Celebrating, remembering and honoring golf greats among African American golfers is what we aim to do all year long.  However, during the month of February for Black History Month, our spotlight shines on these four heroes.  (l-r: Renee Powell, Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, Calvin Peete)

Charles Luther Sifford was a professional golfer who was the first African American to play on the PGA Tour. He won the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969. He was the first African American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame

Born: June 2, 1922, Charlotte, NC
Died: February 3, 2015, Cleveland, OH
Spouse: Rose Crumbley Sifford (m. 1946–1998)
Residence: Brecksville, OH
Children: Craig Sifford, Charles Sifford Jr.
Movies: Uneven Fairways

Renee Powell is an American professional golfer who played on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour and is currently head professional at her family’s Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio.  First African American woman inducted into the PGA Golf Hall of Fame and Among the First Seven Women to be Granted Membership into the Royal and Ancient Golf Club
Born: May 4, 1946 (age 71), Ohio
Height: 5′ 0″
Parents: Bill Powell
Residence: East Canton, OH
Retired: 1980
Education: Ohio University, Central Catholic High School, Ohio State University

Calvin Peete was an American professional golfer. He was the most successful African American to have played on the PGA Tour, with 12 wins, prior to the emergence of Tiger Woods. Wikipedia
Born: July 18, 1943, Detroit, MI
Died: April 29, 2015, Atlanta, GA
Career end: 2001
Children: Rickie Peete, Dennis Peete, Charlotte Peete, Calvin Peete, Kalvanetta Peete, Aleya Peete, Aisha Peete
Spouse: Pepper Peete (m. ?–2015), Christine Peete (m. ?–1987)
Movies: Uneven Fairways

Robert Lee Elder is a retired American professional golfer. He is best remembered for becoming the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament in 1975.
Born: July 14, 1934 (age 83), Dallas, TX
Height: 5′ 8″
Residence: Pompano Beach, FL
The Open Championship: T36: 1979

Our pick of most notable books.

Last year, African American Golfer’s Digest editorial staff read a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction books, making it tough to narrow down our favorites. That’s why this list is a little longer than we had expected it to be.

As you will see, many of our “Best Books” choices help individuals in many aspects of life, not only golf, and provide a greater understanding of the human condition, social stratification, racial divisions, health and wellness, and other situations we face.  This list delves into helping our audience on a personal and professional level, by giving guidance as to how to live life to its fullest, have better golf rounds, remain resilient, and determine the true meaning for your own life.   We hope you will patronize the authors who have written these informative, engaging and educational books.

Gratitude Journal For Golfers

By Mertiss “Jay” Thompson

Beautifully designed this book is laid out as a complete year of monthly calendars, from January to December, and golfers are given the opportunity to write in their entry’s (on printed blank lines) to easily document their daily golf journey throughout the year.  Mertiss (Jay) Thompson, Founder, CEO at The Winning Edge Academy and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Practitioner.

Thompsonville Collection: Mystic Song of the Deep South

By Otis Windham Jr.
ISBN: 9781533028471

The author does a remarkable job celebrating the tried and true experience of the Southern African American living experience in this fictional work of art. Through a series of stories with varied themes that reflect much of what residents of the era faced in the 1800s Thompsonville, a town established by Georgia plantation slaves who migrated there during Reconstruction.

The 1997 Masters – My Story

by Tiger Woods with Lorne Rubenstein
ISBN: 978-1-4555-4358-8

This riveting, insightful book chronicles Tiger’s lifelong physical and mental preparation for the tournament, his transition from amateur to professional status, and the gripping shot-by-shot details of how he turned a tough first round into a Masters win for all ages.  Woods contemplates the invaluable guidance he has received over the years from his parents, as well as the playing tips offered by fellow golf pros and legends.  He also talks candidly about his relationship with the media, and he examines the sweeping changes that have been made to the game and what they mean to the future of golf.

ARRESTED POTENTIAL: Through the Eyes of a Soldier

By G.M. Jones
ISBN: 1477240268

a U.S. Army veteran who grew up in the Lumbee Homes housing projects in southeastern North Carolina.  He documents his life experiences and through this journey, he fights an unpopular war as a young man who is confronted with death and becomes disillusioned with society until he is almost a statistic.   Available on Kindle, hardcover and paperback.

Game of Privilege: An African American History of Golf

By Lane Demas
ISBN 978-1-4696-3422-7

Released by the John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture, this groundbreaking history of African Americans and golf explores the role of race, class, and public space in golf course development, the stories of individual black golfers during the age of segregation, the legal battle to integrate public golf courses, and the little-known history of the United Golfers Association (UGA)–a black golf tour that operated from 1925 to 1975.

Putt Girl; Best Day Yet!

By Deborah Cousar-Saunders
ISBN: 978-0-9849476-5-2

Throughout this book (64 pages) Young Paige shares her introduction of the game of golf—where her father is instrumental. Their relationship is loving and showcases just how important father-daughter times together can be in helping young girls develop to their full potential.   Creatively written and gets everyone she surrounds involved with the trickery of her exploits.

Legacy of a Common Man

By James Garvin Jr.
ISBN-10: 1562292382

Garvin left the world of menial jobs by discovering his true passion and talent, managing golf courses. Golf would take him all the places he once hoped baseball would. Garvin makes history in becoming the first African American president and partner in Golf Course Specialist’s history.

The Book on Internal Stress Release

By Coach Melvin with
Dr. John P. Painter & Carl A. Totton
ISBN: 9781519557681

This book helps you to “get powerful” by providing a wealth of health and nutritional secrets.  Having it among your resource library is a great investment for anyone seeking good health and longevity.

A MISSING LINK IN HISTORY–The Journey of African Americans in Golf

By Ramona Harriette
ISBN: 9781463622510

The Journey of African Americans in Golf (second edition) is a riveting sage of intrigue, passion, and courage.  Written by the illustrious golf historian Ramona Harriet, her book catalogs a swath of information across the spectrum of African American golf, documenting individuals, organizations, publications, tournaments and other vital data that could otherwise remain hidden or unknown.  The book includes a timeline that chronicles Black golf history for nearly 200 years, from 1879 to 2015.

How to Maneuver Through College: What They Don’t Tell You

By Quentin M. Jones
ISBN: 9781523806560

This handy 32-page book is filled with tips, strategies, and suggestions for surviving college successfully using knowledge shared through the author’s own personal college experiences. An abundance of information is contained within five chapters including the importance of managing money, networking with peers and professors, social interactions—peer pressure, extra-curricular activities, partying, social media— and a recap that nicely pulls everything together.

Playing In The Dark

By John Perry
Order from Amazon

Discover how a predominately black junior golf team in unknown Sunset, Oklahoma back in the early 1960’s, obtain their quest to win a national junior golf tournament. The challenge is held annually in Daytona Beach, Florida and the team is financed and backed by two billionaires who are involved in a bet with four other billionaires.  An intriguing read that takes many unexpected twists and turns before coming to a compelling finale.

Mashed Potatoes in My Salad, An Alzheimer’s Caregiver Memoir

By Eunice L. Sykes in collaboration
with Barbara J. Wood
ISBN: 978-1-4990-6169-7

This Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Memoir is foremost a love story based on another woman’s life and told from her perspective. It is a poignant tale of ambition and endurance. The protagonist, Remi, is a coming-of-age woman, who, after several unsuccessful, toxic and abusive relationships, finally finds the man of her dreams under unlikely, risky and daring circumstances.  What she had not anticipated, though, was becoming a caregiver to him while he endures serious illnesses—including a devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The complex, multi-layered story is filled with romance, resilience, loyalty, survival, love, and joy. It begins and ends with a golf tale.

Chicago Golf On The Soul Circuit

By Aaron Browning
published by
the African American Golfer’s Digest
ISBN-13: 978-0-615-75803-9

You won’t be able to put this fascinating nonfiction book down! Browning, a native Chicagoan and ‘Chitterling Circuit’ player, transports you behind the scenes for a real-life experience with blacks who golfed in Chicago during the ’50s, an onwards.  Filled with dozens of nostalgic photos, the author’s reflections are uniquely eclectic as he shares how he learned the game playing among friends, pros and legends while working for over four decades at the Pipe O’ Peace Golf Course (now Joe Louis GC). Order from Amazon.

Golf: The Sport of Business

By Jandie Smith Turner
available on Amazon

This quick, easy to read e-book helps golfers, and non-golfers, fully utilize the sport of golf to build better business relationships, networks and personal development one hole at a time.  From its very first chapter, the author answers that dreaded question, “What if I can’t play?” The answer prepares readers for the golf course, provides 18 golf etiquette tips, and insights, on how to read people while playing.

How To Prevent Diabetes- I Beat It and You Can, Too!

By Dorris S. Woods, PhD., RN, CS
ISBN: 9780979133404

Dr. Woods has been on the front line in the fight against diabetes as a clinical nurse specialist for thousands of diabetic patients.  It was this experience that triggered the realization that she herself was in danger of becoming a victim of the disease, whose devastating effects include heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and loss of limbs.  In a straightforward style, the author tells how she successfully fought obesity by means of fortitude and self-discipline.  The reader will receive valuable information on the following subjects and more.

WHAT IS THE MODIFIED STABLEFORD?

The Modified Stableford system allocates points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole, with the goal of achieving the highest overall score.

Differing from a normal Stableford scoring system, a Modified Stableford features higher penalties for poor shots — minus three points for a double bogey for example (see chart below) — and greater rewards for good shots, such as plus eight for a double eagle.

WHY MAKE THE CHANGE?

The Barracuda Championship, now entering its 16th year on the PGA TOUR, has embraced its reputation as the impetuous tournament on the PGA TOUR.

Combined with the already make-it-or-break-it final series of holes at Montreux, the addition of the Modified Stableford system creates an even greater risk-reward format by encouraging players to make the most out of every hole and creating a heightened sense of anticipation for fans.

“It’s fun,” said defending champion Gary Woodland. “It’s nice to change it up. You get kind of the same thing week in and week out. It’s nice to have a change. I think this is a great golf course for it. With the conditions playing how they are with the wind, it allows you to still be aggressive and not have to worry about losing too much ground.”

Added Brenden Steele, who finished fourth last year: “I love it. Anything that’s different is fun to me. It gets kind of monotonous playing the same thing over and over again. So it’s pretty fun to do something different.”

“I really love the Stableford format,” echoed J.J. Henry, who won here in 2012, the first year of the Modifield Stableford system. “When I first heard the switch, I know I can speak for a lot of players, we’re excited. It’s the only one on TOUR. That and (the two or three opportunities to play) match play, guys like change. And the golf course is a perfect fit. There’s a lot of risk-reward. It’s a fun format on a unique golf course.”

The PGA TOUR supports the tournament’s decision to make the scoring change.

“The PGA TOUR believes there is merit to this format for Reno,” PGA TOUR Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations Andy Pazder said. “The Modified Stableford system not only promotes aggressive play, which the tournament is already known for, but Montreux lends itself well to this exciting format with its series of challenging finishing holes.”

HISTORY OF THE MODIFIED STABLEFORD

The Stableford system was developed by Dr. Frank Barney Gorton Stableford more than 100 years ago, as he introduced it to his fellow members at a golf club in Wales. It was an experiment back then and Stableford was not happy with the results, so he worked on a new formula that he introduced in 1931.

He wanted to deter golfers from giving up after playing only one or two bad holes, a common occurrence during tournament play. It is also credited with significantly speeding up the pace of play.

Read more at PGATour.com

According to the American Junior Golf Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf, here are the Top 10 Recruiting FAQs to assist junior golfers and parents as they navigate junior golf and manage college placement.

Top 10 FAQs:

1. What are the most frequently asked questions concerning scholarships?
2. How do players verbally commit to schools so early in the process?
3. When should junior golfers begin visiting and researching colleges?
4. How do college coaches work junior golf tournaments?
5. Will playing AJGA events increase my chances of earning a college golf scholarship?
6. What is a parent’s role in the recruiting process?
7. What is a typical week like in the life of a college golfer?
8. Do coaches really care about academics?
9. Are unofficial visits to college campuses necessary?
10. Is it a good idea to withdraw after a poor round?

View detailed answers and mor information at the American Junior Golf Association webpage

ORLANDO, Fla. – Scott Parel, who spent 10 years as a computer programmer before turning professional at age 31, went wire-to-wire in winning the third annual, 54-hole Diamond Resorts Invitational on Sunday, January 14, 2018 in a playoff over fellow PGA Tour Champions player Scott Dunlap. Two-major champion John Daly finished third.  (Above: TAKING IN THE ACTION (L-R) Jessica Reed, Michael Rey Reed and Nigel Norman. Photo by John Perry)

    In his second year on the over-50 tour, Parel was flu-ridden for two days until tournament eve and didn’t play a practice round. But, despite feeling achy, he birdied nine holes in the first round at the par-71, 6,675-yard Tranquilo Golf Club and led after each day under the Modified Stableford System.

  “Beware the injured animal,” Parel said.

    Parel won the 32-player professional division with a par on the first sudden-death playoff hole, the 203-yard 18th, where  Dunlap hit a fat 5-iron shot short into water and double-bogeyed. Dunlap didn’t have a 4-iron in his bag and said he tried to “squeeze more out of the 5 than I probably could.”

Marcus Brown, 34-year-old (non-golfer) is native Floridian, which is rare around here, with all the transplants and snowbirds and tourist. It’s hard to find people born and raised in the Orlando area. Marcus is an Orlando Union Rescue Mission Volunteer. He worked the #2 Green Grill at the Diamond Resorts Invitational at Tranquilo Golf Club in Disney World. It was his first time ever at a golfing event of any kind. He said his experience might motivate him to take up the game. Naturally, I asked, “How can you live in Florida and not play golf?” Marcus is President & Founder of the “Hope Dealing Mindset Corp.”, A 501c non-profit organization. He informed me that his organization has fed over 3,000 families in the last 4 years. Marcus graduated from Orlando’s Evans High School and then from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md. with a major in Psychology. You can contact Marcus and his organization at www.hopedealingmindset.org. Their motto is ” This Is Why We Hope”.

   On the same hole in regulation, Dunlap had made an 8-foot birdie putt for three points after hitting a downwind 5-iron approach and Parel failed to get up and down for par and victory.

    “I think low expectations (helped),” Parel said. “My expectations were just to try to finish and do the best I can.”

    Canadian Brooke Henderson, 20, a five-time LPGA winner playing from the same tees as the men, finished seventh with 80 points, 13 behind the winner. Henderson made 15 birdies over three days and scored 20 points more than the next best of among four LPGA players, Brittany Lincicome.

       Former No. 1-ranked American tennis player Mardy Fish won the 52-man celebrity division for the second time in three years. He finished with 75 points. Next were nine-time NHL all-star Jeremy Roenick at 61 and 2017 winner Mark Mulder with 60.

   Mulder was four points back after birdieing Nos. 11-12, but he fell nine behind when he drove into left woods at 13 and double-bogeyed while Fish birdied.

“That was the difference,” Fish said. “A huge momentum swing. Any time you go backwards, you can’t get away with those things.” Mulder also double-bogeyed the par-4 15th.

TAKING IN THE ACTION (L-R) Jessica Reed, Michael Rey Reed and Nigel Norman checking out the action at DRI Charity Golf Tournament during Saturday’s 2nd round. Nigel says he’s been playing golf for about 12 years,  a 3-5 handicapper whose favorite golfers (other than Tiger Woods) is Rory McElroy, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth. Nigel hails from Newberg, N.Y. and has been living in East Orlando for the past ten years. He attended FIU in Miami. His major was Hospitality Management. He plans to go to his 1st Masters Tournament this April in Augusta, Ga., and “Can’t wait.” Jessica doesn’t play golf but says she supports Nigel’s passion for the game. Her favorite golfer is Rickey Fowler. Jessica resides from Phoenix, Az. Has been living in Florida for one-and-a-half years. She went to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix and majored in Education and currently works as a school teacher at Walker Middle School.  Michael Rey, age 6, says he likes golf a lot.

Modified Stableford scoring awards six points for an eagle, three for birdie, one for par, zero for bogey and minus two for double bogey or worse. Champions and LPGA players competed for $760,000, the celebrities for $500,000.