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Lee Elder’s Next Big Hurdle in Golf: The World Golf Hall of Fame
Guess who’s planning to be the next big thing out on the golf course?
Little “L.J.” Minnifield of Cleveland, Ohio takes a striking pose as he learns the game. The toddler, at 25 lbs, 2-ft tall, is only 15 months old, yet he seems to already know that this sport is for him.
Way to go, L.J., we look forward to seeing you out there.
Tajuana Ross, The LinkedIn Professor, is at today’s Chicago Expo and talks with AAGD reporter Demetrice Burgess about how golf is a great way for growing your business network.
by John Sabino
ISBN: 10: 1-63450-799-1
The beauty of this book is that it gives great practical tips on how to play some of the best courses in the world. The author is a tremendous networker, and many of his conquests are a result of exactly that. A banker by trade, it also helped that he set up a blog that became one of the highest ranked in the golfing world. Nevertheless, the book is a fantastic resource for anyone trying to make an assault on playing some of the greatest golf courses in the world. Questions answered include: How do you go about gaining access? Who do you have to know? How do you find a member? What is the etiquette to follow? Plus, includes some history, vast information on courses, and inspiration for you to to get yourself onto some of them.
June 8, 2018–U.S. celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, host of CNN’s food-and-travel-focused “Parts Unknown” television series, hanged himself in a French hotel room, CNN said on Friday, in the second high-profile suicide of a U.S. celebrity this week. He was 61.
Bourdain was found dead in a hotel room in Strasbourg, France, where he had been working on an upcoming episode of his program, a CNN representative said in a statement.
Bourdain’s death comes three days after American designer Kate Spade, who built a fashion empire on her signature handbags, was found dead in her New York apartment of suicide on Tuesday.
Suicide rates rose in nearly every U.S. state from 1999 to 2016, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Nearly 45,000 people committed suicide in 2016, making it one of three leading causes of death in the United States, along with Alzheimer’s disease and drug overdoses.
Bourdain’s profile began to soar in 1999, when the New Yorker magazine published his article “Don’t Eat Before Reading This,” which he developed into the 2000 book, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.
He went on to host television programs, first on the Food Network and the Travel Channel, before joining CNN in 2013.
“His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller,” the network said in a statement on Friday. “His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”
This story is developing.
[If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.]
(Reporting by Scott Malone in Boston; Additional reporting by Gina Cherelus in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Randi PaytonÂ
Decisive Media NetworkÂ
It seems that Volkswagen (VW) engineers and designers have been very busy producing new and redesigned cars and trucks. In a market where SUV sales are at an all-time high and sedans are down, purchases of new Volkswagens are on the rise. Since April 2018, VW sales increased by 4.5 percent from 2017, driven primarily by its SUVs, the Compact Tiguan and the new 2018 family size Atlas.
The German automaker quickly settled with the government on the diesel emissions scandal for a record $4.3 billion in 2017. Apparently, what could have turned into a PR nightmare, had little effect on its brand. All the while, it stayed busy planning a new lineup of vehicles for 2018. Soon after the settlement, VW began rolling out its new and redesigned SUVs and sedans.
I got a chance to test drive the 2018 2.0T VW Passat R-Line, 2018 VW Golf SE, 2018 Atlas V6 SEL Premium, and the 2018 Tiguan SEL Premium 4Motion. After getting a taste of the latest VWs, I can’t wait to test the much anticipated 2019 VW Jetta, which recently went on sale and remains one of the World’s top-selling sedans.
2018 VW Passat
Facing stiff competition in the mid-size sedan segment, the Volkswagen Passat upped the ante in 2018. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was upgraded to a smooth and quick turbocharged 2.0-liter that gets 174 horsepower, which is standard in the S, R-line, SE, and SEL Premium trim levels. Another engine that’s optional on the recently launched Passat GT includes a sporty 3.6 liter V-6 that generates 280 horsepower.
The 2018 2.0T VW Passat R-Line that I tested was packed with convenient tech and safety features. It drove and felt like and a luxury want-a-be. Exterior features included 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, R-Line front grille, bumpers, trim, and rear spoiler. Inside included a combination of leather and carbon fiber trimming, heated 6-way power seats with lumbar support, rear camera system with blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert.
MSRP for the 2018 Passat starts at $22,995 and goes up to $24,995Â for the 2.0T R-Line. Fuel averages 25 mpg city/36 highway. Volkswagen also doubled the length of the bumper-to-bumper warranty for 2018, to six years or 72,000 miles on all models.
 2018 Volkswagen Golf
The current generation of the Volkswagen Golf, first introduced in 2015, has been refreshed for the 2018 model year. Like other VW models, it offers an infotainment system that includes Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Active safety features include blind spot monitoring, active parallel parking assist, automatic braking, lane departure, adaptive cruise control, and an 8-inch available touchscreen display.
The 2018 Golf SE 4-door manual is powered by a 1.8-liter turbo engine, which averages 25 city/34 HWY. MSRP starts at $22,010 and goes up to $27,995 when fully loaded.
The Golf lineup includes a Hatchback for $20,910, Golf GTI for $26,415, eGolf for $30,495, and $39,485 for the Golf R-Line.
2018 Volkswagen Atlas
The newly introduced 2018 VW Atlas is a large size SUV that can transport families, pets, and cargo. I tested the top-of-the-line 2018 Atlas SEL Premium 4Motion, powered by a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 direct fuel injection engine.
MSRP for an Atlas starts at $30,750 and ranges up to $48,490 for a fully loaded SEL model. Fuel economy averages 22 city and 26 highway.
It has third-row seating for seven passengers and a panoramic sunroof that runs the length of the roof.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2018 VW Tiguan, is a stylish compact SUV that offers eight trim levels.
I tested the top level Tiguan SEL Premium 4Motion with a 2.0-liter 8-speed automatic transmission, which starts at $37,550 MSRP. The base Tiguan S model starts at $24,595 with a panoramic sunroof and 3rd-row seating. The Tiguan Limited starts at $22,250 with two rows and five seats.
The 2018 Tiguan can carry from five to seven passengers with the optional 3rd-row seat. It’s redesigned for more cargo capacity and is 10-inches longer than the 2017 model.
Randi Payton is Founder at Decisive Media Network, Washington D.C. Metro Area.
Setting sail on the ocean is one way to relax and pro golfer Tiger Woods does this to the max in his 155-foot yacht named “Privacy”. The $20 million vessel was seen a couple of days ago at a yacht club in the Hamptons just ahead of next week’s U.S. Open that is being held at Shinnecock Hills.
According to reports on June 5, 2018 by Page Six, Tiger’s massive, three-decker boat is at Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club. The club is on eastern point of Long Island and approximately 30 miles from Shinnecock Hills. Privacy can hold up to 10 guests in 5 luxurious cabins along with a crew of 9 in 4 cabins. Beautiful cherry woodwork fills the interior that resonates with stately charm.
The VIP stateroom is aft with two queen size cabin amidships and a twin cabin. Sources at Page Six also say that Woods intends to stay on the yacht during the US Open tournament, an arrangement he also did during 2006, with onboard accommodations that include a fully equipped gym, bar, 8-person jacuzzi, and seven bedrooms.
In the spacious main living area, the layout is an open floor plan that has just a single divider between the saloon and the dining room. Then, there is a staircase—and an elevator that can hold 3 people should you not wish to make the climb— according to SuperYachtFan.com. The yacht also has a station to fill scuba tanks and an inflatable decompression chamber.
Tiger Woods is one of the most successful golfers of all time and formerly the World No. 1; he is the highest-paid professional athlete in the world. He purchased his yacht from Christensen Shipyards in 2004.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday – June 1-2-3,2018
University of Georgia Golf Course – Athens, Georgia
95 Players
(results submitted by John Love)
Championship Flight 67-81
- Dominque Worthen 67-73=140
- Sam Burrell 74-77=151
- Jason Griffin 77-77=154
- Herman Belton 74-81=155
- Richard Degree 79-79=158
- Andre Robinson 78-83=161
- Orson Lewis 76-86=162
- Terrance Turner 81-81=162
- C. Clarke 80-84=164
- Edward Oliver 77-88=165
- Roderick Tharpe 78-92=170
- Gene Germany 81-92=173
- Dennis Williams 74-WD
First Flight 83-90
- Colonel Hopper 83-76=159
- Randy Floyd 82-80=162
- Darryal Watts 85-78=163
- Brandt Williams 83-83=166
- Craig Brown 86-83=169
- Scottie Wilson 87-84=171
- Stan Smith 87-85=172
- Ron Davis 89-84=173
- Willie Miles 87-86=173
- Cedric Gleaton 90-84=174
- Phil Thompson 88-86=174
- Ken Brown 90-85=175
- Cary Roberts 86-92=178
- Larry Don 87-93=180
- Craig Avery 89-86=185
- Aaron King 90-95=185
- Spencer Moon 88-98=186
- Joe Smith 90-97=187
Second Flight 91-97
- Jonathan Harris 91-79=170
- Mike Kirksey 91-83=174
- Ken Roberts 91-86=177
- Bernard Bentley 91-87=178
- Patrick Kenney 93-86=179
- Harrison Pitts 92-88=180
- Horace King 91-91=182
- Carlos Morgan 91-93=184
- Greg Roberson 97-87=184
- John Gray 92-93=185
- Eddie Palmer 94-91=185
- Johnnie West 92-86=185
- Robert Harland 95-96=191
- Melvin Neal 95-96=191
- Hollis Bush 97-95=192
- Ray Johnson 94-101=195
- Anthony Matis 91-105=196
- Terry “Turkey” Garrett 96-102=198
- Wayne Stevens 92-DQ
- John Singleton 92-WD
- John Gurley 94-NS
Third Flight 98-112
- Eugene Cook 102-89=191
- Hoover Martin 98-97=195
- Montis Allen 99-97=196
- Tony Henderson 98-100=198
- Jimmy Wright 100-99=199
- Fred Walker 98-102=200
- Kenneth Merritt 100-100=200
- Paul Wise 100-102=202
- Gene Allen 101-102=203
- Willis Lee 102-105=207
- Doug Dennis 107-105=212
- Willie Gatlin 108-104=212
- Johnny Wideman 112-100=212
- Ty Allen 106-107=213
- Otis Brooks 103-116=219
- Shawn Mattress 99-124=223
- Bruce Hanks 109-114=223
- James Brown 116-112=228
- Hari Webb 104-DQ
Senior Flight 64-104
- Gregg Renfore 64-68=132
- Walter Worthen 64-71=135
- Curtis McGee 73-77=150
- Charles Ponders 83-75=158
- Jeff Ferguson 78-82=160
- George Howell 79-83=162
- Amas Captains 80-84=164
- Michael Benjamin 87-79=166
- Curtis Clingman 85-81=166
- Arcidus Baums 82-95=177
- Zachery Sturdivant 101-99=200
- Robert McFadden 104-108=212
- Hue Jones 86-WD
Super Senior Flight 68-88
- Howard Trapp 74-68=142
- Melvin Johnson 71-72=143
- Davis Harris 68-75=143
- Addison Gator 71-73=144
- Marshall Allen 76-74=150
- Eddie Chambers 85-79=164
- James “Shorty” Williams 80-85=165
- Ray Howell 82-85=167
- Earl Winfrey 86-84=172
Ted Wallace 88-92=180
Golf Industry Titan’s Appointment Effective Immediately
HAYMARKET, Va., – Joe Louis Barrow Jr., one of golf’s best-known advocates of youth development, has joined the board of directors for CaddieNow, America’s leading on-demand caddie service and the workforce solution for caddie programs and hourly workers in the industry.
The son of boxing legend Joe Louis, Barrow’s appointment to the CaddieNow board is effective immediately, the company announced on June 4, 2018. He joins Sandy Cross, senior director of diversity and inclusion at PGA of America, as another visionary leader and trusted advisor lending their expertise to the CaddieNow executive team.
For 18 years, Barrow served as CEO of The First Tee, a nonprofit, youth development organization that introduces golf and its inherent values to young people. Under his leadership from 2000 to 2017, he initiated character-building programs that reached more than 15 million in all 50 states and three international locales. He led The First Tee’s evolution from an access-to-the-game focus to a positive, youth development organization improving the lives of youngsters at more than 1,200 golf courses, 10,000 elementary schools and 1,300 youth-serving locations.
Barrow’s career in business, marketing and public service spans more than 45 years. A long-time champion of mentoring youth and teaching them life skills and job preparedness, he’s been involved with the American Junior Golf Association since 1999. He’s also chair of the National Golf Foundation’s board.
Founded in 2015, CaddieNow’s mission is to bring caddies back to the game and engage the next generation in golf through employment. The company wants to grow the game through youth caddies and make them easily accessible to golfers of all skill levels at affordable prices.
“Joe Louis Barrow and CaddieNow share a vision to positively influence today’s youth through the character and values learned by being a caddie,” said Dave Cavossa, CaddieNow founder and CEO. “That shared interest made this partnership an easy decision for us. We’re dedicated to providing the next generation with more job opportunities and increasing diversity in this game and industry.”
Barrow said, “I am eager and excited to continue positively impacting America’s youth as the newest member of the CaddieNow board. This company is focused on providing youth with opportunities to learn and earn through golf.”
“Serving on this board gives me another avenue to push for young men and women to acquire important life lessons and apply them in real-life situations as part of the workforce,” Barrow said. “They get to do this while being physically active and meeting great influencers. Put that all together and this has lasting, positive effects on them and their communities.”
CaddieNow’s on-demand platform pairs golfers with caddies who have the flexibility to meet at the player’s preferred time and place. The service has gained popularity because it’s easy for golfers to book caddies, for caddies to find work and courses with or without existing caddie programs to offer caddies at minimal costs. CaddieNow works with each course, public or private, on an individual basis to ensure the best possible program.
World Nos. 1 and 4, Justin James & Maurice Allen Headline Open Division;
World Champions Phillis Meti and Sandra Carlborg Lead Women’s Division
In Partnership with New Jersey CRDA, New Event to Showcase
Open & Women’s Divisions Airing Live from Atlantic City Country Club
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ATLANITC CITY, N.J. (June 5, 2018) – The field is set for this evening’s Atlantic City Boardwalk Bash World Long Drive Association (WLDA) event, airing tonight at 6 p.m. ET on Golf Channel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Eight men and four women will look to claim victory at the fourth stop of the 2018 WLDA season, including defending Volvik World Long Drive champion (and No. 1 competitor in the World Long Drive rankings), Justin James (Jacksonville, Fla.). No. 4 ranked Maurice Allen (Pine Hills, Fla.), and No. 7 Paul Howell (Wilson N.C.), runner-up at the Ak-Chin Smash in the Sun last month also will take part in tonight’s telecast. The Women’s Division will feature five-time (and defending) world champion Sandra Carlborg (Alingsas, Sweden) and two-time world champion Phillis Meti (Auckland, New Zealand).
RELATED ARTICLE:Â Maurice Allen, New World No. 1 Long Drive Hitter in the World
“This is the most unique Long Drive event many of these players have ever faced,” said Art Sellinger, World Long Drive analyst on Golf Channel and two-time Volvik World Long Drive champion. “It’s very narrow for them and many use low lofted equipment, so therefore the margin for error is very small. With that being said, the competitors coming from a true golf background are who I believe have the best chance to do well.”
OPEN DIVISION QUARTERFINAL MATCHESÂ (Seeded by world ranking)
(1) Justin James (Jacksonville, Fla.) vs. (42) Wes Patterson (St Louis, Mo.)
(7) Paul Howell (Wilson, N.C.) vs. (25) Jeff Gavin (Stoney Creek, Ont., Canada)
(13) Kyle Berkshire (Orlando, Fla.) vs. (16) Ryan Steenberg (Rochester, N.Y.)
(4) Maurice Allen (Pine Hills, Fla.) vs. (36) Mark Costello (Kulpmont, Pa.)
WOMEN’S DIVISION SEMIFINAL MATCHES RR
Phillis Meti (Auckland, New Zealand) vs. Mary Driscol (Glendale, Ariz.)
Sandra Carlborg (Alingsas, Sweden) vs. Troy Mullins (Los Angeles, Calif.)
COVERAGE: The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bash will air on Golf Channel from 6-8 p.m. ET tonight, with Golf Central previewing the event from 5:30-6 p.m. ET. Encore showings of the competition are scheduled to air on Golf Channel immediately following the initial telecast, from 8-10 p.m. and 10 p.m.-Midnight ET.
The production centering around the competition will utilize six dedicated cameras, capturing all angles from the hitting platform and the landing grid, including a SuperMo camera as well as two craned-positioned cameras that will track the ball in flight once it leaves the competitor’s clubface. New to 2018 is an overlaid graphic line on the grid, the “DXL Big Drive to Beat,” (similar to the “1st & 10 line” made popular in football) displaying the longest drive during a given match to signify the driving distance an opposing competitor will need to surpass to take the lead. The telecast also will feature a custom graphics package suited to the anomalous swing data typically generated by Long Drive competitors, tracking club speed, ball speed and apex in real-time via Trackman. Trackman technology also will provide viewers with a sense of ball flight, tracing the arc of each drive from the moment of impact.
FORMAT: The eight men advanced from Monday’s preliminary rounds that featured a 36-man field and will compete within a single-elimination match play bracket during tonight’s telecast. The four women advancing from this morning’s preliminary rounds also will utilize a single elimination match play bracket this evening to crown a champion.
BROADCAST TEAM: A new voice to World Long Drive, veteran sports broadcaster Jonathan Coachman will conduct play-by-play at each of the five WLDA televised events on Golf Channel in 2018. Art Sellinger – World Long Drive pioneer and two-time World champion (1986, ’91) – will provide analysis, and Golf Channel’s Jerry Foltz will offer reports from the teeing platform and conduct interviews with competitors in the field.
DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA COVERAGE: Fans can stay up-to-date on all of the action surrounding the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bash by following @GolfChannel and @WorldLongDrive on social media. Golf Channel social media host Alexandra O’Laughlin will be on-site contributing to the social conversation as the event unfolds, and, the telecast will integrate social media-generated content during the competition using the hashtag, #WorldLongDrive.
In addition to the latest video and highlights from on-site, WorldLongDrive.com will feature real-time scoring for the duration of the event. Golf Channel Digital also will feature content from the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bash leading up to and immediately following the telecast.
2018 WORLD LONG DRIVE ASSOCIATION SCHEDULE:
|
DATE |
EVENT |
LOCATION |
WINNER(S) / DEFENDING CHAMP |
|
March 15-17 |
East Coast Classic |
West Columbia, S.C. |
Justin Moose |
|
April 21-24 |
Clash in the Canyon (*Golf Channel*) |
Mesquite, Nev. |
Alexis Belton, Will Hogue |
|
May 11-15 |
Ak-Chin Smash in the Sun (*Golf Channel*) |
Maricopa, Ariz. |
Phillis Meti, Will Hogue |
|
June 4-5 |
Atlantic City Boardwalk Bash (*Golf Channel*) |
Atlantic City, N.J. |
(New Event) |
|
June 21-23 |
Bluff City Shootout |
Memphis, Tenn. |
Justin James |
|
July 6-8 |
Bash For Cash |
Port Rowan, Ont., Canada |
Justin James |
|
August 2-4 |
WinStar Midwest Slam |
Thackerville, Okla. |
Landon Gentry |
|
August 12-13 |
Tennessee Big Shots benefitting Niswonger Children’s Hospital (*Golf Channel*) |
Kingsport, Tenn. |
(New Event) |
|
September 1-5 |
Volvik World Long Drive Championship (*Golf Channel*) |
Thackerville, Okla. |
Sandra Carlborg, Justin James |
Showcasing the truly global nature of World Long Drive, several events will be staged in 2018 through officially sanctioned WLDA international partners, including stops in Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Additionally, an all-encompassing international qualifier will be staged (late summer) featuring a minimum of four exemptions into the Open Division of the Volvik World Long Drive Championship in September.
ABOUT WORLD LONG DRIVE ASSOCIATION
The World Long Drive Association is an organization that brings together golf’s longest hitters from around the globe. Emerging as one of golf’s most popular grass roots competitions – a finalist at the 2018 Cynopsis Sports Media Awards in the League of the Year for a Breakthrough Sport and Live Coverage of a Breakthrough Sport categories – sanctioned Long Drive events are open to amateur and professional golfers. With an Open Division, Women’s Division and Masters Division (Ages 45+), the sport appeals to golfers of all ages. The 2018 WLDA season consists of events across the United States and around the world, culminating with the Volvik World Long Drive Championship, Sept. 1-5, from WinStar World Casino & Resort on the Oklahoma / Texas border, where competitors will convene under the lights for the world title on Golf Channel. In 2017, World Long Drive coverage on Golf Channel featured three televised events, and across all telecasts (live and replay) airing across Golf Channel and NBC, 6.4 million unique viewers watched at least some portion of World Long Drive events, +295% vs. 2016, and the most-viewed season of World Long Drive on record (2013-2017, according to data released by The Nielsen Company).
ABOUT THE CRDA
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/njcrda, and Twitter at www.twitter.com/njcrda.
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Golf Women Mean Business, a membership-based organization serving the needs of career and business professionals and advancing the participation of women in business golf, is holding two online pre-league workshop sessions. The sessions started May 30, 2018 and will continue to roll out for the next several weeks followed by three-day golf intensive workshops for October and September. For full details visit http://www.golfwomenmeanbusiness.com/events
Golf Women Mean Business (GWMB), was founded by Patrina King. The organization assists women in the use golf as a tool for establishing strategic partnerships and business/career building. King started it as an education company to teach women how to get into the game and then refer them to golf leagues and other organizations.
RELATED ARTICLE:Â Patrina King, Founder/CEO, Golf Women Mean Business Turning the Tables on Dealmaking
Patrina King is a leading authority in business golf, a human resource professional, entrepreneur, youth advocate and was recently named one of The Network Journal’s 40 Under 40 Achievers and Woman of the Year by Progressive Techniques, Inc. Patrina understands that being successful is not always a straightforward process. She decided against choosing any of the 36 opportunities to play collegiate golf and attend college without any extracurricular activities in order to focus on getting her career started.
Sports Wall of Fame Honorees: (left-to-right) Greg Armstrong & Paul Schiffel representing Franke Bell (Swimming) unable to attend due to illness. Phil “Big Daddy” Neely (Golf), Judy Rose (Director of Athletics/Coaching), Robert “Git” Brown (Golf), Vicki Hamilton (Director of Athletics), Stephen Joyner, Sr. (Director of Athletics/Coaching).
By AAGD STAFF
The Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course and the Sports Academy at Revolution Park, located in Charlotte, N.C., was the site of the 5th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony, an awards recognition event hosted by the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department.
During the May 17, 2018, evening which ran from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., W. Lee Jones, Director, Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department, welcomed a large crowd who enjoyed snacks and refreshments inside of the beautiful facility. Afterward, Brian Cox, Chairman, Mecklenburg County GolfAdvisory Council shared the Wall of Fame purpose. He was followed by Norman A. Mitchell, Sr. who presented even more insightful history of the Revolution Park (Dr. Charles Sifford) Golf Course and Richard Van Dyke read a Role Call of past honorees.
The 2018 program honored six individuals for their civic and community achievements.  “The “Wall” was started five years ago by the Citizens Golf Advisory Council composed of volunteer golfers who wanted to preserve a rich tradition of golfing history associated with Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. In 2016 the recognition expanded to include all sports,” says James Alsop, CPRP, Park & Recreation Manager. “The objective is to keep as much local sports history alive as possible and to expose it to everyone.” The Sports Wall Of Fame, located at the Revolution Park Sports Academy, serves to honor outstanding Mecklenburg County athletes, coaches, and teams who have contributed significantly either to the development of athletes or to the excellence of sports programs in the area or brought national and/or international recognition to Mecklenburg County.
RELATED STORY:
African American Golfer’s Digest Publishes Charlie Sifford Tribute Issue
Held annually, during the third Thursday in May, the Sports Wall of Fame Selection Committee reviews nominations in advance and makes selections. Any citizen of Mecklenburg County may nominate any individual (living or deceased) to be considered for induction into the Sports Wall of Fame. Individuals are nominated in one of six categories: Golf/Athlete, Coach/Manager, Multi-Sport/Combination, Contributor, Senior, or Team.  The nomination form is available online at their website. The deadline for 2019 nominations is January 31, 2019.
DOWNLOAD
2018 Sports Wall of Fame Brochure
Honorees Career Highlights
Franke Bell, (Swimming)
1954-Present: Provides swim programs for disabled & underprivileged children
2015: International Swim Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee
1992: Coached Olympic Gold Medalist Mel Stewart
1989: NC Swim Coaches rename annual award to The Franke Bell Award
1964 and 1968: Swimming World Magazine Olympics Correspondent
Robert “Git” Brown, (Golf)
1997: Pioneer in Integrating Golf: 50 Years of History at Revolution Park
1997: National Black Golf Hall of Fame Inductee
1975-1976: Griertown Open Champion
1967: Tied Lee Elder for 2nd at Gillespie Open – Greensboro
1950’s: One of the first African Americans to play at Revolution Golf Course
Vicki Hamilton (Athletics)
1994-2011: Director of Athletics, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
2008: N.C. High School Athletic Director’s Hall of Fame
2005: Organized FOOTBALL MOM’s 101 via partnership with NFL Carolina Panthers
1997: Founding Board Member, First Tee of Greater Charlotte
1994: 1st Female District Director of Athletics, N.C. Public Schools
Stephen Joyner, Sr (Basketball)
2005- Present: JCSU Director of Athletics
2018: Winningest Men’s Basketball Coach in JCSU History & CIAA Winningest Active Coach (10 CIAA Division Titles)
2014: John B. McLendon, Jr CIAA Hall of Fame Inductee
2001: NCAA Division II South Atlantic Region Coach of the Year
Phil “Big Daddy” Neely, (Golf)
2012: Urban League 19th Annual Golf Champion
2002: National Black Golf Hall of Fame Inductee
1990: Ridgewood/King Cobra Amateur Tournament Champion
1988: Schweppes Open and TPC Sawgrass Champion
Judy Rose, (Athletics)
1990-2018: Director of Athletics, UNC Charlotte
1st Female Named to NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Committee
2013: Added Football & Opened $45M UNC Charlotte Stadium
2011: Women’s History Hall of Fame Inductee
2003-2004: President, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics