AFRICAN AMERICAN GOLFER’S DIGEST
PLANS ITS 7TH YEAR OF EXHIBITING
AT INDUSTRY LEADING 2017 PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW & CONVENTION

BLACK GOLF MAGAZINE CONTINUES EFFORTS TO
GROW BLACK BUSINESS PARTICIPATION
AT THE NATIONS LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE GOLF TRADE SHOW

New York, NY, (October 17, 2016)–Visitors to the PGA Merchandise Show & Convention, this January 25-27, 2017, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., will have the chance to experience the mega trade-only event while celebrating a milestone of seven years of exhibit participation by the African American Golfer’s Digest, when the publication presents it Diversity Pavilion & Business Networking Lounge at booth #2991.  Demo Day kicks off on January 24.

(L-R) Television Reporter Ian Paige with Bill Fullard, BF Golf Tournament Services

“I am pleased to reinstate our commitment and efforts for this coming year’s Show, and I am still focused on helping minority business owners serving the golf industry to gain greater exposure and awareness.

Golf merchants, inventors, franchisees, licensees, developers, manufacturers, and others need, and want, to be more involved in the golf industry to learn of opportunities and to meet major companies, senior executives, and decision-makers who attend this super golf show,” says Debert Cook, CMP who is publisher and owner of the New York-based magazine.

REGISTER for the PGA SHOW HERE

“Our Diversity Pavilion and Business Networking Lounge aims to help the overall golf industry to better understand how Black golf businesses contribute to the game, the lifestyle, and the business of golf.”

During the Show week AAGD will play host to “Listen UP” seminar sessions featuring some of the finest professionals leading golf businesses and firms specializing in a variety of golf products and services. A daily marketplace of shared information will be available at the AAGD Diversity Pavilion & Business Networking Lounge,  booth #2991.

(L-R) Travel writer, Detroit native Ronald Smith with golf legend Lee Elder

“The Diversity Pavilion is a result of the growing participation in golf by firms that are either minority-owned, minority-operated, or specialize in reaching the minority golf marketplace. Each year, the AAGD Pavilion’s opportunities have helped introduce and propel small companies into this arena of big industry buyers.”  It’s a mega-golf show that brings in the best of the best for conducting meetings and business deals.  “We hope to bridge some of these connections for minority companies during the Show,” states Ms. Cook.

It’s a mega-golf show that brings in the best of the best for conducting meetings and business deals.  “We hope to bridge some of these connections for minority companies during the Show,” states Ms. Cook.  “There are many minority-owned businesses across the country who want to be a part of  this $70-billion golf industry and being at the PGA Show in Orlando is where many of these firms can truly make the connections needed for growing their efforts.

Selena Johnson, Founder of Hollywood Golf with “Tiger’s Double” personality Herme Chua

The African American Golfer’s Digest began exhibiting at the PGA Show in January 2004 and, after witnessing the lack of African American participation, debuted its “Diversity Pavilion” in 2005, as a means for offering minority merchants and golf trade professionals an opportunity for participation and exposure in the mega, trade-only Show which can be an expensive endeavor for many small companies to pursue.

The PGA Merchandise Show is a trade-only event for qualified golf industry professionals only. Attendance at the PGA Merchandise Show is restricted to PGA Professionals and affiliates of the golf industry (buyers & sellers) of golf related products and services.  All PGA Show attendees are required to register.

As a part of the week’s events, the African American Golfer’s Digest will also include their “Game On” networking tee-times on Saturday, January 28, at a local Orlando golf course.  These related activities are open to all PGA Show merchants and will provide an added extension for continuous networking, deal-making and bonding.

(L-R) Golf legend Calvin Peete, journalist/author Edward Wanambwa, historic caddie Alfred “Rabbit” Dyer.

The AAGD Diversity Pavilion has occupied a combined 1,000 square feet of PGA Show floor space over the years that it has been exhibiting, and for the January 2017 Show, it will again be located in the Products and Services section of the Show floor, this year at booth #2991.

“The PGA Show attracts 40,000 attendees annually and our Diversity Pavilion initiative has succeeded in consistently serving Black business owners and combining techniques for marketing and promoting their companies with substantial opportunities that are available through the African American Golfer’s Digest, the PGA Show and the $70 billion golf industry that this Show represents,” says Ms. Cook.
Each day the Diversity Pavilion will host special featured guests and personalities on site to heighten the energy-charged atmosphere of the PGA Show, the most comprehensive golf show in the U.S. Special events and activities include appearances by African American PGA Professionals, LPGA members, USGTF certified golf trainers, renowned authors, educators and others in the industry. The magazine also publishes a special PGA Show Highlights section in its Spring edition every March 2017. Its annual PGA Show press conference will be held in the media center’s convention hall on where it will detail its additional 2017 programs, alliances, and activities.

Also, this year at the PGA Show, the publication will announce details of several of its signature 2017 golf group travel itineraries that include Italy, Panama, Guyana, Martha’s Vineyard Golf Getaway, Birmingham Jazz & GolfFEST, Newport Jazz & GolfFEST, Augusta GolfFEST (held during Masters Week), along with many other exciting events planned for the 2017 year.

“It’s been 13-years of serving our golf readership and I am delighted to continue a successful working relationship with Reed Exhibitions, The PGA of America and the PGA Show organizers. Our combined efforts have grown participation to this annual trade event by African Americans and exposed many to the educational, professional and career benefits of attending this Show,” says Cook, whose booth receives tremendous foot traffic, media coverage and special guests. There is an estimated are 2.5 million African American golfers in the U.S. and the African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion has assisted dozens of minority firms in competing in the golf marketplace.

PGA Show – Booth Activity Schedule*
Booth Manager: James Beatty – Staff: John Perry, Samuel Harris

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” [VIDEO]

12Noon         Richard Degree, President, The Players Golf Association

12Noon         Franco Blackburn, The Agnant Group, President & 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 [VIDEO]

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” [VIDEO]

1-1:30PM       Jim Dent, signing copies of “The Journey of African Americans in Golf”

1:30PM          Ed Coleman, President/CEO, A Game Customs [VIDEO]

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, Professional Golfer [VIDEO]

3PM              Oneda Castillo, Director of Golf at Women In Golf Foundation and National Evaluator at LPGA [VIDEO]

3PM                Garvis Leak, Founder, President & Inventor, “Taking Off” Golf Platform [VIDEO]

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 [VIDEO]

11AM               Ginger Howard, LPGA [VIDEO]

11AM               Stewart Brown, President, Golf Ministries International

11:30AM        Jamie Taylor, Event Coordinator, The LPGA Foundation, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf [VIDEO]

11:30AM        Howard Bankhead, Executive Director,
Par Excellence & Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development [VIDEO]

11:45AM        Melvin Blair, President & CEO, Disabled Veterans Golf Association [VIDEO]

11:50AM        Amari “Tigress” Avery, Junior World Champion Golfer [VIDEO]

11;55AM        Arthur Johnson, President, Cals Pals (Founded by the late golf champion Calvin Peete) [VIDEO]

12 Noon         Deborah Saunders, Author, “Putt Girl” [VIDEO]

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, Founder, Renegades of Golf, USGTF Level III Certified Golf Instructor/

Golf Fitness Instructor [VIDEO]

12Noon           Jamilia Johnson, PGA PGM Academic Service Coordinator at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

12Noon           Selina Johnson, Founder & President, Hollywood Golf [VIDEO]

1PM                 Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA Member, Head Pro, Clearview Golf Course [VIDEO]

1PM                 Kevin Hall, professional golfer

1PM                 Ashaunta Epps, CEO, A Perfect Swing Golf [VIDEO]

1PM                 John Perry, Author, “Playing In The Dark”

1PM                 Clemmie Perry, Founder/President, Women of Color Golf

1:15PM            Joe Forrest, General Manager & Part Owner, The Links at Southwind Country Club [VIDEO]

1:30PM            Wyatt Worthington, Professional Golfer [VIDEO]

2PM                 Paula Pearson Tucker, LPGA Teaching & Club Professional, Manager at Lauderhill Golf, North Lauderhill, FL & Founder/Executive Director, Fore Life, Inc. [VIDEO]

2PM                 Tiffany Fitzgerald Mack, President/Founder, BlackGirlsGolf.com

2PM                   John Simpson, Director of Marketing & Memberships, National Black Golf Hall of Fame [VIDEO]

2PM                   LaJean Gould, Founder & President, Women in Golf Foundation [VIDEO]

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 Management [VIDEO]

Friday, Jan. 27

9AM-3PM      AAGD ongoing exhibit and business networking

(show closes at 3PM)

*schedule subject to change.

Over the years, special guests and participants at the Diversity Pavilion have included: Robin Aikens (LPGA), author of newly released training DVD: “Music, Golf & Motivation;” Alfonzo Dowe Jr., inventor of “The Twister” golf ball cleaning system; Mikell Johnson, Ph.D., author of “The African American Woman Golfer: Her Legacy,” A.B. Enterprises’ Handy-Tee Company, Lando Sports Apparel, and the Bogey Boyz ® conglomerate specializing in Bogey Boyz clothing, Bogey Boyz Golf Club, Bogey Kidz ® Mentoring Program, Investment Group, and Travel Agency for destinations worldwide, Earnie Ellison (PGA Foundation), Thelma B. Thompson Ph.D. (president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the first HBCU to run a PGA Certified Professional Golf Management Program), Jeff Dunovant (National Black Golf Hall of Fame), Bill Hopson (Disney Sports & Golf), Burl Bowens (Golf Coach, Hampton University), LaJean Gould (Women In Golf Foundation), Pro Golf at Camp Creek owners, Weldon & Shirely Coleman, Malachi Knowles (African American Golfer’s Hall of Fame), Hercules O. Pitts, a dual-golf course owner from Maryland, Wendell Haskins of The Original Tee golf classic, Dara Broadus (Future’s Tour), Addie Cobb of Addie Cobb Golf Academy, Mary L. Phelan (EWGA Board Member), Bill Fullard of BF Golf Tournament Services, Anthony Sheriff of Sweet Spot Apparel, Selena Johnson, Founder/President of Hollywood Golf, and Craig Stingley of C.S. Innovation, among others.

Celebrity appearances have included Kevin Hall, pro golfer, “Tiger’s Double” the celebrity impersonator and look-alike Mr. Herme Chua who signed autographs and posed for photos with more than 1,000 fans,  Pete McDaniel, a veteran golf writer and best-selling author, Omarosa Managault Stallworth of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice who signed autographs and posed for photographs with more than 1,200 fans. Additional stellar visitors to the booth included Lee Elder (Senior Tour), Renee Powell (PGA/LPGA), Calvin Peete, (PGA), Vern Burns (mini-tour player), Charles Calhoun (Golf Channel’s Big Break) along with a host of others.

Media visits and interviews at the Diversity Pavilion have included THE GOLF CHANNEL, ESPN, Golf For Women and several Canadian-based and Florida-based newspapers and radio stations. The GOLF CHANNEL also produced a special Martin Luther King, Jr., special production at the Diversity Pavilion that ran on its sports channel during Black History Month in February 2008.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND the PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW?

• Golf Industry Professionals
• Buyers for Golf Facilities and Courses
• Golf Course Owners, Presidents, and Managers
• PGA & LPGA Professionals (International and Domestic)
• Assistant PGA Professionals and PGA Apprentices
• Golf and Pro-Shop Owners and Managers
• Golf Coaches and Instructors
• Directors of Golf
• Students and Entrepreneurs of the Golf Industry
• Golf Tournament Directors and Organizers

The African American Golfer’s Digest, a niche focused magazine that launched in March 2003, continues to be the nation’s oldest–and only–leading golf publication serving avid Black American golfers.

The national quarterly serves a devoted subscriber base as the only magazine of its kind and reaches 80,000 readers with news, information and activities focused towards the African American demographic.  The is both print and digital versions available.

The African American Golfer’s Digest is registered with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) with memberships that include the United States Golf Association (USGA), National Golf Foundation, International Network of Golf (ING), and Metropolitan Golf Writers Association (MGA). To learn more about participating with the African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion & Business Networking Lounge contact [email protected] or  visit AfricanAmericanGolfersDigest.com

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PGA SHOW ONSITE – Registration Hours

Attendee (Available at the Orange County Convention Center)

• Monday, January 23, 2017 – 3:00pm – 5:00pm
• Tuesday, January 24, 2017 – 7:00am – 5:00pm
• Wednesday, January 25, 2017 – 7:00am – 6:00pm
• Thursday, January 26, 2017 – 7:30am – 6:00pm
• Friday, January 27, 2017 – 8:00am – 3:00pm

PGA Show Demo Day (Orange County National Golf Center)

• Tuesday, January 24, 2017 – 8:30am – 5:00pm

Exhibitor (Available at the Orange County Convention Center)

• Saturday, January 21, 2017 – 12:00pm – 5:00pm
• Sunday, January 22, 2017 – 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Monday, January 23, 2017 – 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Tuesday, January 24, 2017 – 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Wednesday, January 25, 2017 – 7:00am – 6:00pm
• Thursday, January 26, 2017 – 7:30am – 6:00pm
• Friday, January 27, 2017 – 8:00am – 3:00pm

Media Registration Hours (Available at the Orange County Convention Center, Room 311A )

• Monday, January 23, 2017 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
• Tuesday, January 24, 2017 – 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Wednesday, January 25, 2017 – 7:30am – 6:00pm
• Thursday, January 26, 2017 – 7:30am – 6:00pm
• Friday, January 27, 2017 – 7:30am – 3:00pm