside of the classroom. Lynn has great resources, and I cannot wait to work with its student-athletes to defend the NCAA title. I’m proud to be a Fighting Knight.”
Walker also has been featured as a television and radio personality in multiple capacities since 2010. He was a contestant on the Golf Channel’s reality show Big Break Ireland while co-hosting the NBC Sports Radio Show For the Love of the Game.
Before Walker joined the coaching ranks, he spent 11 years playing professionally on various domestic and international tours. He played in over 375 professional tournaments, garnering 28 professional victories and over 70 Top-10 finishes. Walker ranked as high as No. 272 among Americans on the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) and was the second-highest ranked African American in the world on the OWGR, behind only Tiger Woods.
Walker first tasted national collegiate success as a student-athlete, winning the 1997 NCAA National Championship at Pepperdine University. During his three years as a Pepperdine Wave, Walker was a two-time All-West Coast Conference selection and the 1997 WCC Individual Champion.
He graduated from Pepperdine University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and was inducted into the Pepperdine Sports Hall of Fame. He is also K-Vest Level II, Trackman and Flightscope certified and holds memberships with the Golf Channel Academy and GCAA.
(l-r) Dedicated Fairways For Warriors golf instructors Fred Patterson, Chris Bock, John Perry and Jason Soto.
By John Perry
Hands down their sport of choice is golf. Yeah, you can quote me on that. I’ll stand by that definitive proclamation anytime, anywhere. And that was never more obvious to me than on August 2nd, 2018, out at Shingle Creek Golf Resort in Orlando, Fla., where approximately 40 wheelchair veterans engaged in a little 3-hole golf competition that was worth the price of admission–which by the way, was none.
Hosted by Fairway For Warriors, a non-profit organization based is Kississimme, Florida that offers services to combat wounded veterans as well as their families, from all combat eras, a couple of my fellow golf instructors (and myself) were recruited to participate and offer our assistance from a coaching standpoint. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) afflicts almost 31 percent of Vietnam veterans. As many as 10 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans. 11 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan.
Allow me a minute to rewind back and bring you up to speed in regards to this inspirational golf event. First of all, I’ve been playing this game for 58 years, and I’m a former U.S. Air Force Veteran from the Vietnam era, so I certainly could relate to my fellow comrades. Plus this was an eye-opening experience as to how much I’ve been taking for granted when it comes to playing this wonderful game of golf.
I’ve been living in sunny Florida for the last two years, in the Orlando area. My wife and I relocated down here from Northern New Jersey. For 12 years prior to that change of address, I was Head Coach and Director of the John Shippen Youth Golf Academy in Scotch Plains, N.J. Our practice and playing facility was the Scoth Hills Golf Club, better known years ago as the historic Shady Rest Golf Club. I was given a green light by the Chairman and Chairlady Thurman and Ruby Simmons to move the youth golf program forward as best as possible.
WHY I JOINED FAIRWAYS FOR WARRIORS
I think I achieved that goal to everyone’s satisfaction. Immediately after relocating to Florida, I joined “Fairways For Warriors”, a combat veterans group which helps disenfranchised veterans and their families cope and readjust to the challenges of civilian life. Part of that help includes providing housing, employment, therapy, physical and mental, golf lessons for them and their families, as well as golf equipment. We have a beautiful 6700 sq. ft. indoor facility with three golf simulators, swing planes, chipping and putting area, etc. We also have agreements with various golf courses in the Orlando area that allow us and our members substantially discounted rates. Super bargains, simply put.
Our indoor facility is affectionately called the “TLC”, for Training and Learning Center. The TLC facility is an excellent resource and veterans and those who are interested in learning more may visit it. It is located at 1001 Armstrong Ave., Kissimmee, Fl. 34741. The telephone number is 970-481-3052. We have lots of Vets who have (TSD) Traumatic Syndrome Disorders, amputees (legs, arms, or both), legally blind or color blind. All in all, plenty of vulnerabilities. Many of these Vets obviously have been dealt a bad hand, but nevertheless, most remain positive, enthusiastic, and determined to persevere in spite of their misfortune. They all just about agree unanimously that golf is their sport of choice. Some have played a little in the past and many have never played, but they all enjoy the challenge of competitive camaraderie on the links. Even if it’s only a few holes. They just try to be the best that they can be.
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Jason Soto, one of our Fairways For Warriors young and dedicated instructors was the contact person who collaborated with the organizers of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games to bring us on board. The golf event was hosted by the “PVA”, Paralysed Veterans Of America. This was their 38th annual competition. Next year’s event will be held in Louisville, Kentucky. For information and to learn of the eligible to apply, visit Fairway For Warriors.
Jason is a former U.S. Marine Veteran who served during the Iraqi Conflict era. He’s also currently employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lake Nona, an affluent neighborhood of Orlando.
Fairways For Warriors is one of a few different groups who cater to veterans and their families. The organization has also earned a spot on the Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Awards, the only people’s choice award where volunteers, donors, and people served by nonprofits are asked to share stories of inspiration, express their appreciation to help nonprofits earn a spot on this prestigious list. Additional organizations that cater to veterans and their families include Wounded Warriors, Birdies For The Brave”, Hoops For Troops, and so forth. All our goals are pretty much the same as these organizations: trying our best to help our comrades receive all that they deserve, which is plenty. So, if you have one of these organizations, or one similar in your neck of the woods, community, city, or state, please make a conscientious effort to give a donation. Trust me, these guys have more than earned it.
Now to fast forward back to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games at Shingle Creek. It was similar to must-see TV. To watch these men and women hit great shots from their strapped-in, standing position, off the side, personalized, individual, motorized wheelchair carts touched my heart in a special way.
I just want to put it out there from my perspective, if you have a veteran in your family, a friend, neighbor, or stranger, show them some love anytime the opportunity presents itself. Remember, our freedom is still being protected by those who serve (and have served) in the Armed Forces. Just keep in mind that “All Gave Some, but Some Gave All”.
John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Fla.
Nobody knows what’s in the back of the minds of the millions of golfers who play this sport. Some may believe they are true fans of the game because of the challenge of ‘playing against’ oneself. While others enjoy the camaraderie, social networking, and other aspects of playing with a group on the course. Enter the “Zilosophy on Golf” by Michael A. Zildjian, a book that captures the characteristics, and characters, of golfers across the world.
Author Michael Zildjian
Zildjian is easy-spoken, a keen observer and a deep thinker, however, he is not a licensed therapist. His book is an easy-read and he establishes each new chapter as a new golf hole. Then, at the end of each chapter is an evaluation for the reader to take on his/his own mental game. Golf is a difficult game to begin with, not to mention the physical challenges that a player must undergo with equipment and course terrain to focus on.
Golf legends such as Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino or Jim Furyk have endured defeat and hard-earned successes. “Zilosophy on Golf” takes a look at helping you understand just how individual emotions and mental aptitude play a big part of what this game makes you, too.
Visit zilosophy.org for more information and to order your copy.
By Randi Payton
Decisive Media Network
The eye-catching 2018 Lexus IS 300 is a compact-luxury sports sedan, which debuted as a third-generation model in 2013, out fashions such rivals as the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50, BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class.
The IS acronym, which stands for Intelligent Sports, was tweaked in 2017 with added exterior and interior styling and tech features. The redesigned Lexus IS 300 looks more aggressive with its bold headlamps, larger air intakes on the front bumper, fenders and grille.
In 2018, the Lexus IS received a few minor changes. They include standard safety and performance features, including an additional increase of 5 hp on the direct injection 3.5-liter V6 engine, which generates 255 horsepower.
Additionally, the four-cylinder rear-wheel-drive (RWD) IS 200t was renamed the IS 300 RWD, and the V-6 now offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model.
Both the IS 300 and IS 350 are available in RWD and AWD and offer the F SPORT package for buyers who want more performance and an aggressive sporty design.
The F Sport package is available for all IS models. It includes a large three-dimensional mesh grille with a jet black metallic finish that is also highlighted on the brakes, F Sport tuned suspension, five spoke 18-inch wheels, Mark Levinson 5.1 surround audio system with 15 speakers, a 10.5-inch touchscreen display, perforated leather sport seats and heated steering wheel with paddle shifters.
Safety features on the Lexus IS include the Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect, which are now complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership. The optional F Sport trim comes with a 1-year trial subscription to the Lexus Inform Destinations.
Expect to pay $40,200 MSRP for the IS 300 AWD and an additional $3,145 if you want the F Sport package.. Along with a few others options and destination charges, the price as tested came to $49,679.