FREE TRIAL & FITTINGS: Beginning Sept. 1, golfers can experience the performance of Titleist 718 irons by attending a Titleist Fitting and Trial event (including Titleist Thursdays), being held at hundreds of locations nationwide.
To find an event, or book a free 718 iron fitting with a Titleist Product Specialist, golfers can visit https://www.titleist.com/thursdays or www.titleist.com/718 .
Dozens of the nation’s top African-American golfers traveled to Chicago to play in one of the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour’s premier events held at Harborside International Golf Course, 11001 S. Doty Ave., on June 24-25.
The Advocates Professional Golf Association strives to develop the careers of African Americans and other minorities in the game of golf through professional tournaments, mentoring, and career fairs as a means to increase diversity. APGA hosts professional golf events in cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa, Los Angeles, and more.
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Ken Bentley, APGA president and executive director, said the organization began eight years ago under the original premise that a group of African American men would come together twice a year to play golf, discuss ideas, and raise money for community organizations. He said he received the initial funds to help produce the first three tournament sites in Tampa, Atlanta, and Los Angeles from Nestle (while he was employed by the company).
By 2013, a breakthrough occurred. The PGA Tour took notice of the APGA’s growth and offered a five-year grant to make additions. Additionally, he said the Tour received a significant amount of support from African American donors.
“We were the first minority organization to get support from the PGA Tour,” said Bentley. “They recognized what we were doing and looked at our organization as a way to bring diversity to golf.”
AGPA prize money increased by 300 percent, event participation doubled, the number of events per year doubled, and the creation of the Adrian Stills Bonus Pool, which allows players to earn extra money while playing on the Tour, all occurred within the last five years, according to Bentley.
The APGA Tour impacts players both on the course as well as with their own personal development.
Read more by Lee Edwards, at ChicagoDefender.com
About Advocates Professional Golf Association
The Advocates Professional Golf Association strives to develop the careers of African Americans and other minorities in the game of golf through professional tournaments, mentoring, and career fairs as a means to increase diversity.
L-R: Willie Leon McGee, Trooper, Buffalo Soldiers with Dr. Kevin Murriel, Senior Pastor, Cascade United Methodist Church.
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, honors persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. Willie Leon McGee, 77, a retired U.S. Army Military Police Staff Sergeant (1960-1980) proudly participates in a special tribute service each Veterans Day Sunday with the Cascade United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
McGee, a member of the Cascade UMC, Atlanta, Ga., combines his love of golf with his service as a Trooper of the Buffalo Soldiers Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Calvary Association– Atlanta Chapter. A 5-year Trooper, McGee engages in history presentations at schools and other organizations, sharing the story of the Buffalo Soldiers and their work that was conducted while riding horses and bicycles in the West.
McGee strikes a fairway shot on the golf course.
“Many were recruited out of New Orleans, La., but, could not serve in the South, only North of the Mason-Dixon line,” says McGee. Today, at annual Buffalo Soldier reunions a golf tournament is sometimes held and McGee is often involved: Atlanta, GA. (2015), Houston, TX (2016) and Kansas City, KS (2017).
“After the emancipation proclamation was signed, and slaves were freed, the 9th and 10th Calvary of the Buffalo Soldiers were activated as the first peacetime all-black regiments in the regular U.S. Army,” says McGee. “And, what they endured–I respect and I cherish because they went through holy hell! In my opinion, if they had not laid that foundation, black people would not be as successful in the military as they are today…. and our young folks need to know our history.”
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. She had to lose weight, particularly because she had a family history of diabetes.
Her book is a vivid account of how, after her initial shock, she accomplished that goal. It is also a valuable source of information for understanding diabetes and preventing it, and certainly a must-read for people at risk.
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.
Kamaiu Johnson, 2017 Tallahassee Open Champion with Ms. Jan Auger the GM at Helaman Park Golf Course.
BY AAGD STAFGF
August 22, 2027 —Professional golfer Kamaiu Johnson locked down his third win at the 2017 Tallahassee Open. Sequencing a history of accomplishments: 2014 (-10), 2016 (-9), and 2017 (-6). The tournament, a USGA event, is presented and held at Hilaman Golf Course, located in the heart of Tallahassee. The annual tournament is open to both amateur and professional golfers.
Johnson, who turned 24 on June 25, has been playing professionally for two years. His first name, Kamaiu (Kuh-MY-you) means “Silent Warrior” and the lean 6’1″, 155-pound golfer whose average yardage off the tee is 310 is certainly living up to that.
Johnson lives in Orlando, Fla., and started playing golf when he was 13-years old, “Ms. Jan Auger, the General Manager at Hilaman Park Golf Course, only charged me a dollar a day….That’s the only way I was able to play,” he says.
Racking up tournament experiences, Johnson has already played in over 20 tournaments this summer– everything from state opens, to the tour with the Advocates Professional Golf Association, and others. “…And I’m going to Q-School and can use any support that people are willing to give me.” Pre-Qualifying is being held at Brunswick Country Club, Sept. 6-8, 2017 in Brunswick, Ga. Johnson has a GoFundMe page for those who wish to help him accomplish his goal.
Johnson turned his life around with golf.
A crowded two-bedroom apartment is where he lived with his grandmother and six others. And there are so many things that could have intercepted his young life, being a fatherless black kid who dropped out in 8th grade. In spite of the challenges, Johnson went on to eventually get a GED. And, although the memories of a broken home will always be with him, it was a belief in himself that transformed Johnson into the role model that he has become for today’s youth, inspiring many to consider their unlimited potential.
“I just hope that more programs start doing things like Ms. Jan did for me, that’s the only way I think that black youth will take interest in the game.”
His mother raised him as a single parent. As a child, Johnson was full of energy and he would often play by swinging a stick outside of their apartment complex. The complex sat near Hilaman Park Golf Course. One day the Manager Ms. Jan gave him a 9 iron and a large bucket of golf balls, “-the rest is history,” he says.
According to a Hilaman Park Golf Course representative, “Kamaiu shot 68 on Saturday and 70 on Sunday. He was tied for the lead and won on the 2nd hole of Sudden Death Playoff.”
On the course, a +4 handicap, Johnson masterfully works his ball both left and right with ease and plays well under pressure. He’s not easily intimidated and errant shots only force him to prepare for a comeback at every opportunity.
Johnson is now preparing for the Advocates Professional Golf Association tournament scheduled for August 25-27, at Chester Washington Golf Course in Los Angeles, Calif.
TIGER WOODS is highly upset and has threatened to sue the porn website Celebrity Jaihad for leaking and posting naked photos of him and his Olympic skier ex-girlfriend Lindsey Vonn.
Reports claim that the former number one world golfer has already hired a lawyer and is prepared to sue the gossip website for posting the explicit snaps and will take his case all the way to court. Woods is the latest victim of cell phone hacking.
Naked cell phone pics of the golfing legend’s former girlfriend, Vonn, were also leaked. According to TMZ, he is ready to sue the celebrity gossip site if it does not take his photo down. A hacker reportedly broke into his former partner’s cell phone and gained access to Vonn’s pictures, which included a nude selfie Woods had sent the Olympic skier while they were together. The Woods/Vonn two-year relationship ended in May 2015.
Woods’ lawyer refused to comment on the issue when quizzed by news agency Page Six. Although they did confirm: “It is a private hacked photo.”
While they were dating, Vonn (now 32) and Woods (now 41) were one of the hottest celebrity couples in the sporting world.
I know, I am privileged and even lucky to be able to attend various PGA, USGA, LPGA and Masters events but please know that while attending these events that I am viewing them from a unique vantage point.
That vantage point is this:
HOW CAN MY PRESENCE HERE LEAD TO MORE PEOPLE OF COLOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS $70 BILLION INDUSTRY?
Of course, I enjoy the trappings of the buffet breakfasts, delicious lunches and lavish sit-down dinners that are an integral part of the meet-and-greets courtesy of the sponsor (or sponsors). I realize that these functions are a part of the deal, as I try to fulfill my participation obligations in a professional manner at all times. However, while at these tournaments, programs, conferences, and other events, I remain keenly aware and pay strong attention to see WHO is in the Corporate Village ‘front and back of house’ preparing the food and beverages, taking orders, giving orders, and whatnot. I take notice of who is in the “members” clubhouse, who is handling the various duties there, as well. I want to know this so that I can intelligently discuss these and other matters with the appropriate golf business officials when the time and situation present the opportunity.
Volunteers overseeing the PGA Championship leaderboard on Saturday.
So, with that said, here is what I observed last week at the PGA Championship.
We (us black folks) were in the clubhouse as cooks and security guards—which is better than not being there at all. However, there were not enough of us in there as actual guests of the PGA Championship–the only Championship for professionals, by professionals, where more than 200,000 people lined the fairways during the week generating a 100 Million Dollar impact on the local economy.
(L-R) Ronnie L. Bryant, President/CEO, Charlotte Regional Partnership with James R Beatty, AAGD, Executive Editor and President NCS International chat in the Corporate Tent.
L-R: Bridget–Anne Hampden with Rhonda Anderson
While in the Corporate Village, I met many other people of color such as Rhonda Anderson, Executive VP/COO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Bridget–Anne Hampden, President of the JHR and Associates, a global management consulting firm. I had the pleasure of meeting Mauricus “Moe’ Brown who is the Manager of Economic Development and Negotiated Incentives for Dixon, Hughes and Goodman.
All I am saying is that the sport of golf is good for business at all levels, and we all need to be included at all levels if the game is going to grow as golf leadership would like.
Kenneth Washington, PGA Championship Volunteer guards an errant shot.
VOLUNTEERING TO MAKE AN IMPACT
PGA Championship volunteers Deloris Taylor and Everett Taylor.
I want to also point out that we should also seek to volunteer when the opportunity arises, as many times it did in Charlotte. I was so pleased to meet a few of the volunteers of color like Deloris and Everett Taylor. This husband and wife team volunteered in handling the crossing duties on Hole 10 the 592 yard, par 5 when I met them, and we talked just like we had known each other for years.
I was equally pleased and proud that they were readers of the African American Golfer’s Digest and they even mentioned how much they enjoy receiving emails regularly from Debert Cook, the AAGD founder. This dynamic duo also serves as Certified Golf Teaching Professionals and are part of the United States Golf Teachers Federation.
The Taylor couple is also extremely glad of their efforts in helping to raise funds for PGA professional golfer Harold Varner III during his early years when he was coming up in the game….What a class act these two retired U.S. Postal Service workers are for all of us to admire.
James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest
Well, I hope that through this summary I have shared some thoughts to enlighten and perhaps maybe even provoked a few. Just drop me a line at my email anytime to share your thoughts. See you next time, maybe in the AAGD Corporate Chalet!
A big observation of Harold Varner III excited spectators during Round 2, August 19, 207 at Sedgefield Country Club.
In the final event being played on August 20, 2017, players are vying for position. Who will make the Top 125 and claim their spot in the FedExCup Playoffs?
HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN
PGA TOUR LIVE: CBS Simulcast (2:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET).
Telecast: CBS (3 – 6 p.m. ET)
PGA TOUR Radio: Listen Free (1 – 6 p.m. ET)
NOTABLE PAIRINGS
Harold Varner III, Davis Love III
1:30 p.m. off the 1st tee
Ollie Schniederjans, Webb Simpson
1:50 p.m. ET off the 1st tee
Kevin Na, Henrik Stenson
2:00 p.m. ET off the 1st tee
A plaque that reads “The River of Blood” sits at the base of a flagpole between the 14th and 15th hole at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Va., Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015. The historical accuracy that “American soldiers, both of the North and South, died at this spot” has been called into question by historians.
(August 20, 2017)
“How would they know that? Were they there?” Trump challenged local historians in 2015 . The conversation continues surrounding a 2015 report on the factual inaccuracy of a plaque that stands featured in Northern Virginia at Donald Trump’s National Golf Club (Sterling, VA). The debate has resurfaced in light of the president’s controversial remarks about the violent weekend that took place recently in Charlottesville – and his tweets about preserving Civil War memorabilia. No date is given on the plaque as to when the reported battle took place.
The New York Times story, published with the headline “In Renovation of Golf Club, Donald Trump Also Dressed Up History,” historians disputed the veracity of a plaque that sits between the 14th hole and the 15th tee of one of the club’s two courses. The plaque was easily seen during Round 3 of the Senior PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club on May 27,
The conversation continues surrounding a 2015 report on the factual inaccuracy of a plaque that stands featured in Northern Virginia at Donald Trump’s National Golf Club (Sterling, VA). The debate has resurfaced in light of the president’s controversial remarks about the violent weekend that took place in Charlottesville – and his tweets about preserving Civil War memorabilia. No date is given on the plaque as to when the reported battle took place. The New York Times story, published with the headline “In Renovation of Golf Club, Donald Trump Also Dressed Up History,” historians disputed the veracity of a plaque that sits between the 14th hole and the 15th tee of one of the club’s two courses. The plaque was easily seen during Round 3 of the Senior PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club on May 27, 2017 in Sterling, Virginia.
The plaque is attached to a flagpole, on a stone pedestal, overlooking a stunning view of the Potomac River. It reads: “Many great American soldiers, both of the North and South, died at this spot. The casualties were so great that the water would turn red and thus became known as ‘The River of Blood.’ It is my great honor to have preserved this important section of the Potomac River!” Beneath the inscription is the Trump family crest along with Donald Trump’s full name: Donald John Trump.
The plaque purportedly designates that portion of the Potomac as “The River of Blood.” Three historians asserted that no such battle or designation has ever been given to that spot, according to the NY Times story. “No. Uh-uh. No way. Nothing like that ever happened there,” Richard Gillespie, the executive director of the Mosby Heritage Area Association, told the Times. “The only thing that was remotely close to that” was something that took place 11 miles up the river. The conflict there was known as the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, took place in 1861 and involved several hundred deaths on the Union side.
Adamant about the accuracy of the plaque, however, Trump told the publication that he was certain the area was “a prime site for river crossings. So if people are crossing the river, and you happen to be in a civil war, I would say that people were shot – a lot of them.”
The closest historic spot where crossings took place during the Civil War is indeed not too far from Trump’s club, but according to the historians, no one died in a crossing at that point, or in any other notable battle in the nearby area. The real estate mogul retorted: “How would they know that? Were they there?” A self-professed “big history fan,” Trump was unable to name the historians who he claimed had told him that the site was known as the River of Blood. On Tuesday, Trump issued a trio of tweets denouncing protesters attempting to fell statues and monuments of Confederate leaders from the Civil War era. 
Empire State Building
The PGA TOUR’s Billy Horschel will participate in the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building to celebrate the kickoff of the FedExCup Playoffs, which begins at THE NORTHERN TRUST at Glen Oaks on Long Island in Old Westbury, NY, August 22-27. Ralph Lauren RLX brand ambassador Horschel will “flip the switch” to illuminate the building, which will shine in green, orange and purple in honor of the FedExCup Playoffs.
WHERE: Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets
Following ceremony, photo opportunity to take place on 86th Floor Observatory
WHEN: Tuesday, August 22, 2017
About the Empire State Building
Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan (from base to antenna), the Empire State Building, owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., is the “World’s Most Famous Building.” With new investments in energy efficiency, infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world. The skyscraper’s robust broadcasting technology supports major television and FM radio stations in the New York metropolitan market. The Empire State Building was named America’s favorite building in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects, and the Empire State Building Observatory is one of the world’s most beloved attractions as the region’s #1 tourist destination. For more information on the Empire State Building, please visit www.empirestatebuilding.com, .
August 12, 2017
The third round of the 99th PGA Championship at the Quail Hollow Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carolina saw some major moves in both directions up and down the leaderboard.
Kevin Kisner, the 2nd round leader was steady from the start with 6 straight pars but on the back nine, he struggled with some errant shots and missed putts. A ball in the water on the 16th hole—and another bogey on the 18th—left him still in the lead by only one shot, closing his round at -7.
Hideki Matsuyama also had an up-and-down day with loose shots and missed opportunities. And he finished the day tied for 2nd at -6 with Chris Stroud. Matsuyama was able to make pars (and not bogeys) keeping him the hunt and keeping alive his quest to become the first Japanese player to win a major championship.
RELATED STORY: Second Round Notes 2017 PGA Championship
Jason Day, on the other hand, spiraled down the leaderboard after a steady round of putts that got him in the hunt. However, it was all for not, as an errant tee shot on the 18th hole was followed by a highly questionable recovery shot that lead to a quadruple bogey, pretty much ending his hopes of winning the championship. He finished the day at even par and dropped out of the top 15.
Quail Hollow is truly living up to its reputation as a tough golf course. The infamous GREEN MILE, holes 16,17 and 18, is reeking havoc on the field and, if the last group play today is any indication of what’s to come on Sunday, the championship is far from being over.
VIDEO: FINAL DAY WRAP UP
Edward. S. Wanambwa
Senior Editor
African American Golfers Digest
Edward S. Wanambwa is a journalist, TV and radio personality and highly sought after as one of America’s most notable speakers and expert commentators on golf. He hosts a weekly TGX Golf Radio Show and is a frequent guest on The Golf Channel and ESPN networks. Find him on Facebook.
(ST. ANDREWS, SCO) – The University of Edinburgh in conjunction with the Golf & Health Project released new research about the health benefits of golf spectating, showing those who attend golf events could potentially gain benefits similar to those playing in them.
The study is the first to assess spectator physical activity while watching golf, showing that of the fans surveyed, 82.9% met the recommended daily step-count levels by achieving on average 11,589 steps.
The study suggests that golf spectating can provide health enhancing physical activity; whilst also allowing spectators to spend time in green space, socialise with friends and family, and watch their sporting heroes compete in real life.
Those surveyed rated obtaining exercise as an important reason for attending golf events, equal to seeing star players, being part of the ‘atmosphere’ around an event, and getting fresh air. 60% also said they would like to be more physically active after the tournament.
These reasons for attending events could have benefits for event promoters in terms of engagement with spectators, local communities and funding organisations, along with wider public health implications in encouraging people to be more active more often.
The studies, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, and BMJ Open Sports and Exercise Medicine are part of the Golf & Health Project, which is supported by the World Golf Foundation.
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Find out more about the Health Benefits of Golf Spectating at www.golfandhealth.org/spectating
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Researcher, Dr Andrew Murray, from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, urges golf executives to emphasise the physical benefits of golf spectating:
“Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health, adding years to life and increasing health and happiness. These pilot findings show golf spectators can experience physical activity to benefit their health while watching a top quality sport at close quarters. This could have huge implications on event attendance and encouraging more people to attend a professional event or begin playing the sport.”
Further research could include assessing how best to provide physical activity information to spectators at events, larger and more representative samples allowing for a better estimation of accrued physical activity and potential gender and age differences, along with whether golf events could be used as ‘teachable moments’ to help educate and inform people on the benefits of physical activity in general.
Anecdotal evidence found that over 20,000 spectators had tagged all the checkpoint locations around the 2014 Ryder Cup site at Gleneagles walking 5 miles each, and collectively walking a distance equal to four times around the world. 6500 spectators completed a health walk of 10km each during China’s Shenzhen International in 2016, collectively walking the equivalent length of the Great Wall seven times.
The health benefits for spectators at tournaments may vary depending on weather conditions, culture, types of tournament and golf course terrain.
Further information, news and features on the Golf & Health Project: www.golfandhealth.org, @GolfAndHealth on Twitter and ‘Golf and Health’ on Facebook.
For queries relating to the Project, contact [email protected] and for media queries contact [email protected].