Maulana Dotch, PGA/LPGA, Director of Instruction at Cedar Crest Golf Course, Dallas, Texas, is interviewed at the African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion by John Perry during the 64th PGA Merchandise Show, January 25, 2017 in Orlando, Florida.
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Ramona Harriet, Black Golf Historian, Author, “The Journey of African Americans in Golf” is interviewed at the African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion by John Perry during the 64th PGA Merchandise Show, January 25, 2017 in Orlando, Florida.
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Ginger Howard, Professional Golfer, is interviewed at the African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion by John Perry during the 64th PGA Merchandise Show, January 26, 2017 in Orlando, Florida.
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Shasta Averyhardt, Professional Golfer, is interviewed at the African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion by John Perry during the 64th PGA Merchandise Show, January 25, 2017 in Orlando, Florida.
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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: JANUARY 24, 2017
NEW YORK, NY — African American Golfer’s Digest, the nation’s leading print publication and online portal for avid Black American golfers, is leading the charge for diversity and the growth of golf business opportunities among golf industry entrepreneurs and professionals in all aspects, while bringing greater diversity networking opportunities to this years 64th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, January 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center.
This year at the PGA Merchandise Show, the African American Golfer’s Digest is announcing the debut of its special “Meet & Greet” opportunity-taking place at its Diversity Pavilion and Business Networking Lounge, Booth # 2991, in the Products & Services section of the Show. Over the Show days, one-hour, prescheduled guest appearances will provide added engagement and face-to-face, business networking opportunities for Show attendees.
The PGA Merchandise Show attracts over 40,000 attendees to its trade-only event and thousands of Show attendees are expected to stop by the African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion booth and Business Networking Lounge to meet the guests, shake hands, exchange contact information and listen to presentations from more than 35 confirmed prominent African Americans who are golf product suppliers, inventors, authors, course owners, tournament directors, league managers, software developers, travel providers, association executives, franchisees, licensees, and many other industry specialists.
“This year, we will present some of the leading African American golf business executives for special one-hour guest appearances in our booth, in a comfortable and relaxed environment, designed to initiate business discussions, discover mutual interests and concerns, all in an effort to develop and further business relationships,” says Debert Cook, publisher of the 13-year old hard print magazine that is based in New York City.
“I am thrilled to announce the launch of this special segment that will offer added personal engagement for all Show attendees and exhibitors.” Booth guests will be able to share information on their businesses, discuss project opportunities, submit and/or request RFPs, compare calendars, schedule meetings, and more, while they mix-n-mingle with Show attendees.
“Special guests confirmed on the roster of the Diversity Pavilion Booth and Business Networking Lounge Meet & Greet will travel to the Show from far, and wide, and each has committed their personal time and resources to attend this major golf exposition,” says Ms. Cook, who has exhibited her publication with the PGA Merchandise Show for six previous years.
Scheduled guests and times for the Meet & Greet includes:
Wednesday, Jan. 25
9AM-5PM Debert Cook, Publisher, African American Golfer’s Digest
9AM-5PM James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest
12 Noon Deborah Saunders, Author, “Putt Girl, Best Day Yet”
12Noon Richard Degree, President, The Players Golf Association
12Noon Franco Blackburn, The Agnant Group, President and U.S.A. Distributor, Pin High Golf Apparel
12:30PM Jimmy Garvin, Co-Owner, Malton Golf Course & Author, “The Common Man”
1PM Maulana Dotch, PGA/LPGA, Director of Instructor at Cedar Crest Golf Course
1PM Chris Arceneaux, Founder/CEO, The Darby Foundation, Eastern States Business and Golfers Network Association
1PM Ramona Harriet, Black Golf Historian, Author, “The Journey of African Americans in Golf”
1-1:30PM Jim Dent, PGA Tour Champions Tour Winner, signing copies of the book “The Journey of African Americans in Golf”
2PM Otis Windham, Author, “Thompsonville Collection: Mystic Song of the Deep South”
2PM Jerome Agurs, President/CEO at GolfStatsLive LLC
2PM Ty Delavallade, President & Founder of Golf Quests
3PM Pete McDaniel, Author, “Uneven Lies: The Heroic Story of African-Americans In Golf”
3PM Shasta Averyhardt, LPGA
3PM Oneda Castillo, Director of Golf at Women In Golf Foundation and National Evaluator at LPGA
3PM Garvis Leak, Founder & President, “Taking Off” Golf Platform
Thursday, Jan. 26
9AM-5PM Debert Cook, Publisher, African American Golfer’s Digest
9AM-5PM James Beatty, Executive Editor, African American Golfer’s Digest
9AM-5PM Garvis Leak, Founder & President, “Taking Off” Golf Platform
11AM Ginger Howard, LPGA
11AM Stewart Brown, President, Golf Ministries International
11:30AM Howard Bankhead, Executive Director, Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Devl.
12 Noon Deborah Saunders, Author, “Putt Girl, Best Day Yet”
12Noon John Woodland, Board Member, My Game. My Golf
12 Noon Mackenzie Mack, Author, “Women’s Golf College Directory,” and “Men’s Golf College Directory”
12 Noon Eugene Clapp, USGTF Level III Certified Golf Instructor/Golf Fitness Instructor
12Noon Jamilia Johnson, PGA PGM Academic Service Coordinator at University of Maryland Eastern Shore
12Noon Selina Johnson, Founder & President, Hollywood Golf
1PM Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA Member, Head Pro, Clearview Golf Course
1PM Kevin Hall, Professional Golfer
1PM Ashaunta Epps, CEO, A Perfect Swing Golf
1PM John Perry, Author, “Playing In The Dark”
1PM Clemmie Perry, Founder/President, Women of Color Golf
2PM Paula Pearson Tucker, LPGA Teaching & Club Professional, Manager at Lauderhill Golf,
North Lauderhill, FL & Founder and Executive Director, Fore Life, Inc.
2PM Tiffany Fitzgerald Mack, President/Founder, BlackGirlsGolf.com
2PM John Simpson, Director of Marketing & Memberships, National Black Golf Hall of Fame
2PM LaJean Gould, Founder & President, Women in Golf Foundation
3PM Cal Beatty, President, CJB Marketing Golf Events Services
4PM Charles Calhoun, Golf Instructor & Video Blogger
4PM Darryl Jeffries, President, DLJ Communications Group & Golf Event Mgmt.
Friday, Jan. 27
9AM-3PM/AAGD ongoing exhibit and business networking
(show closes at 3PM)
*schedule subject to change.
About the African American Golfer’s Digest The African American Golfer’s Digest, a PGA of America Diverse Supplier and the nation’s leading print publication and online portal for avid Black American golfers. The publication covers the very best of the golf lifestyle within this exciting niche market. Exclusive content showcases some of the most successful, talented and prolific personalities in the game who have devoted their life and passion to this sport brings full circle this ‘soulful’ world of golf through news, tips, course critiques, destination features, book reviews, international travel, fashion and interviews with professional trainers, educators, golf industry business owners, exceptional and ordinary golfers alike. This is what sets this publication apart from any other golf magazine.
Learn more at AfricanAmericanGolfersDigest.com
About the PGA Merchandise Show The 64th PGA Merchandise Show, held Jan. 24-27, 2017, in Orlando, will welcome some 1,000 top golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 industry professionals from around the world to the industry’s annual global summit for the business of golf. The PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day, the world’s largest professional golf testing event, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Orange County National Golf Center. During PGA Show days, Jan. 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center, PGA Professionals, retailers, and industry leaders will uncover the latest trends, source the newest golf merchandise, test the latest equipment, learn proven business best practices, network among peers and move forward the business of the game. The PGA Merchandise Show is a trade-only event and is not open to the public.
Learn more at PGAShow.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:
African American Golfer’s Digest: Debert Cook, 917-325-7141, [email protected]
PGA Merchandise Show: Sherry Major, (716) 662-3855, [email protected]
Music lovers will thoroughly enjoy listening to their favorite tunes on the Dreamwave Harmony Speaker. This unit is designed with professional craftsmanship and perfect for the audiophile. This is not your grandmother’s speaker! But it is a premium Hi-Fi performance speaker that is as beautiful as it is powerful.
Sleek and elegantly designed each audible sound comes across perfectly just as your favorite artist had wished-for. The Dreamwave Harmony Speaker won’t let you down either because it has a powerful 16W output and 4,500mAh lithium polymer battery that helps the unit to play louder and longer, as compared to competing units in the marketplace.
The Dreamwave Harmony Speaker uses the strength of the latest technology to give the unit its great sound quality. Fully equipped with audiophile sound tuning is what makes the speaker reproduce the true fullness, clarity and depth of your music. And audio sound playing from both sides of the speaker brings out the fullness in your music. You are also able to integrate the Dreamwave Harmony Speaker to make hands free phone calls, while putting your music is on hold. Once your call is completed, your music will resume exactly where you left off.
Dreamwave Harmony Speaker rear view
It is easy take your Dreamwave Harmony Speaker with you wherever you go. Each unit is supplied with a soft velvet pouch that you can use to conveniently take your speaker wherever you like to enjoy your hearing quality music while on the go, such as in your car, at the beach, park and other places. The speaker also is great for use in the comfort of your home or your office. Designed with a high-quality cognac colored leather-textured strip and unique rust orange honeycomb mesh, The speaker is beautifully displayed in any area of your residence of business.
Specifications:
16W Premium Hi-Fi Performance Speaker
Bluetooth CSR 4.0 + EDR, A2DP AVRCP, APTX
4,500mAh Rechargeable Battery
Play time: Up to 20 Hours (6 Hours Max Volume, Full Bass Status)
Hands Free Calling and NFC Ready
Hi-Fi Sound and Anti-Distortion Circuity
Soft Velvet Pouch Included
MSRP: $149
Gene Jones (g.m.jones) was raised in southeastern North Carolina and grew up in the Lumbee Homes housing projects of Lumberton among lots of poverty and crime. Jones admits to being guilty of “blaming other folks for all of my problems.” However, all of that changed when he was drafted into the United States Army.
“It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” says the now Founder and President of Arrested Potential Inc, a thriving non-profit organization based in Lumberton, North Carolina, dedicated to improving the plight of young children and young adults, intellectually and morally, through the implementation of innovative programs.
After graduating from Lumberton High School in 1968, Jones was drafted, and entered the U.S. Army in 1969. Just a short six months later he was forced to fight in an unpopular war.
Jones documents his life experiences in a must-read book for the 21st Century. The journey of an ordinary black man, who fights an unpopular war as a young man and confronted with death becomes disillusioned with society until he is almost a statistic. Subsequently, he manages to come to a better understanding of life experiences and their impact upon his future through the “school of hard knocks.” Realizing that he is his own worst enemy and a change must be made, shaped by his parents and a community, embarks on a path that takes him half way around the world and home again.
Available on Kindle, hardcover and paperback.
Order HERE
Garrett Hedlund, Mary J. Blige and Rob Morgan appear in Mudbound by Dee Rees, an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. © 2016 Sundance Institute |photo by Steve Dietl.
“Mudbound” made its World Premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival this Janary, it is Dee Rees’ latest directorial effort.
A big-screen adaptation of Hillary Jordan’s 2009 novel of the same name, which is set in 1946 in the wake of World War II, the story follows the fates of two very different families that collide while struggling to make their dreams come true in the Mississippi Delta. When two celebrated soldiers return home, their unlikely friendship complicates the already fraught relationship between the families.
The official Sundance synopsis read: Set in the post–World War II South, the story follows two families who are pitted against a barbaric social hierarchy and an unrelenting landscape as they simultaneously fight the battle at home and the battle abroad. This epic pioneer story is about friendship, heritage and the unending struggle for and against the land.
Mudbound celebrates in the Stella Artois Filmmaker Lounge during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on January 21. Above: Mary J. Blige.
Photo Credit: Rick Kern, Getty Images
The film stars Carey Mulligan, Jason Mitchell, Rob Morgan, Mary J. Blige, Jason Clarke, Garrett Hedlund, Jonathan Banks.
“Mudbound” is co-financed by Charles D. King’s MACRO and Zeal Media.
Zeal Media’s Cassian Elwes, Chris Lemole and Tim Zajaros; MACRO’s Founder & CEO Charles D. King and President of Production Kim Roth are producers, along with Sally Jo Effenson and Carl Effenson.
MACRO’s Senior Vice President of Production Poppy Hanks, Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Daniel Steinman; Kyle Tekiela and Jennifer Roth are executive producers.
On January 21, 2017, Stella Artois hosted a party for Mudbound at the Stella Artois Filmmaker Lounge at Sundance. In attendance was the film’s cast and crew including Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Mary J. Blige, Rob Morgan (Daredevil/Luke Cage), Jason Mitchell (Straight Out of Compton) along with the film’s director Dee Rees.
You can follow the via @MudboundMovie on Twitter and MudboundMovie on Instagram.
Certainly an intriguing next project for Dee Rees, who’s last work was HBO’s Bessie Smith telepic starring Queen Latifah – itself also a period piece, set in the early half of the 20th century.
Usquaebach – The Grand Whisky of the Highlands is perfect for any occasion. The line is refined and sophisticated and offers a wide variety of scotch selections for newbies and connoisseurs alike. The blend dating back to the 1700s and was trademarked in 1877.
Curious about the name and its meaning? Well, the name of the brand comes from the Gaelic word for “water of life” – from where we get our word for “whisky” in English!
Usquaebach is a historic brand that brings to life the ancient traditions and historic craft of the Scottish highlands. It is the brand’s dedication to the past that is sure to make this a staple scotch in your significant other’s classic collection.
We particularly like the 15-Year Old Blended Malt ($80). It is excellent for “The Connoisseur” and easy for the novice whiskey lover, as it does not overwhelm the palate.
The Color:
When in a glass, the 15-Year Old Blended Malt Usquaebach Scotch Whiskey resonates its brilliant, rich copper color. Full bodied, the blend is consistent in gleaming when held up to the light.
The Smell:
Usquaebach Scotch Whiskey’s 15-Year Old Blended Malt presents a lovely, honey, sweet aroma. When exposed to the air, it is reminicent of light drippings of buttery honey with a hint of darkened vanilla.
The Taste:
The 15-Year Old Blended Malt serves up a crisp, burnt caramel is distinctive at first sip. Spices consisting of clove, ground black pepper and vibrant coriander can be detected and the liquid goes down very smoothly.
The Finish:
As Usquaebach Scotch Whiskey goes down the back of your throat, it leaves a light trail of dark chocolate, and a hint of oak with perhaps some disclosure of drying spice and burning oak wood. Nicely experience and easily accepted by the drinker.
With all of the perfect combinations, it is no wonder that Usquaebach Scotch Whiskey has won many awards including: 2016 San Francisco International Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal, Gold Medal, “New Release” – 2010 International Whisky Competition, the Silver Medal, “Blended Whisky Over 10 Year Old” – 2010 International Whisky Competition and the Silver Medal,“Best Scotch Whisky” – 2011 International Whisky Competition.
Foods to consider pairing with Usquaebach Scotch Whiskey and its complex taste? First, foods that do not overwhelm nor embitter the decadent whiskey. Smokey cheeses as Laphroaig, sharp cheddar, strong Roquefort or soft brie cheeses all pair well. For after dinner try a selection of sweet chocolates like dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses. In the fruit line, try angy or tart apples, oranges or pears.
By Randi Payton, Decisive Media
The new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid seeks to regain its leadership role in the fuel-efficient hybrid, mid-size sedan class. The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid comes in three trim levels: Base, EX-L and Touring. I tested a Blue Sky colored Accord Touring model with Ivory interior.
In the hybrid car arena, the competition has gotten much tougher, making it hard to prefer one hybrid over another these days. The Accord faces stiff competition from the Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry Hybrids. But the Accord Hybrid is at the top of its class for EPA mpg, followed closely by the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.
The Accord Hybrid gets 49 mpg city, 47 highway, and 48 mpg combined.
The total horsepower of 212 comes from a combination of power from the gas engine and electric motor.
The Accord Hybrid is very smooth, quick, and feels like a luxury car, and you can hardly hear the car in hybrid mode. The 2.0-liter, 4 cylinder engine is very quiet and smooth. The power is paired with an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, advanced suspension system, and shiftable driving parameters from Sport to Economy modes.
I generated more battery power from braking and coasting at stoplights than on the highway, which uses more engine power, especially in cruise control mode.
The new Honda now has Apple Car Play and Android Audio. Once they are connected via Bluetooth or USB, your phone data is displayed on the audio home screen and can be operated via voice commands.
Honda Sensing, a package of advanced safety features, comes standard on all Accord Hybrids. It includes camera and radar monitoring like Collision Mitigation Warning and Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist. I found out when a car ahead of me made a sudden stop and the Accord Hybrid stopped before I had a change to apply the brakes that these new safety systems work quickly and well. The system also includes Adaptive Cruise Control.
The base MSRP for the 2017 model is $29,605, only $300 more than the 2015 model, the last year the previous generation Accord Hybrid was produced. Other Accord Hybrid trims include the EX-L starting at $32,905 with leather seating and moonroof. The Touring trim starts at $35,955 and adds LED headlights, parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and built-in GPS navigation. Consider that the non-hybrid Honda EX starts around $25,730 without the Honda Sensing package.
Both the Accord Sedan and Coupe have a Five-Star Safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Randi Payton is Founder at Decisive Media, Washington D.C. Metro Area.
(L-R) Norman Blanco – Bobby Donson Dec. 2016
(Friday, January 20, 2017) Norman Blanco and Bobby Donson parlayed senior-year internships in the University Maryland Eastern Shore’s (UMES) PGA Golf Management Program into assistant club pro jobs at the renowned venue overlooking the Pacific Ocean along the central California coast. Blanco and Donson graduated Dec. 16 (2016) and immediately headed to the West Coast to start their careers. “I’m trying to be humble about the whole experience,” said Blanco, who grew up in New Orleans. “But, yeah, I have to pinch myself when I think about it.”
According to Billy Dillon, director of UMES PGA golf management instruction, it is rare for Pebble Beach to offer full-time jobs right away to interns.
“Having the opportunity to intern at the number one public golf course in America was priceless,” Blanco wrote in an essay published in Eastern Shore Golf Magazine. “It was an educational feast; learning from the best of the best was invaluable.”
Since its inception in 2008, the UMES golf management program has cultivated a network of golf-course internship opportunities at such high-profile locales as Caves Valley outside Baltimore, Congressional near Washington and on Martha’s Vineyard. The Pebble Beach relationship, now underscored by employing two UMES alumni, elevates the university’s profile across the multi-billion dollar golf industry.
“We all jockey to get our students the best possible internships – internships that can change lives and careers,” Dillon said. “The Pebble Beach internship is at the top of that list.”
Enrolling at UMES proved a turning point in Donson’s life after an injury playing college baseball at another institution near his Gaithersburg, Md. home short-circuited his pursuit of that game as a potential career. “Being able to use what I’ve learned from hotel tourism management classes and golf management classes and tying it all in together has worked out perfectly,” Donson said.
The UMES-Pebble Beach internship opportunity has its roots in the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, where UMES golf management students encounter and seek out potential employers who can help them fulfill degree requirements with hands-on work in the field.
The PGA Golf Management Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore prepares students for a career in the golf industry. The PGA Golf Management Program attracts and educates bright, highly-motivated men and women to service all aspects of this developing industry while working toward membership in the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
It is a comprehensive degree program that integrates all the curriculum requirements of a Hospitality and Tourism Management major with the knowledge base of the PGA Golf Management Program including sixteen months of structured internship experience and a Playing Ability Test (PAT). UMES is one of 20 universities in the country with such an undergraduate degree that combines instruction in the hospitality industry and playing competitive golf at the professional level.
Working out and achieving the results you seek can bring on pains, chaffing, blisters and other not so pleasant things that can prevent you for enjoying physical activity. The MedZone Activity PAK (Personnel Activity Kit) is a perfect companion for workouts of all types. For all of your athletic needs, The PAK combination includes four travel sized products that help prevent, treat and manager on-course (and off-course) aches, pains and irritations that golfers, athletes and active people encounter.
The PAK, MSRP: $24.95, conveniently and easily travels with you in our golf bag or luggage. It’s perfect to take on tournaments, to dance competitions, triathlons, marathons or to leave in your bag for any activity that you participate in. The PAK also makes a great gift for someone you know who participates in sports or other physical activities, including triathletes, dancers, martial artists, and others.
The PAK includes these products:
ChafeZone®
Developed with input from special operations forces around the world, ChafeZone® was formulated to last all day. The unique formula will not break down easily in the presence of perspiration, chlorine, salt water or urine so it provides an effective friction barrier no matter what your activity. It easily glides on and is longlasting to prevent rubbing, chafing, and other skin irritations related to friction.
BlisterZone
This item help to prevent friction related skin irritations or blisters. Formulated to be resist perspiration and water, it offers a unique solution to help protect hands, feet and other parts of the body from painful blisters. A great addition to any new footwear purchase and it also keeps protecting feet and hands throughout daily activity or athletic workouts. The product is ideal on heels, dress shoes, formal shoes and athletic shoes.
PainZone
The item will banish sore, overworked, and tight muscles with a no-mess, roll-on applicator. As a concentrated, no-water formula with 3 anti-inflammatory agents, plus two additional anti-inflammatory ingredient, it eliminates pain using a proprietary blend of essential fatty acids transports the active ingredients deep into the tissues for long lasting pain relief. Great for use to eliminate aches and pains during and after golf rounds, practice hitting, or other workout activities.
BurnZone®
This natural, local anesthetic incorporates an additive of 1% Lidocaine for maximum pain relief. The proprietary blend of essential fatty acids takes the sting and burn out of blisters and minor burns, relieves insect bite itching, and calms skin irritations.