Page 439 – African American Golfer's Digest

“Mudbound” with Mary J. Blige Makes World Premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival

by Debert Cook January 22, 2017

written by Debert Cook

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. Photo Credit: Rick Kern, Getty Images

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.

January 22, 2017 0 comment

19th Hole

Usquaebach Scotch Whiskey

by AAGD Staff January 22, 2017

written by AAGD Staff

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.

Usquaebach Scotch Whiskey glass 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.

January 22, 2017 0 comment

Auto Review

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

by Debert Cook January 21, 2017

written by Debert Cook

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.

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid-b 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.

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid-a 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.

January 21, 2017 0 comment

News

Two UMES Alums Begin Work at Pebble Beach Following Internships

by Debert Cook January 20, 2017

written by Debert Cook

(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.

January 20, 2017 0 comment

Health & Wellness

MedZone Activity PAK

by Debert Cook January 19, 2017

written by Debert Cook

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.

January 19, 2017 0 comment

News

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide …Delivers Pure Sweetness

by Debert Cook January 19, 2017

written by Debert Cook

Bushnell NEO ION:

Wow–what a fantastic alternative to all of those other gadgets for your wrist. This monster item gives you all the information needed for the course while keeping your wallet happy.

Enjoy all the perks and add-ons for this unit that is sensibly priced. | $150

Mizuno JPX 900 Driver:

Take another approach on the course. Try a new color in your bag and test out a new shape and feel. Mizuno makes the perfect new stick in your favorite golfer’s bag, or your own. | $500

Adidas Golf Shoes

With all the tension out on the golf course, keep you (or your best golfer) in tip top shape. These great, comfortble shoes by Adidas will do the trick, for all 18-holes! | $200

Lady Golf 19th Hold Charm Bracelet

Every lady can appreciate this 19th Hole silver finished charm bracelet by Lady Golf. It truly has to be seen in person to fully appreciate the detail and beauty created with a silver finished alternating smooth and braided rope look link. It even features a 19th hole martini glass with a golf club. Size: a standard 7-1/4″ inch length and feature a toggle clasp closure for easy putting on, and taking off. | $29

Usquaebach

Finish your Valentine’s Day on a smooth note by serving up the 2016 San Francisco International Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal winner Usquaebach – The Grand Whisky of the Highlands. The blend dating back to the 1700s, was trademarked in 1877.

You’ll particularly enjoy the 15-Year Old Blended Malt. It is excellent for “The Connoisseur” and easy for the novice whiskey lover, as it does not overwhelm the palate. Its brilliant, rich copper color and full-bodied taste is reminicent of light drippings of buttery honey with a hint of darkened vanilla….spice things up for your romantic day. | $80

Now you can make every move matter in your game with The Blast Precision Motion Sensor.

It easily attaches to the end of nearly any regulation driver or putter and uses Bluetooth® Smart technology to connect to your smartphone or tablet.

The Blast Precision Motion Sensor will take your game to another level with insight that can help you to lower your handicap and to become a better golfer. First: Fire-up the Blast app’s BlastCam to record video of the action and the patented Smart Video Capture ™ technology will dynamically identify high-energy events to create Blast highlights, overlaid with your swing and putting metrics (swing speed, loft, lie, rotation change, and more).

Titleist Introduces New Scotty Cameron Concept X Putters

The new Scotty Cameron Concept X models – CX-01 and CX-02 – are designed to deliver the ultimate putting experience, blending the visual characteristics of a Newport 2 with the playability of a mallet through boundary-pushing design techniques and technologies. Each model features high-MOI producing “wings” that seemingly melt into the ground at address for added stability and forgiveness, plus new dual-zone vibration dampening technology for precisely tuned sound and feel.

Playing a round with the

The Titleist Tour Soft golf ball delivers a little bit of everything, from nicely providing ample stopping power on chips and pitch shots, to a soft feel upon striking the ball. It is mid-priced and provides great performance and durability for average players.

GoGolf Wearable Audio GPS

This tiny, wearable, GoGolf GPS weighs in at only 0.25 ounces and is about the size of a small flash drive. It’s beautifully sculpted, with a sleek ‘tech-savvy’ futuristic look. But despite its beautiful look, it’s extremely accurate in marking your location to the center of the green. The unit is designed to go with you throughout your round and easily clips on to your clothing, for example, a shirt or pants pocket, shirt collar, pants/skirt waistline, golf cap, visor or even your sunglasses.

January 19, 2017 0 comment

Blog News

Diamond Resorts Invitational Brings Glitz and Goodwill to Charity Golf-Day 3

by Debert Cook January 18, 2017

written by Debert Cook

FINAL ROUND REPORT–Woody Austin finished in 1st place amongst the Champions Tour Pros. Winner’s purse was $125,000. Mark Mulder won 1st place for the Celebrities. Winner’s share was $100,000. The tournament organizers used the Modified Stableford Scoring format.

The tournament was held at the Tranquilo Golf Club, Golden Oak, Fl., Par 71, 6626 yards. Benefiting charities from the event were the Florida Hospital For Children and the Diamond Resorts International Foundation. When the children win, we all win. “Nuff Said”.

Ray Allen went into the final round with a 3-shot lead over eventual winner Mark Mulder, who played alongside Ray and Woody Austin in the final group. Ray’s 3rd round total was a lowly 16 points, which put him in a 4th place finish. 4th paid $25,000. …Pocket change for these guys. A whole year’s salary for most mere mortals. Not hating on the Rich & Famous–I’m Just Saying.

Alfonso Ribeiro shares cart with LPGA Brooke Henderson

Alfonso Ribeiro (blue cap), star of The Fresh Prince sharing cart with LPGA young gun Brooke Henderson (in pink pants).

View Reports for Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

January 18, 2017 0 comment

News Slider

The 50th Jamaica Open Golf Tournament, January 11-14, 2017

by Debert Cook January 17, 2017

written by Debert Cook

From left to right: Jason Hall, Vice President Marketing at Supreme Ventures; Paul Eales, Winner Jamaica Open; Guy Stewart, Chairman, Half Moon Resorts; Peter Chin, President, Jamaica Golf Association, Godfrey Dyer, Chairman, Tourism Enhancement Fund; David Mais, Tournament Director, Jamaica Open.

The 50th staging of the Jamaica Open was held at Half Moon Golf Course in Montego Bay, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and renovated by Roger Rulewich. Competitors came from Latin, North and South America, Australia, the Caribbean and Europe. The star of the show was a weather system that created a constant wind that was estimated at over 30 mph sustained over the four days from early morning until late evening.

When the final group made the turn for home, they were going directly into the wind. The final three holes were very instrumental in determining the winner. Paul Eales from Great Britain who lead from the first day with a brilliant round of 4 under par 68, was locked in a battle with Tom Gillis, and Kenny Goodykoontz, both from the USA. Paul Eales described his journey back to the clubhouse uphill and into the wind like “a ship losing oil.”

Dr Bonnick with winner Mr. Eales from Great Britain

(L-R) Dr. Bertrand Bonnick and the winner Mr. Eales from Great Britain.

After bogeying the 453 yards par 4 15th hole, the threesome came to the 401 yards par 4 16th hole. Eales followed Goodykoontz who drove over the right-hand fairway bunker in the rough, and Gillis who drove down the middle between the right and left fairway bunker, by driving into the right side bunker, blocked out from the green by a big tree.

Eales hit his second shot pin high left of the left greenside bunker in the light rough. Gillis hit his ball right of the pin above the hole, and Goodykoontz fired his ball next to the pin tap in range. After Goodykoontz tapped in for birdie he was at +2, Gillis made his long downhill putt for birdie to move to even par, and Eales pitched his ball from 20 yards uphill and saved par to remain at -1 and the only man under par for the tournament.

In the clubhouse, Dustin Risdon of Canada had finished at +2, and Brad Adomonis my day 1 playing partner had finished at +3. Adamonis had been at -2 for his final round by birdieing the 573 yards par 5 10th but bogeying the 15th, and 17th on the way in to end up even par for the round and +3 for the tournament. Guy Borros of the USA, son of Julius Borros shot a 1 under par 71 to finish at +3 and win the senior section of the Jamaican Open.

On the 204 yards 17th hole par 3 the final threesome set up to tee off. The out-of-bounds left side bordered with the Montego Bay main road, the flag was on the left side of the green protected by bunkers on the left and the right.

On day two the tee box was set at 241 yards into the wind and I watched professionals hit 3 woods off the tee. I hit a driver for the first time in my life on a par 3 and it was blown over into the right bushes. Goodykoontz hit the green, Gillis ran over the green, and Eales “held on” and the wind took his ball into the right greenside bunker leaving him a long bunker shot towards out of bounds. Gillis chipped onto the green and made his par putt, Goodykoontz missed his birdie and made par, and Eales missed his 25-foot par putt and tapped in for bogey. Eales stood at -1, Gillis at even par, and Goodykoontz at +2.

Derald Williams (amateur), Garnet Blake (caddie), Bertrand Bonnick (amateur), Nigel Davy (President, Constant Spring Golf Club, Kingston, and starter for the Jamaican Open)

On the 440 yards 18th, the finishing hole it was now a dogfight between Eales and Gillis. Goodykoontz hit a great drive down the right center. Gillis drove his ball down the right, but the wind blew in unto bare dirt under a large tree. Eales hit a drive into the right bunker.

Amateur Winner Owen Samuda with his trophy.

From the bunker Eales drove his ball into the right greenside bunker next to the small sliver of green on the back right uphill final tier. Gillis hit his ball low under the tree, missed the right greenside bunker, onto the green and over the green, into the back left side bunker.

Goodykoontz hit onto the green in regulation and waited for the battle of sand saves between Gillis and Eales. Although sweating, Eales wasted no time in hitting out of the bunker to the small target with lots of spin. It was a gutsy shot and the ball landed and slowly rolled to tap in range.

The large crowd gathered greenside roared. Gillis replied with a bunker shot to about 4 feet. The crowd gave another roar of approval. Goodykoontz two-putted for a par and waited. Gillis made a slippery downhill putt to finish at even par. Eales tapped in and all the competitors and caddies shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

The Championship tees played at a challenging 7141yards and during the Pro-Am were set up shorter for the amateurs. I played all three rounds in the Amateur 10 and under division and finished well in the bottom half of the field in terms of scores. However, the experience was inspiring, encouraging, and character building.

The professionals and other amateurs were supportive, friendly, and determined to complete play. Several women played in the Pro-Am, but during the Championship male amateurs and pros competed together and were matched based on their performance in the previous rounds.

L-R: Bertrand Bonnick (amateur), Donovan Campbell (Caddie),
Garnet Blake (Caddie), Derald Williams (amateur)

Experience and course knowledge paid off as the first 6 places went to Jamaican players. First place winner was Mr. Owen Samuda with a total score of +17, and a best score of 75. Oshae Haye was second at +19, and Sean Morris was third at +22. Special mention to 16-year-old Sebert Walker Jr. who was in 6th place in the amateurs from the championship tees with a total score of +29, and a best score of 80. Half Moon gave out prizes for the first three amateurs.

Clive Allen (amateur), Alison Lyn (amateur), Al Robinson (professional), Mark Thompson, amateur.

Half Moon also gave out prizes to Oshea Haye for a hole-in-one on hole #14. The 1st Overseas Prize was given to Robert Sterling from Canada, 78-87-82=247. 1st Senior Prize was given to Tommy Lee 87-84-82=247.

The results of the Senior Professional are 1st Place Guy Borros 219, 2nd Robin Byrd 222, and 3rd Gene Jones 229.

The final tournament results for the Professionals are 1st Place Paul Eales 215, 2nd Tom Gillis 216, 3rd Place Dustin Risden, and Kenny Goodykoontz 218. The total purse for the tournament was US$100,000 plus gifts and vouchers.

This year’s event had numerous sponsors lead by the Tourism Enhancement Fund. Other sponsors included Half Moon, Supreme Ventures Ltd, TVJ, and Sports Development Foundation. Associate sponsors include NCB Capital Markets Limited, Spanish Court Hotel, Pure National Ice, and Juici (Montego Bay).

Bertrand Bonnick DDS is an avid golfer and freelance writer with a GHIN handicap of 5.0, who lives in North Carolina with his wife Kaye and their two boys. He is a volunteer instructor with The First Tee and is a member of The Oak Hollow Men’s Golf Team at one of the few public Pete Dye’s Course in High Point, North Carolina. He is a former member of the Jamaica Golf Association, and Rules Committee Chair for the Baychester Golf Club in the Bronx. In the past, Dr. Bonnick has taken the PGA/USGA Rules Course, and Tournament Administration. He is the author of 3 novels and currently runs a sedation dental practice in North Carolina while being the Course Director for the IV Sedation Course for Dentists at The Aristotle Institute.

January 17, 2017 0 comment

Blog

Diamond Resorts Invitational Brings Glitz and Goodwill to Charity Golf-Day 2

by Debert Cook January 15, 2017

written by Debert Cook

Saturday, Jan. 14th, day 2 of the Diamond Resorts Invitational benefiting Florida Hospital for Children gave way to former NBA star Ray Allen, who took the celebrity lead Saturday, and PGA Tour Champions player Woody Austin remained on top in the professional competition.

Allen shot a 4-under 67 on the Four Seasons Resort’s Tranquilo course, scoring 30 points under the modified Stableford scoring system to push his two-day total to 50. Allen had eight birdies and four bogeys, with a birdie worth three points, a par one point and a bogey zero points.

“Just to be here and be in contention, I’m already winning,” Allen said. “The rest is cake.”

Ex-NBA Star Ray Allen

Former pitcher Mark Mulder was three points back, and defending champion Mardy Fish was third with 46 points. Mulder had a 21-point day, and former tennis player Fish scored 29 points.

Austin followed his opening 59 with a 66 for a 73-point total.

“Pretty much what I figured,” Austin said. “I knew today was going to be more normal than yesterday. I made plenty of birdies today. I made a couple of mistakes that I didn’t make yesterday. So, it pretty much worked out exactly what I figured. Very happy with the two days because I’ve only been back for a week practicing or playing.”

Joe Durant was second at 68 after a 34-point round, and Brandt Jobe earned 32 points to reach 65.

Lexi Thompson was tied for ninth with 55 points to top the four LPGA Tour players in the professional field. Brooke Henderson was tied for 19th with 49 points. Brittany Lang and Brittany Lincicome were tied for 26th in the 31-player field with 44 points.

All of the players are teeing off from the same tees. The professionals are playing for $750,000, and the celebrities for $500,000.

—John Perry, reporting for AAGD.

John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Florida.

ABOUT THE DIAMOND RESORTS INVITATIONAL
Damond Resorts International® first began working with Florida Hospital for Children (FHFC) in 2012 through volunteer participation at hospital events. As the hospitality company’s presence expanded in Central Florida, Diamond Resorts decided to increase their involvement and give back more in order to make a significant impact and help the children’s hospital in its vital, life-saving mission.

View Reports for Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

January 15, 2017 0 comment

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Diamond Resorts Invitational Brings Glitz and Goodwill to Charity Golf-Day 1

by Debert Cook January 14, 2017

written by Debert Cook

(January 13, 2017)

Friday, Jan. 13th, day 1 of the Diamond Resorts Invitational benefiting Florida Hospital for Children got off to a good start in Orlando, Fla., until that good ole “Liquid Sunshine” –that Florida is known for, decided to join the event. It rained off-and-on for about two hours, just enough to force patrons, volunteers and other event organizers to seek some type of shelter. Unfortunately, from what I could tell, the world-renowned athletes, entertainers, participants, pros and celebrities alike, kept right on playing. Pressing on forward with their game plans, shot after shot. Being the athletes and entertainers that they are, they’re more than familiar with the adage, “the show must go on”. How noble, how brave, how appreciated! Thanks guys and girls.

From Larry the Cable Guy, to Hall of Famers John Smoltz, Marcus Allen, Roger Clemens, to Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson, Brittany Lincicome and a who’s who cast of others, we should be in for a super treat over the weekend.

L-R: ALFONSO RIBEIRO, Actor, Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Winner, Dancing with the Stars; LARRY FITZGERALD, 10-time NFL Pro Bowler; RICHARD DENT, NFL Hall of Famer ’11

So if your favorite NFL team is not playing in the playoffs this weekend, tune-in and watch these guys and girls do their thing at the Tranquilo Golf Club, Four Seasons Orlando. The Diamond Resorts Invitational runs from Jan. 13-15. I grant you, it’s not the Masters, but it’s Disney, so it should be fun for all. This is family-friendly golf at its best, so bring the kids, or watch it on The Golf Channel.

—John Perry, reporting for AAGD. John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Florida. ABOUT THE DIAMOND RESORTS INVITATIONAL Damond Resorts International® first began working with Florida Hospital for Children (FHFC) in 2012 through volunteer participation at hospital events. As the hospitality company’s presence expanded in Central Florida, Diamond Resorts decided to increase their involvement and give back more in order to make a significant impact and help the children’s hospital in its vital, life-saving mission.
View Reports for Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

January 14, 2017 0 comment

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The Next 70 Years of Clearview and Beyond…

by Debert Cook January 11, 2017

written by Debert Cook

renee-powell-clearview-golf-course_600x350

Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA, Head Golf Professional, Clearview Golf Course, East Canton, Ohio. LPGA Lifetime Tour Member, PGA Class A and R&A Lifetime Member.

When December 31, 2016 closed it ended the first 70-years of Clearview Golf Club and now we are on to the next 70, and beyond. I feel so incredibly blessed to have been born into a family that has contributed so much to the world of golf, not just for black golf, but for all golf.

As a youngster there were not a lot of golf tournaments that one could play in if your skin was not white. Thank goodness for the United Golfer’s Association (UGA). For those who know little about this organization, it was a national organization which had member clubs throughout the country that hosted golf tournaments. I believe it was founded in 1926 in the Boston area. Being in Ohio, we were part of the Midwest District and here at Clearview we had the Clearview Par & Birdie Club. (I like that name).

Clearview Golf Club Historical Marker

Every year, each member club hosted a golf tournament which consisted of a women’s division, men’s, junior (boys and girls) and many had a division for professional golfers. The UGA, although a black organization, was open to anyone who chose to tee it up and participate in the tournaments. Most major cities had two municipal golf courses which allowed us to play their courses. I can remember in those early days–in the late 50’s and early 60’s–we traveled only in the daytime to tournaments because it was safer than night travel. Many of us stayed in Howard Johnson Motels because they were welcoming, mostly we ate at cafeterias. The good thing about staying in the same motels and eating at the same venues is that one had the opportunity to get to know people like Joe Louis and the wonderful singer Billy Eckstine, both who too play these events

My mom was an assistant tournament director in the Midwest Division, so I had a chance to watch the workings of a tournament from a young age. This year, two black organizations that hosted tournaments are celebrating 80 years of existence and both are women’s golf clubs: The Wake Robins and the Chicago Women’s. Hard for most to realize that these two clubs have been striving for 80 years, and, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to both!!

Clearview Golf Course Layout

Looking at my career–from spending 13 years on the LPGA Tour where I was the second black on Tour after Althea Gibson–and now, I look at the LPGA Tour and there are four young ladies teeing-it-up in 2017 – 50 years after I first did. We have Sadena Parks, Cheyenne Woods, Mariah Stackhouse on the regular Tour and Ginger Howard on the Symetra this year. So hard for me to imagine when there are only two on the PGA Tour, Harold Varner and Tiger woods. There are far more male professional golfers than female, but we seem to be advancing further at this time. In the 1970’s, there were about a dozen blacks on the PGA Tour so, we have unfortunately gone backward in that area.

In Dr. Calvin Sinnett’s book “Forbidden Fairways” he listed quite a number of black-owned golf courses years ago. When we look at what exists today, there are only enough to be counted on one hand. Clearview GC happens to be the only course anywhere in the world to be designed, built, owned and operated by a black man. Such an incredible feat that it is almost hard to really imagine. And the first nine holes was built mostly by hand.

Clearview Golf Course

Today, as we move forward to our next 70 years we want the Legacy of what Bill Powell and his wife, Marcella, did to continue for years like the Old Course at St. Andrews.

Clearview has several immediate goals:

To find funding to be able to put in an automatic irrigation system to water our fairways
To build an educational center that will serve as a place to educate individuals about the history of golf and this course, to be able to coach especially young girls in a Renee Powell Golf Academy to groom them to play high school golf, earn scholarships to college and maybe even some will follow in my footsteps to the Tour – and also an area where many archival items can be on display for the public to view.

From the 50’s and 60’s many more blacks have taken up this wonderful game of golf and I often think that if every one of those individuals were to make an effort to donate $20 or more, we could accomplish those goals in record time. It takes pulling together, and those who really want to give a special thank you to Bill and Marcella Powell for the sacrifices they made to try to make golf more fair in this country for all of us.

We have been working on putting together a new website which you may visit. The site is clearviewgolfclub.com. Although it is not totally complete, there are ways that one can donate to the Clearview Legacy Foundation for Education, Preservation and Turfgrass Research, a 501(c)3 tax exempt charitable foundation. Call us to book an outing or bring your group in, participate in any of our events or simply make a donation by mail, by phone (330.488.0404) or online.

Renee Powell_300 My good friend, Debert Cook, publisher of this magazine, is hosting a booth at the upcoming PGA Merchandise Show (Jan. 25-27, 2017) so I will join her there in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center on Thursday , January 26, to autograph a children’s book written about my dad, entitled “Twice as Good” by Rich Michelson.

Let us look forward to a great golfing year. Hope to see you during 2017.

Golfingly yours,
Renee Powell
LPGA Lifetime Tour Member, PGA Class A and R&A Lifetime Member

January 11, 2017 0 comment

News

Take a Look at What To Expect at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show

by Debert Cook January 7, 2017

written by Debert Cook

Join us at the golf industry’s leading event, where PGA Professionals & Golf Industry Professionals gather to discover the latest trends in golf equipment & technology, apparel & accessories.

At the PGA Merchandise Show you can attend the world’s largest Outdoor Demo Day, discover revolutionized education sessions taught by world class golf instructors, network with industry experts and, mix-n-mingle at the African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion and Business Networking Lounge, plus much, much more!

January 7, 2017 0 comment

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