Jewel Love of Rock Hill, South Carolina had her 2nd Hole-in-One Monday, July 28, 2025 at Cheraw State Park Country Club, Cheraw, South Carolina during CGA Four Ball Golf Tournament with her playing partner Chris Ingram on Hole #17, 84 yards using 9 Ping Iron Club and Titleist Velocity Golf Ball. Her playing partners were Chris Ingram, Alton “Tommy” Wright and Mark Williams.
While African American golf tours are struggling to gain funding for their tournaments The Grass League, billed as the world’s first high‑stakes par‑3 golf league, has announced the successful closure of a $2.75 million Series A funding round to accelerate its ambitious expansion plans, according to Forbes.com.
Founded in Tempe, Arizona, The Grass League challenges the conventional golf model by staging fast‑paced competitions on lighted par‑3 courses during evening hours, blending team-based formats with both amateur and professional golfers. It positions itself as a more dynamic, spectator‑friendly alternative to traditional stroke play events.
This fresh infusion of capital aims to fuel growth across key areas: opening new venues, building additional franchises in major U.S. markets, and enhancing broadcast and audience engagement through media partnerships. The funding will also support brand development, fan experiences, and digital storytelling—especially as the league looks to enhance its content reach and expand its audience.
The Grass League already has a compelling structure: franchises operate teams, each with 14-player rosters (with a mix of owner-selected and draft picks), and compete in events that award prize money and build season standings across a Cisco-style Cup Series. This model fosters regional rivalries and creates a more immersive league experience.
Recent strategic moves indicate momentum: golf influencer and media personality Paige Spiranac has joined the league’s front office in a strategic role focused on content and brand strategy, further elevating its profile among modern golf fans.
Since launching into its second season in 2025, The Grass League has drawn attention from both Tour veterans and amateur competitors. It aims to host multi-day events, including primetime showcases, with plans to air competitions on platforms like Peacock and Golf Channel as part of a partnership with NBC Sports. This multimedia push reflects an intent to make golf more accessible, entertaining, and culturally resonant.
Financially, major brand investors and media-savvy collaborators are recognizing the league’s potential to shake up golf’s presentation and its traditional season structure. The $2.75 million boost provides runway to secure future venues, build team infrastructure, and attract franchise owners in cities eager to tap into a fresh golf experience.
Looking ahead, The Grass League is targeting venue growth beyond Tempe, with an eye toward launching new expansion franchises in 2026. That aligns with their vision of building a coast-to-coast presence and engaging underserved and emerging golf markets nationwide.
In essence, this funding round marks a critical turning point for The Grass League. Backed by fresh investment and rising public visibility, it is poised to redefine how golf is packaged and delivered—turning par-3 courses into high‑stakes primetime arenas, drawing diverse players and fans alike, and reshaping competitive golf’s landscape for a new generation.
On the other side of the financial fence there are several prominent golf tours and organizations that focus on supporting African American golfers and increasing diversity in the game. While not all are exclusively African American, they are deeply committed to representation, access, and advancement. Here are the most notable:
Defending champion Chase Johnson among 56-player field; The 36-hole competition on Monday and Tuesday is preceded by a Pro-Am and Youth Golf Clinic on Sunday
Get ready for a thrilling week of golf as the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour rolls into Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania for its tenth event of the 2025 season—the Jefferson Health APGA Classic at The 1912 Club, taking place August 3–5.
The action-packed week kicks off on Sunday, August 3, with practice rounds, an exciting Pro-Am, and an inspiring Youth Golf Clinic. Then, the competition heats up with 36 holes of tournament play on Monday and Tuesday (August 4–5), where 56 APGA Tour players will battle it out for their share of the $80,000 purse—the fifth-largest on the APGA schedule this year. The winner will walk away with $24,000 and 500 Cisco Cup Series points, adding to the intensity of the season-long race.
Now in its second year, the Jefferson Health APGA Classic is a key stop on the Cisco Cup Series, showcasing elite talent, fierce competition, and the mission-driven spirit of the APGA.
Founded in 2010, the APGA is a nonprofit organization committed to making the game of golf more inclusive and accessible for all.
The 1912 Club
888 Plymouth Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Sunday, August 3
Monday, August 4
Tuesday, August 5
Don’t miss the excitement as rising stars and top contenders tee it up at one of the most anticipated stops on the APGA Tour!
WHO:
A field of 56 players, including many of the top players on the APGA Tour, will compete in the Jefferson Health APGA Classic. Notable players include:
TEE TIMES AND LIVE SCORING:
Tee times will be available here.
Live scoring will be available here.
CISCO CUP STANDINGS AND JEFF DAILEY POINTS:
Cisco Cup Standings: This ranking system tracks player performance throughout the APGA season. Players earn points based on their finishes in designated APGA Tour events. The player accumulating the most points by season’s end is awarded the Cisco Cup, which often includes additional benefits such as sponsor exemptions.
Jeff Dailey Points: Named in honor of former Farmers Insurance® CEO Jeff Dailey, this system measures players’ consistency and overall performance across all APGA Tour competitions, including the Cisco Cup season, the APGA Farmers Insurance Fall Series, and two Cisco Invitational events. The player with the highest combined points receives the Jeff Dailey APGA Tour Player of the Year Award, which includes a $25,000 bonus.
ABOUT THE APGA TOUR:
The APGA Tour was established in 2010 as a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring an inclusive future through the game of golf. The APGA Tour Board of Directors works to accomplish this by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player development programs, mentoring programs and by introducing the game to inner city young people. In addition to conducting 18 tournaments awarding over $1 million in prize and bonus money in 2024, the APGA has organized a Player Development Program to aid golfers as they work to chase their goals in professional golf.
ATLANTA, GA — Mark your calendar and prepare to be inspired! On September 13, 2025, the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (NBGHF) returns to Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate its 39th Anniversary Induction Ceremony—and this year’s event promises to be one for the ages.
The energy will be electric as the celebration kicks off at 7:00 p.m., shining a spotlight on groundbreaking leaders whose passion and perseverance have changed the face of golf. The weekend’s events will be hosted by Jeff Dunovant, PGA, Chairman of the NBGHF and son of the late Harold Dunovant, the Hall’s legendary founder and a trailblazer in his own right.
“My father would be so proud of what has been accomplished from that little idea he had in the early 1980s to recognize Black players and others who have done the most to promote golf in the Black community,” Jeff shared.
Founded in 1986, the NBGHF is dedicated to honoring the rich legacy of Black excellence in golf—while also uplifting business and community leaders of all backgrounds who create opportunities and open doors across the industry.
This year’s distinguished inductees embody that mission in powerful and personal ways:
This is more than an induction—it’s a celebration of legacy, leadership, and love for the game. Join us in Atlanta for a weekend that honors the past, celebrates the present, and shapes the future of golf.
The weekend will include events hosted by the NBGHF’s Chairman Jeff Dunovant, PGA. Jeff is the son of the NBGHF’s Founder, the late Harold Dunovant also a PGA member. “My father would be so proud of what has been accomplished from that little idea he had in the early 1980s to recognize Black players and others who have done the most to promote golf in the Black community,” said Jeff Dunovant.
The mission of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame is to celebrate and honor exemplary achievements of Blacks in the golf industry. The organization also recognizes business and community leaders, regardless of race or ethnicity, who ensure Blacks are presented opportunities to participate in any facet of golf. The organization was founded in 1986 by the late Harold Dunovant, the first African American to complete the PGA business school.
| DATE | WHAT | WHERE | TIME |
| Friday, September 12 | VIP Reception | (to be announced) | (to be announced) |
| Saturday, September 13 | 39th Anniversary Induction | (to be announced March 1) | 6:00 PM – 7PM Reception | 7:00 PM Ceremony |
| Sunday, September 14 | Golf Tournament | Bear’s Best GC (Suwanee, GA) | 10:00 AM Shotgun |
For tickets or additional information visit https://blackgolfhof.org or call 404-396-5078 or Email: [email protected].
15-Year-Old Charlie Woods Satisfying a Crowd of Hundreds with 9 Birdies on Day Two of Junior PGA Championship
Charlie Woods surged into contention at the Junior PGA Championship with a brilliant six-under-par 66 in the second round. Starting with a birdie-bogey, he then caught fire, rolling in five birdies over six holes to make the turn at five-under 31. He added birdies at holes 12, 14, and 15 to reach eight-under for the day before consecutive bogeys set him back. A par on the final hole secured a 66, placing him at seven-under overall and solo fourth, six shots behind current leader Lunden Esterline at 13-under.
Charlie opened the tournament with a steady one-under 70 on the Ackerman-Allen Course at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana. His second round on the Kampen-Cosler Course launched him more than 40 spots up the leaderboard and briefly into second place—a position that would qualify him for the US Junior Ryder Cup team. The top two finishers will join the 12-player squad to take on Team Europe later this year in New York.
This strong performance marks a sharp turnaround from last week, when he missed the match play cut at the US Junior Amateur Championship after rounds of 83 and 74. It was his second straight missed cut in that event.
The Junior PGA Championship is a four-round stroke-play competition with a 36-hole cut to the top 60 players plus ties. A secondary cut trims the field again after round three, with only the top 30 and ties advancing to the final day, which will also be played at the Ackerman-Allen Course.
Charlie Woods appears well-positioned to make it to Friday’s final round and will aim to capture another big victory following his Team TaylorMade AJGA Invitational win. On the girls’ side, Asterisk Talley leads the field.
In case you did not know River Forest Country Club in Freeport, Pennsylvania, transitioned away from African American ownership in November 2022. The new group of owners includes longtime friends David Rice and Eric Meyhofer, along with co-owners Andi and Steve Irwin, according to tribelive.com. Former owners, Jamy and Robert Rankin (African Americans) stepped down from their ownership roles but stay engaged as club members. The new leadership has continued the momentum, overseeing significant course improvements—particularly to greens and irrigation—and making updates across the facility.
The course experienced a significant transformation back in 2019 when Jamy and Robert joined forces with Andi and Steve Irwin to purchase the club. Jamy Rankin, a retired executive turned passionate golf advocate, and her husband Robert—a Pittsburgh firefighter—helped form River Forest Enterprises LLC to take full ownership of the 450-acre facility, which includes an 18-hole par‑72 championship golf course, clubhouse, pro shop, and a banquet-ready restaurant named Lily’s. Jamy assumed the role of general manager while Robert became CFO. The team reopened the club under refreshed branding and reopened Lily’s restaurant with renewed energy. Their vision was to build an inclusive, vibrant “country club for the 21st century” with a mix of golf and community-centered entertainment offerings. Their ownership placed the club on the African American Golfer’s Digest list of Africa American-Owned Golf Courses.
Under the Rankin’s leadership, the club welcomed approximately 400 dues‑paying members while remaining open to public play. Membership options ranged from low-cost Par memberships and Twilight plans to full Eagle memberships with unlimited golf and special event access. Innovative attractions such as WhingGolf, drone races, live music nights, comedy events, and themed weekends helped expand appeal well beyond traditional golfing circles.
When AAGD reached out, Jamy said, “We sold the club because it was too hard to find quality employees after COVID. In addition, the club needed a new irrigation system, which we were going to put in, but the price doubled after COVID, so it didn’t make financial sense to move forward.”
Today, River Forest CC remains a thriving, inclusive destination, blending championship golf with social activities and community access. With its public-friendly model, diverse event programming, and ongoing enhancements, the club continues to honor the Rankins’ original mission while evolving under fresh leadership to serve both members and visitors in the Alle‑Kiski Valley.
LIV Golf is heading to South Africa for the first time, bringing its high-energy tour to Steyn City just outside Johannesburg from March 20-22. This groundbreaking tournament marks the start of a multi-year agreement and will be the first LIV event ever held on South African soil. The announcement was made during the LIV Golf UK tournament, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable addition to the 2025 season.
South Africa has been part of LIV Golf’s DNA since the beginning, with top talents like 2010 British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and 2011 Masters winner Charl Schwartzel joining in its inaugural season. Oosthuizen now leads Stinger GC, an all-South African team that includes Schwartzel, Dean Burmester, and Branden Grace. The team is fired up to perform in front of home fans in a tournament that feels deeply personal.
The Club at Steyn City, a stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed course, has hosted major tours before and is set to shine on the global stage once again. But what makes this event truly special is its setting—golf fans will not only witness world-class play but also experience the spirit of Africa. With the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve less than an hour away, attendees can pair championship golf with close encounters with lions and elephants.
LIV Golf South Africa is ready to make history—and everyone’s invited.
Allen Blackwell of Charlotte, North Carolina had his 4th Hole-in-One on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Cedarbrook Golf Course, State Road, North Carolina on #4, 115 yards using Pitching Wedge Ping Club and Titleist ProV1 Golf Ball. His playing partners were Mike Patterson, Torress Baker and Ron Michaux.
Thursday – July 24, 2025
Charlotte, NC
Charles T. Myers Golf Course – Charlotte, North Carolina
Par 72
49 Players
Ladies Flight 90-105
Championship Flight 69-86
First Flight 87-90
Second Flight 92-96
Third Flight 100-105
Fourth Flight 105-130
Senior Flight 85-116
Closest to Pin Longest Drive
#4 Charles Stewart #7 Linwood Woodley
#8 Charles Penny #9 Charles Penny
#14 Richard Guy #12 Stephen Strong#17 Richard Guy #18 Charles Penny
President Trump recently traveled to Scotland for what his administration termed a private four-day visit, timed with the opening of his latest golf course at Menie, Aberdeenshire. The new 18-hole “MacLeod Course,” named after his Scottish-born mother, expands the Trump International resort into what the company positions as one of the finest 36-hole facilities in the world.
What began as a personal business endeavor quickly blurred with political optics. Trump is reportedly engaging in trade discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney during his stays at his own golf properties. Critics argue that mixing the ceremonial duties of a U.S. president with the promotion of his private golf businesses is ethically fraught and underscores a widening overlap between governance and self-promotion.
The resort developments have long stirred controversy. The original golf course built in 2012 faced fierce opposition from locals concerned about its impact on dune ecosystems and unmet promises regarding job creation and hotel construction. Environmental degradation and legal battles over wind farm resistance remain part of the project’s contentious legacy.
Public sentiment in Scotland remains strongly divided. Demonstrations and provocative protests—such as labeling the Aberdeenshire course “twinned with Epstein Island”—escalated upon Trump’s arrival, with projected security costs expected to be Scotland’s largest since the Queen’s passing. Protesters organized events across Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and his ancestral homeland on Lewis.
Despite this, Trump’s Turnberry resort in Ayrshire has proven less divisive, at times praised for boosting local economic activity. Meanwhile, the new resort near Aberdeen now faces heightened scrutiny, as tarnished promises, ecological concerns, and mounting civil fraud rulings surrounding property valuations continue to complicate the Trump Organization’s Scottish chapter.
As the visit concludes and attention turns to a possible state visit later this year, Scotland’s relationship with Trump remains tense—a reflection of deeper tensions between environmental stewardship, political responsibility, and private business interests.
Get ready for an electrifying showcase of talent as the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour returns with its ninth tournament of the 2025 season—the highly anticipated APGA Two-Man Classic. Set against the stunning backdrop of TPC Louisiana in Avondale, this thrilling team event unfolds from July 29 to 31 on the same pristine course that hosts the PGA TOUR’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The action begins Tuesday with practice rounds, warming up the field for two intense days of tournament play. Wednesday features a Best Ball format, setting the stage for Thursday’s strategic and pressure-filled Alternate Shot finale.
This exclusive competition welcomes 50 of the APGA’s finest players, paired into 25 dynamic teams, all contending for their share of a $30,000 purse. The winning duo will split a $10,000 prize and earn valuable points—800 to be exact—toward the prestigious Cisco Cup Series, marking this as the eighth stop in the season-long series.
The APGA, founded in 2010, continues its powerful mission of inspiring inclusion and opportunity through the game of golf. With top talent, high stakes, and a course rich in PGA TOUR legacy, the APGA Two-Man Classic promises to be one of the season’s most exciting events.
A field of up to 50 players (25 two-man teams), including many of the top players on the APGA Tour, will compete in the APGA at TPC Deere Run. Notable two-player teams include:
Gagne: Three-time All-American while playing collegiately at LSU from 2015-19. An Orlando, Fla. resident of Costa Rican descent, Gagne was the low amateur in the 2018 U.S. Open, and he also played in the 2019 and 2021 U.S. Opens. Currently fourth in the APGA’s Jeff Dailey points standings and fifth in the Cisco Cup Series standings.
Mack III: The Orlando, Fla. resident and Flint, Mich. native is a 15-time APGA Tourwinner with 10 PGA TOUR starts. He was the only APGA golfer to tee it up in the 2024 U.S. Open.
TEE TIMES AND LIVE SCORING:
Tee times will be available here.
Live scoring will be available here.
CISCO CUP STANDINGS AND JEFF DAILEY POINTS:
Cisco Cup Standings: This ranking system tracks player performance throughout the APGA season. Players earn points based on their finishes in designated APGA Tour events. The player accumulating the most points by season’s end is awarded the Cisco Cup, which often includes additional benefits such as sponsor exemptions.
Jeff Dailey Points: Named in honor of former Farmers Insurance® CEO Jeff Dailey, this system measures players’ consistency and overall performance across all APGA Tour competitions, including the Cisco Cup season, the APGA Farmers Insurance Fall Series, and two Cisco Invitational events. The player with the highest combined points receives the Jeff Dailey APGA Tour Player of the Year Award, which includes a $25,000 bonus.
ABOUT THE APGA TOUR:
The APGA Tour was established in 2010 as a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring an inclusive future through the game of golf. The APGA Tour Board of Directors works to accomplish this by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player development programs, mentoring programs and by introducing the game to inner city young people. In addition to conducting 18 tournaments awarding over $1 million in prize and bonus money in 2024, the APGA has organized a Player Development Program to aid young minority golfers as they work to chase their goals in professional golf.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved actor, director, musician, and poet, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances, artistic integrity, and cultural impact. He was 54.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Malcolm-Jamal rose to fame as a teenager with his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on the long-running television series The Cosby Show. His portrayal of the witty, relatable, and endearing middle son of the Huxtable family made him a household name and earned him both critical and popular acclaim. The role helped redefine portrayals of African American families on television and served as a touchstone for an entire generation of viewers.
Beyond his early success, Malcolm-Jamal built a diverse and enduring career across television, film, music, and spoken word. He went on to star in and direct episodes of numerous acclaimed shows including Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, and The Resident. His work behind the camera demonstrated a strong creative vision and a commitment to telling meaningful stories that reflected real human experiences.
An accomplished musician and poet, Malcolm-Jamal also led his own jazz-funk band, blending smooth basslines with spoken word to express his deep love for the arts and social commentary. His live performances often combined music, storytelling, and powerful messages about identity, justice, and personal growth.
Respected in the entertainment industry for his professionalism and grounded approach, he was known for choosing roles that challenged stereotypes and uplifted the African American experience. He mentored young artists and remained active in projects that focused on community empowerment, youth education, and artistic excellence.
Malcolm-Jamal’s presence, both on and off screen, was marked by thoughtfulness, humility, and an unwavering dedication to his craft. He was admired not only for his talent, but for the way he carried himself—with grace, intelligence, and authenticity.
He is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans who were touched by his work and his spirit. His passing is a great loss to the world of entertainment and to all who appreciated his contributions as an artist and human being.
In his memory, we celebrate a life that inspired millions and left an indelible mark on culture. Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s legacy will continue to resonate through his work and the lives he influenced.