By AAGD STAFF
The 4th Annual Scholarship Golf Classic hosted by the United Black Golfer’s Association was held on, Tuesday, August 8, 2018 at Dyker Beach Golf Course, 1030 86th Street, Brooklyn NY 11260 and the tee off time was 1:30 pm. Over 70 golfers attend the annual event that attracts a swath of players and supporters who come from all across the area.
The day’s contests drew strong competition among participants with on-course games for men and women that included: the longest drive, closest to the pin, and two Hole-in-One prizes–one for a beautiful 2017 Ford Fusion and another for the ripe winnings of $10,000. The tournament’s main mission is to provide scholarships for students and successfully completing the cause, eight checks of $500 each were distributed to the winners:
- Sabrina Khan, Young Leadership School of Astoria H S., attending St. John’s University, studying Computer Science
- Abigail Leong, The Brooklyn Latin H.S, attending SUNY-Buffalo, studying Pharmacy
- Gynavia Davis, York Early Collage Academy H.S., SUNY-Delhi, studying Culinary Arts
- Courtney Long, Frank Sinatara School of the Arts, Ithaca College, studying Musical Theatre
- Hannah Ellis-Gibbs, The World School H.S., Howard University, Undecided
- Jewelle Browne, The Brooklyn Latin H.S., SUNY-Binghamton, Nursing
- Nune Marukyan, Baccalaureate School for Global Education, Financial Economics
- Myles Campbell, Eagle Academy for Young Men
The scholarship award recipients and their parents were in attendance at the dinner and each student stepped proudly to the front of the room to accept their award. “I am thrilled to be able to provide these scholarships to such worthy students,” said Vernell Bennett, UBGA president. “Each year, we strive to help better the lives of young people in our community and this would not be possible without the support of our members and loyal patrons.”
24 sponsors supported the UBGA 2018 Classic including:
- AFLAC, buffet award dinner sponsor
- Local 372-DC37, Shaun D Francois 1, President and Executive Board member
- Burger King (Laurelton NY) putting contest
- Webb & Brooker, Inc.
- Apex Building Company
- State Farm Insurance, John Hogan Agency
- Jamaica Center Business Improvement District
“On behalf of the United Black Golfers Association, I would like to thank all of the sponsors that supported our 2018 Scholarship Golf Classic and, I give a special thanks to Michael Walker, owner, Fidel Photography and a member of UBGA, for providing all of the beautiful photos,” said Bennett.
Winners of the classic include:
Anthony Hooks, team won 1st place and he also won closest to the pin and longest drive
Tina Lee, won team won 1st place and she won the longest drive
James Merritt, won the putting contest
The United Black Golfers Association, Inc.is a Laurelton Queens Association, that was incorporated on March 3rd, 2014 as a 501(C)(3) Not-for-Profit organization. The purpose of the association is to provide opportunities for golfers and individuals (men and women) who are interested in the game of golf, to meet and engage in activities that promote unity, personal growth and enrichment through the sport of golf. From 2016-2018 UBGA has distributed 22 scholarships to High School Seniors, with a total disbursement of $13,000.00 to date.
Gladys Lee, LPGA Class A teaching professional and North Texas golf instructor loves golf with a passion. (photo: Dallas News)
December 18, 2018
There’s a catch in her voice when North Texas golf instructor Gladys Lee talks about trying to find a teaching position at local country clubs, beginning in the 1980s.
After getting her Class A teaching credentials from the LPGA in 2012, Lee applied for work at eight local clubs. Actually, it was nine. No, 10. Nothing happened.
“They would say they didn’t need help,” she said. “You would go back later and see new people.
“I love golf with a passion,” she said, the emotion coming through in her voice. “But it’s hard when it comes to making a living in it … as a minority. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to make a living when it comes to us.”
The PGA of America, which announced last week that it was moving to Frisco, says it wants to “look more like the nation” — meaning more diverse.
Yet nearly six decades after the group removed the “Caucasian-only” clause from its bylaws, its membership remains stubbornly monochromatic. It’s 91 percent white and nearly 96 percent male.
In North Texas, the group will continue its efforts to boost diversity — in its ranks, among its suppliers and across the sport. Golf experts see it as a matter of self-preservation.
“With all the reports of a browning, so to speak, and females in America, I don’t know why any industry would not want to align itself with that changing face of the nation,” said Michael Cooper, chairman of a diversity task force launched by the World Golf Foundation, which promotes golf.
“For any industry that’s trying to stay productive and … to be frank, make money, why would you not want to avail yourself of that same changing demographic of America? It doesn’t make sense economically.”
RELATED STORY: LPGA Golf 101 & LPGA-USGA Girls Graduate with Flair with the help of Gladys Lee
Founded in 1916, the PGA of America is one of the largest golf organizations in the nation. Its 29,000 members and those seeking membership are largely professionals who make their living from the sport, from instructors and coaches to administrators and course managers. It is separate from the PGA Tour, a membership group of professional golfers that puts on more than 120 official tournaments.
PGA of America officials tick off a list of recent diversity-related accomplishments, beginning with the election last month of the group’s first woman president — Suzy Whaley, who owns Suzy Whaley Golf in Cromwell, Conn., and is the PGA director of instruction at the Country Club of Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
“I would tell you,” she told The Dallas Morning News last week when asked to describe the makeup of her group, “it’s heavily and predominantly currently white male.”
As chair of the PGA’s board of directors, Whaley will help oversee the organization’s strategy for the next two years and help chart the future of the sport.
“Our goal in diversity and inclusion is really to evolve the game, to evolve our workforce and to really evolve our supply chains to mirror our community,” she said. “Certainly we have put programming in place over the course of the last 10 years to grow the base that we have.”
Some of the PGA’s efforts involve attracting more women.
The agreement that will bring the association’s headquarters to North Texas in 2022 calls for two PGA Championships, two KPMG Women’s PGA Championships and potentially a Ryder Cup to be held in Frisco.
The first women’s championship is set for 2025, three years after the scheduled opening of the 600-acre development that will include an Omni resort and a 127,000-square-foot conference center.
“I’m excited to have that in Frisco,” Whaley said of the women’s tournaments. “It also includes a women’s leadership summit, which has become one of the most powerful summits in the country for women leaders to inspire greatness amongst women [who] are not only in corporate America but also play the game of golf … and to help elevate them into the C-suite. We’ll be able to do that right in Frisco.”
The group also has high hopes for its PGA Jr. League, a program largely for players 13 and younger.
This year, more than 50,000 boys and girls, a record, participated on 4,200 PGA Jr. League teams. At least 15 percent come from diverse backgrounds, and about 25 percent were young girls, the association said.
“Those numbers aren’t where we would like them to be,” Whaley said. “We certainly want [female participation] to be at least 50 percent. We’re excited about the growth of PGA Jr. League.
“And we’re thrilled to bring that to the Dallas area and the surrounding areas.”
Read more by Karen Robinson-Jacobs at DallasNews.com
Reporter John Perry at the 2018 PNC Father/Son Challenge
BY JOHN PERRY
(December 17, 2018)
This was the 21st playing of the PNC Father/Son Challenge, held December 13-16, 2018 at The Ritz Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Florida. The hefty tournament purse was set at $1,085,000, with the winner’s share coming in at $200,000. Money payouts go to teams 1 through 20. The last place team even comes in with a little bundle, receiving $40,000.
QUALIFYING
To qualify to play in the PNC Father/Son Challenge the event participants must have won either a Major Championship or The Players in their career. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a tour card, and while the majority of partners in the history of the event have been the sons of golf legends, the family-themed tournament has seen daughters and grandsons participate over the years. In keeping with the spirit of the PNC Father/Son Challenge, PNC hosts golf tournaments during the summer/fall. At these events, family teams have an opportunity to compete to win spots in the official Pro-Am of the PNC Father/Son Challenge and play alongside some of the most famous names in golf.
John Daly Sr., during Saturday’s round at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. (Photo: John Perry)
Little John Daly Jr. after Saturday’s round. (Photo: John Perry)
The 20- team field competes in a scramble format over 36 holes for the $1,085,000 prize purse and the Willie Park Trophy, named after Willie Park and his son Willie Park Jr., who combined to win the British Open five times. Last year’s team champions Angel Cabrera and Angel Cabrera Jr. did not return this year to defend their 2017 win. This year’s winning team of Davis Love and son Dru Love won with record-breaking performances. Davis Love III and son, Dru Love, shot a record-breaking final round 56 (-16) on Sunday, to seal a three-shot victory over Team Goosen, Team Cink and Team Daly and claim their second tournament victory at the 2018 PNC Father/Son Challenge with a championship record 118 (-26) total.
Davis Love III and son, Dru Love also won this event 6 years ago, in 2012. Congratulations to the Love Team. Major Sponsor for the PNC Father/Son Challenge is car dealership “Maserati“—Nuff Said.
Veterans Enjoy Free Amenities at Father/Son Challenge
In honor and recognition of the service of our US Veterans, an American flag waves on the pin at the 18th green. While also recognizing a completed round, the flag serves to remind attendees of the men and women who served, and those who currently serve, to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. “The tournament means a great deal to many of the veterans who grew up admiring these outstanding golfers,” said Chris Bischoff, a retired five-year U.S. Army Captain to the news media. Bischoff served as a combat infantry officer in the Special Forces. in 2016 veterans enjoyed free admission and amenities at the tournament.
Phil Albernathy, United States Air Force Veteran and Champaign, Illinois resident enjoying the 2018 Father/Son Challenge.
Meet Phil Abernathy
I met Phil Albernathy at the PNC Father/Son Challenge and discovered that we have a lot in common. Born and raised in Champaign, Ill., Phil is a United States Air Force Veteran (like myself). Phil served from 1964-1968 (I served from 1969-1973). We both had our Basic Training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Tx. We both also completed our Tech School Training at Chanute AFB, in Rantoul, IL. (Rantoul is about 15 miles from Champaign). Phil loves golf and the Orlando-Florida area and all that comes with it. I relocated to Orlando nearly 3 years ago. I love golf and the Orlando area and all that comes with it.
RELATED STORY: The Players Championship Kicks Off to an Excited Crowd
Phil says the PNC Father/Son Challenge is a favorite tournament of his. He usually schedules his annual family vacation to Florida around the dates of the event. The PNC Father/Son Challenge is a very family orientated tournament and so this fits right in for Phil. He’s the proud father of two daughters and multiple grandkids. He says, “family is one of my top priorities.”
At 73-years old, Phil didn’t start playing golf until ten years ago. His lowest round, thus far, he says was somewhere in the 80’s. However, his number one passion is fishing. He and his wife travel as often as possible and he has had the pleasure of fishing for “Steelhead fish” in Maui, Hawaii–one of his favorite destinations. They’re Marriott Vacation Club Members and takes full advantage of their membership. When it comes to sports outside of golf he’s also a big Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, and St. Louis Cardinals fan. His favorite Golf Course is Legends Golf Club in Champaign, IL. IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER 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, Florida.
Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course, designed by Larry Packard, recently underwent a comprehensive six-month restorative enhancement in line with the course architect’s principles. Salamander Hotels & Resorts reopened the golf course, with Innisbrook Owner and Salamander Founder & CEO Sheila C. Johnson officially unveiling it in a ceremony attended by partners, dignitaries, celebrities, and PGA Tour representatives. The project included re-grassing all fairways and rough, rebuilding each green, and reshaping bunkers, retaining Packard’s signature design.
The course hosts the Valspar Championship presented by BB&T, an official PGA Tour event, every March. Copperhead, which opened in 1972 and has been hosting a professional golf tournament for the past 25 years, is one of four layouts at the resort designed by Packard. Packard lived at Innisbrook for more than 40 years while the resort’s steakhouse even bears his name. Innisbrook’s three other Packard-designed courses, Island, North, and South, also provide championship alternatives for members, groups, and guests.
The project aimed to restore the course to its original intent and characteristics, with Wadsworth Golf Construction Company, the original course builder, overseeing the work. All greens were rebuilt to United States Golf Association specifications with TifEagle Bermuda grass, several were restored to their original size to allow for additional pin placements, and new drainage systems were installed underneath the green complexes. Fairways were replaced with Celebration Bermuda grass to yield a more consistent hitting surface, and a number of viewing areas around the greens were modified to allow for larger tournament galleries in the future.
The restorative project also included the reshaping and rebuilding of Copperhead’s strategically placed bunkers, including the addition of a set of staircase traps on the uphill 18th hole. The practice facility underwent some modifications, with an additional tier added to the driving range, and a new practice green was added for chipping, pitching, and bunker shots.
All tee boxes were rebuilt and laser-leveled, while several were expanded, and 15 new forward tees were also added to enhance the experience for players of all skill levels. The length of the course for tour professionals, however, remains at a challenging 7,340 yards. To support sustainability initiatives by the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America, the course’s irrigation system was improved to include 500 new sprinkler heads and save 11 million gallons of water per year, enough to fill 1,100 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Salamander’s commitment to making improvements has made Innisbrook cement its reputation as one of America’s top golf destinations. Johnson, who is also an officer and executive committee member of the United States Golf Association, said, “This restoration respects and protects the vision of Larry Packard and his signature design, and further elevates the golf experience for our guests, members, partners, and playing professionals.”
PGA Tour Professional George McNeill, who was present at the re-opening announcement and is a former Innisbrook tournament runner up, said, “Copperhead is one of the best courses we play every year. The restoration work will ensure that it continues to offer one of the finest tests of golf in the country.” Andy Pazder, chief of Operations for the PGA Tour, said, “We are excited about the impact of the design enhancements and agronomic improvements, which undoubtedly will further solidify the Copperhead Course’s reputation as a favorite among our players.”
Innisbrook Resort is located at 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684, on 900 wooded acres of rolling hills in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The resort features 72 holes of championship golf.
BY AAGD STAFF
December 7, 2018
Operating five locations around the United States, Golf Academy of America will bite the dust and shutter its doors, ceasing operations after 44 years in the business of training hopeful golf professionals.
The privately held Education Corporation of America (EAC), owner of the five golf schools, made the dreaded announcement on Wednesday of this week, confirming that it would cease operating all of its roughly 80 campuses. Reasons given include continued declining student enrollment and the loss of accreditation. Company employees have been notified that their positions will be eliminated, and most of the company’s approximate 20,000 students will not be able to able to finish their programs unless they were in their final semester. Its five campuses are in Myrtle Beach, S.C., San Diego, Dallas, Orlando and Phoenix.
On its website, Golf Academy of America said it has trained more than 11,000 students, with graduates employed in the golf industry in all 50 states and around the world.
The golf programs offered students training in the business of golf, course operations, teaching, technology and mentorship. The company said each campus employed PGA of America members.
ECA had offered a variety of golf-related associate degrees, diploma/certificate courses, master’s degrees and baccalaureate degrees at its campuses, and several classes were offered online through its Brightwood Career Institute, Brightwood College, Culinard Institute of Virginia College, Ecotech Institute, Golf Academy of America and Virginia College.
Discouraging news for ECA had previously arrived on Tuesday when it received word that the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools had suspended its accreditation, Inside Higher Ed reported. With the loss of accreditation, ECA students would not be able to participate in federal student aid programs nor would the school any longer have the ability to secure capital that was necessary to operate its campuses.
MarketWatch reported that ECA had failed to meet a federal gainful-employment standard that indicates students will earn enough income after graduation to repay student loans. Students attending an ECA facility have the right to have their federal loans discharged so long as they do not complete a similar program at another institution.
Earlier this year, ECA had announced that it would close dozens of its campuses, and the company unsuccessfully sued the Department of Education to gain access to federal financial aid while in receivership. The company had struggled to meet payroll and pay rent at various campuses.
“After many years of training students for new careers, it is with a heavy heart that today we announce that Education Corporation of America is closing all its career colleges effective with the completion of the current module or term for most students,” Diane Worthington, a spokeswoman for the company, said in a written statement. “We will work with students to ensure access to their transcripts so they can complete their studies at another school.”
BY AAGD STAFF
Word being whispered around the green is that (if he fails to qualify) Tiger Woods may consider selecting himself as a playing captain for next year’s Presidents Cup in Australia.
The 42-year-old was named the captain of the U.S. Team last spring for the biennial event that is being played next year, on December 12-15, 2019, at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Back then, Woods was recovering from back fusion surgery and working his comeback to the game. Now, over recent months, he has regained his playing confidence, taking out the TOUR Championship for an 80th career PGA TOUR title, and fans are anxious to see if he would become only the second playing captain in the history of the President’s Cup since Hale Irwin (1994).
During a reconnaissance mission to Royal Melbourne this week, Woods said “I’m part of the team either way, okay.”
“I want to compete. I want to play. Being a vice captain the last couple years, you realize you really don’t control the play. You have to sit back and watch. And as a player and as a competitor, you want to always be in control and be able to compete and play.”
Since there are 8 spots that automatically go to golfers who qualify, and Woods currently placing 16th on the list, gaining a position on the playing field could be determined by one of the four captains’ picks.
The Power of New rules
A new rule may give Woods the opportunity he seeks, as he only needs to play one session prior to singles, then pick and hide himself, if he chooses to do so. “I’m going to have to defer a lot of information to my vice captains and get a lot of their opinions and also my team, whether or not I can play and do both roles.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Did You Hear the Roar? Sounds Like Tiger Woods is Back!
“After the TOUR Championship, we’ll have our top eight guys, and hopefully I’ll be part of the top eight. If not, then myself and my vice captains are going to have to figure out – as well as the other top eight players – who are the next four guys that will be best served to be part of this team, to come down here and compete,” he said. Keep in mind that the only outright win by the International Team was back in 1998. A lot has changed with Woods physically since then and years gone by can pack on a lot of unexpected situations. Whether or not the prestigious Royal Melbourne golf course will play much like has in previous President’s Cups held there (1998, 2011) is yet to be seen.
“The way the golf course is set up and the way it’s played, it’s very similar to what we face at an Open Championship, so I think guys who play The Open Championship venues well are going to be successful here at Royal,” the three-time Open Championship winner said.
“It is one of the greatest golf courses in all of the world. The layout is fantastic. It’s very tough. It’s tricky. They’ve lengthened a couple of the holes. But nothing major. Normally over the course of time, a lot of golf courses get modernized, get lengthened, change different angles, add bunkers, whatever it may be, but they haven’t done that at Royal. It’s the same golf course.”
But Woods has already shared that he is reducing his future playing schedule, so making the team without the need for a pick could be tough for him. Last Week’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas completed his 2018 playing commitments, and he seems relieved that the year is coming to an end.
“I won’t be playing as much as I did last year. … That was just too much for my body to handle and I was not physically prepared for it,” Woods said.
“I hadn’t trained for that, so we’re going to make some adjustments for next year.
Tari Cash, Owner, CitySwing (courtesy Tari Cash)
Summer 2018 was a season to remember for Tari Cash, the new owner of CitySwing, a state-of-art golf practice facility that she opened in Washington, DC in July. Cash set up the new business venture with high hopes of growing the game among local residents. She is also on a mission to inspire and advance the sport across her vast business network and expects to attract new players.
The avid golfer says she truly hopes to get “more women and people of color playing.” The grand opening was held at the home of the location, 929 H Street, NW, Washington, DC which is situated in the popular CityCenterDC development area. The bustling neighborhood is packed full of luxury residences, dozens of high-end retail stores, eateries, and more— CityCenterDC is the newest hub of all that’s happening in DC.
Currently, the self-funded practice facility has only one golf simulator and a cozy lounge suite for customers. Future endeavors include providing clubs and equipment on-site to “help people feel more comfortable participating”. There are also plans in the works to expand her operation into a full-scale facility with perhaps six to eight simulators and enclosed suites. She envisions her place to become somewhat of “a karaoke bar” for friends to hang out together, share golf tips, relax and enjoy themselves in a golf-themed environment. More growth could include a restaurant and bar for added enjoyment. The mood, for now, is inspiring with a decor of energizing colors and papercraft works by artist, Alicia Kelly where visitors can test their skills or compete with friends.
Equipment for customer use at CitySwing includes a simulator, Trackman 4’s Dual Radar Technology, and a performance tracking system trusted by more than 800 Tour pros. It will provide year-round training support to golfers who seek to keep their game in shape. The simulator also provides data and analytics on movement of the club and ball, while displaying live graphics overlays of club path, face angle, target line and ball trajectory. On top of the unit, data is synced with a 360-video system that records every swing. Premier 3D graphics provide a realistic experience on many of the world’s best-known courses. It’s not a cheap item either, as pricing for these types of units can start at around $19,000 for an indoor model.
The idea for her business was realized when she became aware that there was no place within the busy city for her to practice her golf swing, and getting all the way from downtown, through traffic, and out to a golf course would take much time and effort. So, having a golf simulation experience in the heart of Washington, D.C., with easy access to the metro system could be the perfect alternative. The facility has a variety of programming with group clubs for men, women, youth, and a newly established Winter League.
A Non-Intimidating Space
With these exciting activities, CitySwing may just be the answer to exposing more of the city’s population to the game of golf. Since the city’s population growth is being led by millennials, the District of Columbia is 50.7% African American. The total African American population in Washington’s District of Columbia (DC) according to the 2010 U.S. Census was 305,125, according to the United States Census Bureau.
“Our space is very non-intimidating, fun, and is very intentional,” Cash, a 43-year-old, first-time entrepreneur said to TheUndefeated.com . “We were very thoughtful about creating a space that is inviting and inclusive to all people. Don’t let the intimidation factor hold you back, because you’re being held back from more than just the game of golf.”
A Wellesley, Massachusetts native, having lived in DC since 2009, Cash —like so many black men and women who play golf—has had her own unpleasant personal experience of feeling not welcomed when arriving at a golf course.
“We are polarizing when we step onto a golf course, but not all of them,” she said to TheUndefeated.com. “I think times are changing, but the reality is that for years women and African Americans were excluded from country clubs. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that many of the most prestigious clubs in the country actually allowed African Americans to be members, and there are still country clubs today that do not allow women to be members. So if you cannot participate because you are not allowed to be a member of the club, then why would you try to play and how do you participate in all of the other professional and personal benefits?”
Delving into the entrepreneurial lane came to Cash through her golf partner, Valencia McClure, vice president of governmental and external affairs at Baltimore Gas and Electric. McClure regularly played golf with her CEO and the interactions made a positive impact on her career at the company. Cash confessed in her interview with The Undefeated, “It dawned on me that you don’t actually have to excel at golf to reap the professional benefits, you just have to be willing to participate.”
Business is Done On The Golf Course
“Business happens through relationships, and when you’re playing golf with someone for four to five hours, you really get to know a lot about the person,” said Cash to TheUndefeated.com. “You get to know them in a social and professional manner. It’s through those relationships that business happens. That’s why I feel like more women, people of color and everyone should play golf. You don’t have to excel, you just have to be comfortable participating.”
“I wanted to create a place for golfers like me to play or practice when time, weather, proximity and traffic prevent traditional play; and a place where aspiring golfers can go to learn in a non-intimidating, fun and welcoming environment”.
CitySwing is open daily, Monday-Sunday, 10AM-9PM.
Customers can walk-in or make a reservation to visit CitySwing. The cost to play is billed in intervals and dependent on the amount of time spent: (15 minutes: $35; 30 minutes: $60; 60 minutes-plus: $110). Depending on individual skill level and interest CitySwing has an array of arcade-style games, driving range simulation, or Par 3 holes for customers to test the experience. “We charge for time and not by person,” Cash said. This pricing model is excellent for groups, whereby four persons can split the price!
CitySwing can also be rented for corporate, business and social gatherings, including networking events, private receptions and birthday parties.
For more information on CitySwing or to reserve time visit Cityswingdc.com.
Georgetown Women’s golf team and participants during their visit to CitySwing, Washington, DC’s first indoor golf facility. (Back Row, L-R) Sondra Williams (Golf. My Future. My Game.), Dana Choi and Kate Evanko (Georgetown Uni), Craig Kirby (Founder/CEO, Golf. My Future. My Game.), Tari Cash (CEO, CitySwing), Latesha Walker, a supporter of Golf.My Future. My Game. (Front Row, L-R) Georgetown Uni golf team members Yifei Bao, Baili Park, Alexa Popowitz, Elizabeth Nguyen and Ashley Fitzgibbons with Kylie Williams (Birdie), Charlene Coleman (Birdie), Kimba Davis, a supporter of Golf. My Future. My Game.
By James Beatty
Youth members of the national organization, Golf. My Future. My Game. (GMFMG), were treated to a special training session presented by seven players from the Georgetown University Women’s Golf Team led by head coach Kate Schanuel. The 2-hour session was held on November 18 and focused on swing mechanics, stance, and the mental aspects of playing golf. The Georgetown team is a competitive force in the NCAA. They have an aggregate competitive stroke average of 76.7 and are ranked 109th out of 265 Division 1 Women’s collegiate golf teams as compiled by Golf Stat.
Joan Dulieu, GeorgetownWomen’s Golf Captain, takes a break during practice with a youth participant.
Watch Joan Dulieu, Georgetown Women’s Golf Captain (2011-2012) as she gives some great tips on improving your short game
Click “On Demand” to listen to and meet the Georgetown Women’s Golf Team
Craig Kirby, Founder and CEO of Golf. My Future. My Game. (GMFMG) is an avid golf enthusiast and a former political strategist. He arranged this special session at City Swing, an immersive pop-up golf experience for all, located at 929 H Street NW in the CityCenterDC development section of Washington DC.
Craig Kirby, Founder/CEO, Golf. My Future. My Game.
City Swing is the brainchild of Founder & CEO, Tari Cash, an experienced golfer and a Harvard graduate who realized engaging in golf is a gateway to greater access and achievement in life. CitySwing provides a wide range of simulated golf courses, TrackMan golf simulation technology and a staff of true golf enthusiasts making it ideal for anyone wanting to learn or to improve their golfing skills year-round. In a mission to keep customers engaged, they even offer Winter Leagues! According to AAGD research, this facility, which opened in July of 2018, is the only African American, Woman-owned golf simulation facility in the United States. Congratulations Tari Smith!! AAGD wishes CitySwing much success!
CitySwing Founder Tari Cash greets youngsters at the opening of her pop-up establishment on July 19. 2018. (Courtesy Photo CitySwing)
RELATED ARTICLE: African American Woman Opens CitySwing, First Indoor Golf Facility At Washington’s CityCenterDC
Learn more about Golf. My Future. My Game., a most unique and amazing program in our nation’s capital and to donate, visit GolfMyFutureMyGame.org or contact Founder/CEO, Craig Kirby at 5335 Wisconsin Ave, NW Suite 440, Washington, DC 20015-2052 , Telephone: 202 478-9644
James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest is also Founder of NCS International, an Omaha, Nebraska-based company that providers of 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.
Frisco, Texas – The PGA of America is moving its headquarters from Palm Beach County, Florida to Frisco, Texas, the ‘2018 Best Place to Live in America,’* where it will anchor a 600-acre, mixed-use development with an initial investment worth more than half a billion dollars.
Move is part of innovative public-private partnership
Deal also links Omni Hotels & Resorts, Stillwater Capital, City of Frisco, FISD and Hunt Realty
The December 4th announcement follows votes by the Frisco City Council, its Economic and Community Development Corporations and the Frisco Independent School District (FISD) board of trustees. The PGA of America will initially employ at least 100 people at the Frisco-based headquarters. Under this agreement, two PGA Championships, two KPMG Women’s PGA Championships and potentially a Ryder Cup will be held in Frisco.
This groundbreaking agreement is estimated to have an economic impact of more than $2.5 billion over the next 20 years based on a city commissioned tourism feasibility study.** The study considered the economics of golf course activities, including tournaments, plus the additional impact from the new conference center.
The PGA of America is teaming with Omni Stillwater Woods (OSW), a joint venture led by Omni Hotels & Resorts with Stillwater Capital and Woods Capital; the City of Frisco, as well as its Economic and Community Development Corporations; and the Frisco Independent School District.
PGA of America
“Our move to Frisco will be transcendent for the PGA of America,” said Seth Waugh, CEO, PGA of America. “Everything great starts with a dream. This is the beginning of a bold, new journey as we bring together world-class partners in a world-class location – to deliver innovative and differentiated experiences for our nearly 29,000 PGA Golf Professionals, golfers of all abilities and our staff.”
Two championship golf courses, a short course, and practice areas totaling 45 holes; a clubhouse; Class AA office space; a 500-room Omni resort and 127,000-square-foot conference center; a technologically advanced retail village; parks and open space plus several miles of trails, will complement this unique, signature development.
The PGA’s Northern Texas Section will also move to PGA Frisco, where state of the art connectivity will provide opportunities to pilot promising new growth-of-the-game programming for all 41 Sections of the PGA of America.
A welcoming gateway at Frisco’s northern border, the upscale development will be located at Rockhill Parkway and Legacy Drive, approximately one-third of a mile south of U.S. 380. The 600 acres are primarily situated within 2,500 acres being master planned by Hunt Realty Investments. The development will be open to the public, as well as golfers.
The entire project will have an initial, estimated public-private investment totaling more than $520 million. The PGA of America will invest $30 million to build its 100,000-square-foot global headquarters and education facility. OSW will invest $455 million to purchase the land, construct the hotel, conference center, retail space, parking facilities, and golf courses. The golf courses, clubhouse, practice areas and associated public facilities will be owned by the city. More than 300 FISD high school golfers will practice at the facility on a weekly basis.
The agreement calls for the City of Frisco and its development corporations (each funded by a half-cent of Frisco’s sales tax) and FISD to contribute no more than $35 million toward development of the public facilities (City of Frisco, $13.3 million; Frisco Economic Development Corp. (FEDC), $2.5 million; Frisco Community Development Corp. (FCDC), $13.3 million; and FISD, $5.8 million).
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The City of Frisco will also provide performance incentives, which include a portion of hotel occupancy, mixed beverage, sales and property taxes generated by the hotel and associated retail on the site for a 20-year-period. These performance incentives are estimated to total between $52 million and $74 million. Additionally, the State of Texas will contribute all the hotel and sales tax, along with a portion of mixed beverage tax collected on the project for 10 years. The state grant total, provided through Chapter 351 incentives, is valued at more than $62.5 million over 10 years.
FEDC is also investing $14.3 million over a 15-year period for the PGA of America’s headquarters relocation, job creation and PGA tournament incentives.
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The initial 25-year agreement calls for the land and conference center to be publicly owned by the City of Frisco and operated by OSW, which will pay $100,000 a year in rent to the city. That lease will increase two percent after the fifth year of the development agreement. OSW is responsible for all maintenance and capital expenses while retaining revenues. Omni Hotels & Resorts will own and operate the resort.
“For years, the PGA of America has served its membership all across the nation where they engage their local communities, and help to raise over $4 billion annually,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The decision to relocate their headquarters to Texas because of our business-friendly climate is a welcome one. I thank the PGA of America for the new jobs and investment that they will bring to the City of Frisco, wish them continued success, and welcome them to the Lone Star State, the home of champions.”
“Today is both historic and transformational for the City of Frisco,” said Mayor Jeff Cheney. “Not only will this signature development change the future of Frisco’s northern landscape, it will transform the sport, growing a new generation of pros, fans and golf enthusiasts. As Sports City, USA, we’re thrilled to partner with another world-class brand like the PGA of America. We’re also honored Omni is, once again, committing such a huge investment in our community, recognizing the potential to grow entertainment, tourism and economic development in one of the fastest-growing cities in America.”
“Partnering with the PGA of America and City of Frisco to build a brand new, luxurious golf resort in north Texas is an unprecedented move in the strategic growth of our company,” said Blake Rowling, president of TRT Holdings, Inc., parent company of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Omni is known for its elevated service and amenities, including golf, and this resort, alongside the headquarters of the PGA of America, promises to be a first-class development that will attract thousands of people per year.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity for all of North Texas,” said Robert Elliott, co-founder, Stillwater Capital. “Stillwater Capital is proud to play a part in conceiving and delivering a grand vision for this unique development.”
“This is yet another example of the public entities in Frisco coming together with private partners to provide unprecedented experiences for young people,” said John Classe, Frisco ISD School Board President. “The opportunities available to students in Frisco ISD are simply unmatched in Texas and across the nation. We’re excited about what this partnership means, not just for our students, but the community.”
“As co-developers of Fields, Hunt Realty and Karahan Companies, along with our investors, are committed to creating a world-class, mixed-use planned community with the 2,500-acre Fields development, and we are proud to have facilitated the land sale for the new premier Omni Hotel, PGA of America headquarters and championship golf,” said Chris Kleinert, President of Hunt Realty Investments. “We are thrilled to play a part in this transformational project in Frisco, and we welcome the PGA and its employees to Fields.”
The golf courses are expected to open in summer 2022. The hotel, convention center, and other facilities are expected to open within six months of that date. The development will host the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in 2023.
Money Magazine named the City of Frisco the “2018 Best Place to Live in America”.
**Economic impact study for the proposed hotel and convention center. Hotel & Leisure Advisors, October 2017 study. What’s The Real?
SETH WAUGH, CEO – PGA of America
“We welcome the opportunity to develop friendships and partnerships with the community and its residents, as well as across North Texas and throughout the state. We are grateful to the City of Frisco, the State of Texas and Omni Stillwater Woods for embracing our vision of creating a transformational headquarters that, together with our world-class partners, helps us advance our mission of serving our Members and growing the game,” said Seth Waugh, CEO, PGA of America.
RON PATTERSON, president, Frisco Economic Development Corporation
“Having another corporate presence, especially one with such a nationally and internationally recognized brand like the PGA of America, continues to enhance Frisco’s reputation as one of the most sought-after sports and business environments in the United States,” said Ron Patterson, president, Frisco Economic Development Corporation. “The PGA will bring more jobs, as well as numerous PGA tournaments, to Frisco. Additionally, the PGA becomes the eighth professional sports organization to be headquartered in the city.”
MIKE BARBER, vice chairman, Frisco Community Development Corporation
“We’re investing in this project because we recognize the value of bringing championship tournaments to Frisco, as well as providing our own residents the opportunity to play at a prestigious venue,” said Mike Barber, vice chairman, Frisco Community Development Corporation.
CRAIG MOEN, chairman, Frisco Economic Development Corporation
“This new partnership between Frisco and the PGA of America will bring new national and international sports and business focus to the city,” said Craig Moen, chairman, Frisco Economic Development Corporation. “As a result, we expect to see additional corporations looking to relocate their national and regional headquarters to consider Frisco. This is an exciting opportunity as we continue to position Frisco as one of the most dynamic cities for corporate relocation in the nation.”
PETER STREBEL, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts
“We have been committed to investing in leading business and leisure destinations for a long time, but more specifically over the course of the last five years since acquiring six powerhouse resorts,” said Peter Strebel, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “This new, luxury destination, in partnership with the PGA of America, will complement our already impressive portfolio of resorts and feature world-class golf, spa, retail and food and beverage amenities.”
ROBERT ELLIOTT, co-founder, Stillwater Capital
“Texans are known for thinking big, and we understood early the potential for a mixed-use project anchored by the relocation of the PGA of America, and their commitment to bring major championships to this world-class golf destination,” said Robert Elliott, co-founder, Stillwater Capital.
DR. MIKE WALDRIP, superintendent of schools, FISD
“This partnership adds another level of exciting opportunities and experiences for our students,” said Dr. Mike Waldrip, superintendent of schools, FISD. “The facility will be home to Frisco ISD golf and provide a number of unique learning opportunities for students in fields such as landscape architecture, hotel and restaurant management, and sports broadcasting. The development around the golf courses will also add millions of dollars to our tax base, helping to keep the tax rate low.”
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