Page 456 – African American Golfer's Digest

Lessons From Calvin Peete, The Legend Still Lives Through Technology

by Debert Cook June 7, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Calvin Peete died on Apr 29, 2015 in Atlanta at age 71. Peete was a golfing pioneer who overcame great physical hardship to become a dominant TOUR player in the 1980s. His legacy is monumental and his achievements in golf unforgettable. Thanks to technology, Peete’s golfing instruction will forever be viewable. Take a look through the links below and witness for yourself the making of this true masterful player. And take lesson from Peete.

30 Yard Pitch shot

Makeable Short Chips

Driving Accuracy

Calvin Peete Analysis

Calvin Peete Swing Compilation

‪Calvin Peete Works Amari Avery’s Wedge Game Wolf Creek Atlanta

‪Calvin Peete Works 5 Iron w/ Amari Avery Wolf Creek Atlanta

RYS Calvin Peete’s Great Golf Swing Using Ben Hogan’s Letter Lessons:Ben Hogan:Billy Martin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YCf9e7G9hQ

‪Cal Peete’s similarities to Ben Hogan’s swing

June 7, 2016 0 comment

Heard & Scene News

32nd Annual Classic City Golf Association Spurs Forward With Resounding Success

by Debert Cook June 6, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Golfers Hugh Jones (left) and Terry “Turkey” Garrett prepare to tee off.

The 32nd Annual Classic City Golf Association Tournament was held June 4-5, 206 at the University of Georgia Golf Course. Over 100 golfers played in this year’s tournament and the competition was in full force. Under the strong leadership of Charles Owens, CCGA President, the annual tournament was a huge success and a grand time was had by all participants.

CCGA President_Charles Owens The Classic City Golf Association (CCGA) is a formidable organization–among the swath of golf groups that flourish in the warn climate of Georgia. With excellent year-round playing weather, the hundreds of independent golfing clubs in the state have a known reputation for bringing together diverse golfers for enjoyable rounds of competitive play.

The CCGA group is an example of organizational success. Primarily comprised of golfers from the area of Athens, Ga., tCCGA has been in existence since 1984. The organization is proud to have served its community, while helping others to also enjoy playing the game of golf.

“We have so many people to thank who have helped us to get to this point,” says the very personal website message from President Charles Owens (pictured).

“Special ‘Thanks’ go out to our founders Robert Gunter, Thomas Elder, Joe Beck, Willie Gatlin and Vernon Howard who have worked hard and diligently to make CCGA unique, exciting, and most rewarding association. ”

Classic City Golf Association-1 However, CCGA members realize the value of their cohesiveness, and, are more than simply avid golfers. They have a divine purpose to their play and are heavily involved in community service initiatives.

Most prominently, the CCGA community service efforts are focus and dedicated towards helping selected non-profit organizations. CCGA is specifically attracted to those organization that provide various support services to Athens area youth and needy citizens.

The goal of CCGA is to assist these select organizations by making monetary contributions to their programs and worthy causes. In order to raise funds to achieve this goal, the CCGA sponsors its annual amateur golf tournament in Athens, Georgia. The outing has proven to draw a crowd that relishes giving back and supporting charitable events.

Notable, is that during 2013 CCGA membership grew from 30 to 45 members. That same year, CCGA also inducted its first female member, Kelly Smith, and the club continues reaching out to more women to be a part of the organization.

Classic City Golf Association-2

Throughout their local community, CCGA is deeply engaged in a highly diverse society and CCGA is taking on this challenge by encouraging all golfers to join us to build a better community.

CCGA is a member of the Interstate Golf Association (IGA). This organization had formerly been known as the Big Four and consisted of the following groups: Skyview Golf Association of Asheville, NC;The Parbusters Golf Club of Charlotte, NC; Master City Golf Club of Augusta, GA; and The Linksmans Golf Club of Spartanburg, SC.

The IGA currently has 11 member organizations, Electric City Golf Club, Anderson SC; MGTO-Minority Golf and Tennis Organization, Anderson SC; The Players Golf Association, Charlotte Metro, NC; Tri County Golf Club, Chester, SC; Savannah Senior Strikers Golf Club, Savannah, GA; Upstate Elite Golf Association, Greenville, SC and Tour Upstate, Simpsonville, SC.

The IGA members will host over 25 tournaments throughout the year, which most are open to the public.

IGA Tournament Schedule (click here)

In 2013, CCGA has created a Facebook and CCGA Blog sites to reach a broader audience and for our followers to keep up with, what is going on with CCGA. Please visit our Website and like us on Facebook.

Championship Flight first flight 2nd Flight 3rd Flight

4th Flight

June 6, 2016 0 comment

News

Muhammed Ali; A Champion Spirit That Will Never Die

by Debert Cook June 4, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Muhammad Ali, who has died aged 74, was acclaimed by many as the greatest world heavyweight boxing champion the world has ever seen. He was certainly the most charismatic boxer. His courage inside and outside the ring and his verbal taunting of opponents were legendary, as were his commitment to justice and his efforts for the sick and underprivileged.

Three times world champion, Ali harnessed his fame in the ring to causes outside it. He was a convert to Islam and the personification of Black Pride. He anticipated the anti-Vietnam war movement of the 1960s by refusing to join the armed forces.

He made goodwill missions to Afghanistan and North Korea, delivered medical supplies to an embargoed Cuba, and travelled to Iraq to secure the release of 15 US hostages shortly before the first Gulf war. Repellent though he found many aspects of US foreign policy – and repellent as the establishment found him when in 1967 it banned him from the ring for three years for refusing the draft – the nation embraced Ali as time passed, realising his unique ambassadorial value. In 2005, he received his country’s highest civilian honour, the presidential medal of freedom, from George W Bush, an incumbent whose views he must have detested.

But it all stemmed from boxing. His matchless magnificence, the self-proclaimed “greatness”, was invented early as a cheery prizefighter’s publicity stunt. It was a greatness that was to balloon and achieve near-universal acceptance as he became acknowledged as a beacon not only for downtrodden African Americans but for global Islam as well, not to mention the anti-war movement or poverty in developing countries. In the middle of press conferences, reporters would earnestly ask him about solving the Palestine problem, or if he could have a quiet word with Moscow about President Ronald Reagan’s star wars programme. Ali was a rebel with a cause – lots of them.

He played the sovereign to the hilt. He played the victim. He played the clown. He played the camera. But, above all, he played the sport. He was the best heavyweight boxer there had ever been since the Marquess of Queensberry set down his rules in 1867, undeniably the best since Kid Cain KO’ed Sugar Ray Abel. First as Cassius Clay, then as Ali, this remarkable boxer totally reset the marks, utterly changed all inviolate techniques and tenets. Four years after winning the light-heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Olympic games in Rome, he won the undisputed professional world heavyweight championship, taking on all comers. He was to regain the title twice, an achievement that remains unmatched. His career in the professional ring spanned an astonishing 21 years. Of 61 contests, he lost only five, four of them when he was long past his majestic best. Thirty-seven victories were knockouts.

WOMEN’S GOLF DAY PREPARES FOR JUNE 7th INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH

by Debert Cook June 3, 2016

written by Debert Cook

The inaugural International Women’s Golf Day (WGD), set for Tuesday, June 7, 2016, has exceeded its lofty goal with more than 400 golf facilities in more than 18 countries participating in this first-of-its-kind growth of the game initiative. WGD’s mission is to Engage, Empower and Support women and they will experience this first-hand on June 7.

“Ladies, in New York City—and across the nation—You’re invited to join me for Women’s Golf Day!” Says Debert Cook, publisher of the African American Golfer’s Digest. The 13-year old magazine has a readership that is comprised of 30% women, so the message resounds clearly with her. Cook plans to be at Golfsmith on 5th Avenue, in New York City, at 4pm on June 7 along with the founder of Women’s Golf Day, Elisa Gaudet, then the twosome will make their way go to Chelsea Piers at 6pm.

“We’re looking to Engage, Empower and Support women on this great day,” says Ms. Cook who praises Gaudet for developing the concept.

This one-day event is designed especially for females to heighten their engagement in golf and June 7, 2016, is an opportunity for any girl or woman to try golf for the first time in a fun, non-intimidating environment alongside existing golfers. On this one day, participants of all ages can either take a lesson or play 9 holes of golf with others who are playing for the first time, or have been playing for years.

“So, come on out…wherever you are on June 7,” says Cook.
Women’s Golf Day happens on the SAME DAY – SAME TIME – EVERYWHERE AROUND THE WORLD.

The event is all about celebrating girls and women playing golf & learning the skills that last a lifetime.

WGD will be celebrated between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., when women and girls will be introduced to the game in an inviting and fun environment. The event also encourages existing and former golf enthusiasts to attend with an opportunity to tee it up for nine holes. From 4:00-6:00 p.m. all participants will have the option of two hours of lessons or an on-course 9-hole experience. From 6:00-8:00 p.m. attendees will participate in a celebratory gathering where they’ll socialize, network, and receive information on ways to become more involved in golf (i.e. program’s lessons, leagues, clinics).

Elisa Gaudet (pictured) is President of Executive Golf International and Author of “Two Good Rounds” book series, and the Founder of International Women’s Golf Day.

“Women play a critical role in the success of the golf industry,” says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation. “Nearly 23 percent of all golfers in the U.S. are female and the creation of Women’s Golf Day is an opportunity to increase awareness, participation, and showcase golf as a fun activity for people of all ages.”

At its core, WGD has the united support of 17 veteran golf industry and business professionals, each volunteering their time and/or service to help execute this worldwide event. In addition to the collaborative efforts of the WGD team, the initiative has garnered the support of key golf management companies and retail outlets including: Arcis Golf,ClubCorp, Golfsmith, and PGA Superstore.

“We are proud to participate in this important international event,” said Eric Affeldt, ClubCorp President and CEO. “Positively impacting the future of the game of golf for females of all ages continues to be a priority for ClubCorp and at our clubs. Women’s Golf Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to help grow the game.” Golf course owners and operators also see the value of Women’s Golf Day.

“Golf courses and the sport are evolving in many wonderful ways, and Women’s Golf Day shines a spotlight on the growing popularity of our sport to women and girls all over the globe,” said Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association. “The life lessons and connections made among women on our fields of play are incredibly valuable. We are happy to support the endeavor to connect golf to more and more women.”

The WGD initiative is gaining attention from female leaders in sports, too. “There has never been a better time for women in sports and in business, and everyone knows golf is instrumental in many business relationships,” said Motivational Speaker Dr. Jen Welter, the NFL’s First Female Coach. “International Women’s Golf Day is a great way to get women in the game, on many levels. I am honored to take part in this historical event.”
According to event organizers, Women’s Golf Day has created positive momentum globally, and that momentum continues to grow. “It’s both amazing and gratifying to know that we’ll have participation in every time zone worldwide,” said Event Founder Elisa Gaudet. “Not only will we introduce new players to the game in an inviting and inclusive manner, participants will be able to share their experiences through social media and see how they’re actually part of a global community, doing the same thing, on the same day, around the world.”

To learn more visit http://womensgolfday.com

June 3, 2016 0 comment

Accessories Equipment Review

ProEnergy Towels

by Debert Cook June 3, 2016

written by Debert Cook

When things start heating up on the course, you need to stay cool to keep the competitive edge. ProEnergy Towels are just the right thing to quickly do the job. The ProEnergy towels are designed to give you several advantages: enhance your energy, improve concentration and cool and cleanse your skin, all without the use of any unhealthy additives that are found in most of today’s energy drinks and energy shots.

proEnergy Towel-2 Each ProEnergy Towel, is hygienically packaged for single-use and comes in its own, individually sealed pouch. The towels are comfortably large, at size 12″ x 15″, and gently infused with a very special patented formula that both refreshes and energizes you.

One of the best things about the ProEnergy Towel is that once the towel packet is opened, the patented formula reacts with the air to release specialized energizing vapors. These vapors, when inhaled, will help dilate your capillaries, which can increase the blood flow and oxygen to your brain, resulting in a fresh burst of clean energy and instant clarity*.

How Does It Work?

The ProEnergy Towel is great when used. It helps to cool down the skin, and the patented formula also gently cleanses your skin, helping to remove sweat, dirt and grime. You will notice that your skin will be able to “breath” after using ProEnergy Towel, resulting in your body being able to continue to cool and deliver at peak level.

Best of all, the ProEnergy Towel delivers the easy energy with no calories, no caffeine and no sugars. So, you receive these cooling benefits with no guilty conscience or side effects. The ProEnergy Towel even has several athletic endorsements:

“Number one, I love the aromas of the Pro Energy Towel after a ride. It jump starts my entire body and makes it easy to say ‘let’s ride again’.

The technology behind the towel is amazing. Regardless of its ambient temperature, it’s always refreshing on the skin.” —Greg Minnaar, Downhill World Champion

“The heat and dust storm during Abu Dhabi triathlon was no match for the Pro Energy Towels”—Lisa Ribes, Pro TriAthlete

The secret of the ProEnergy Towel is its calculated measure of smelling salts, as well as naturally cooling and smoothing essential oils. For the past 50 years, the use of smelling sales has become commonplace amongst amateur and professional athletes.

When enhaled in appropriate amounts, as delivered by ProEnergy Towel, smelling sales can dilate the capillaries. ProEnergy Towel ingredients: purified water, alcohol, essential oils and smelling salts.

June 3, 2016 0 comment

Bookshelf

Putt Girl; Best Day Yet!

by Debert Cook June 2, 2016

written by Debert Cook

By Deborah Cousar-Saunders
ISBN: 978-0-9849476-5-2

This creatively written book shares “putt girl” Paige’s ‘Best Day Yet’, and gets everyone she surrounds involved with the trickery of her exploits.

If you are wondering what is a Putt Girl? A Putt Girl is someone of the female gender who absolutely loves golf! A Putt Girl is smart, adventurous, funny, fearless and creative.

Throughout this book (64 pages) Young Paige shares her introduction of the game of golf—where her father is instrumental—through being a strong, addictive player. Their relationship is loving and showcases just how important father-daughter times together can be in helping young girls develop into their full potential.

Beautifully illustrated, by Remi Bryant, the images are striking and literally seem to ‘come alive’ on each page as little Paige learns how the use the various clubs and tees in her bag, while developing a strong bond with her golf coach.

The book includes a “Read This First” page, glossary and uses acronyms throughout.

The softcover book has its own Putt Girl website and Facebook page where even more information on Putt Girl is available.

June 2, 2016 0 comment

News

PGA Tour Switches Tournament From Trump Golf Course to Mexico

by Debert Cook June 2, 2016

written by Debert Cook

The PGA Tour said Wednesday that it will move its 2017 WGC-Cadillac Championship from the Trump National Doral golf course to a location in Mexico after it was unable to line up enough sponsorship dollars.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said Trump was a “most gracious host” and that the Tour is “interested in returning when the time is right.”

In December, Tour officials seemed more critical of Trump, suggesting that they might find a new home for the event after Trump made disparaging comments about Mexicans and suggested banning Muslims from the U.S.
Their statement at the time said Trump’s “comments are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf.” It also said after this year’s tournament in March, it would “explore all options regarding the event’s future.”
The PGA, another golf organization, pulled one of its golf tournaments from a Trump-owned golf course near Los Angeles in July 2015.

According to several news reports on Wednesday, Trump compared the move to “Nabisco, Carrier and so many other American companies” that have moved jobs out of the U.S.

Improve Your Golf Game Using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

by Debert Cook June 1, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Master Golf Instructor and short game specialist Mertiss Jay Thompson takes you through the various aspects of how to improve you golf game using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Learn this method and experience a better round with more control and confidence. Thomas guarantees that you will have more fun on the golf course and you will lower your handicap quite a bit.

See more instruction with Jay Mertiss Thompson on Facebook

June 1, 2016 0 comment

Health & Wellness

sore Point

by Debert Cook June 1, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Don’t miss out on all of the action on the golf course—or any sport—because o sore muscles. Toba Remedies of Long Island, New York, has a natural solution that works to help you get back into the game.

sore Point oil $28.00

The Toba Sore Point is a topical pain remedy made from 100% organic ingredients. Organic arnica promotes muscle relaxation, organic eucalyptus is an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, and all while peppermint oil aids muscle cramps and spasms. These benefits could make the difference in you keeping up with your fitness regime, or not.

Dr. Tara O’Brien-Adkins, who is the owner of Toba Remedies, has over 19 years of healthcare experience with a personal passion for fitness, skincare, and beauty. She says, “The main benefit is relief from the pain that comes without the use of any synthetic chemicals.”

Our editors especially liked the lightweight and non-stickiness of the products. It was amply bottled and, with use, provided a therapeutic aid for muscle fatigue. Overnight, the reported that great benefits were derived, with a dramatic decrease in pain relief from jogging, power-walking, stretching in yoga class, weight lifting, standing for long periods of time, biking and other activities. The oil is also ideal for use with deep tissue massages.

The product is available in a roll-on format (thicker and more powerful), or an oil (perfect for deep tissue massages), whatever your preference, each fits perfectly in your gym bag, golf bag, or on-the-road travel case!

sore Point Roll-on $24.00

The Sore Point products are designed to remedy aches and pains from muscle activity faced by men and women living active lifestyles. Individual ranging from athletes to working moms to professionals have had great success with using Sore Point.

The products can be used during treatment from the practitioner on areas of concern, such as trigger points, muscle spasm, or areas of discomfort.

It is perfect for after-service treatment or at-home use and SorePont oil can be added to bath water for post-workout recovery. sorePont roll-on comes in a convenient 2 oz. bottle for on the go pain relief.
The line includes therapeutic sprays, oils, and roll-on gels.

June 1, 2016 0 comment

Bookshelf

Legacy of a Common Man

by Debert Cook May 31, 2016

written by Debert Cook

A Powerful True Story of Triumph, Collapse, and Redemption by James Garvin, Jr.
ISBN-10: 1562292382

Jimmy has the kind of story they make movies about. He was born into the type of poverty that nobody ever escapes. But, from an early age, he showed an uncanny ability to defy the odds. Jimmy went to the prestigious Howard University on a baseball scholarship and seemed on track to leave the legacy of generational poverty behind. But, after five years, he left Howard, without a degree and without much hope for his future.

But, Jimmy knew how to work hard. Through a combination of ambition and good fortune, he left the world of menial jobs by discovering his true passion and talent, managing golf courses. Golf would take him all the places he once hoped baseball would. Jimmy became the first African-American president and partner in Golf Course Specialist’s history.

A recognized community leader, his life was chronicled in the Golf Channel’s 2011 special, Golf in America: The Jimmy Garvin Story. He is also is the recipient of Proclamations from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Florida. But, while he steadily climbed to the top of his profession, he made a few ill-advised decisions.

After finally achieving everything he had ever hoped for, everything once again came crashing down as he faced a federal indictment for a crime he didn’t commit. Would Jimmy be able to get his life back on course after this seemingly complete fall from grace?

Legacy of a Common Man is a story of resiliency and ambition in pursuit of the American dream and just how fragile that dream can be. Get inspired by one of America’s great-untold stories.

May 31, 2016 0 comment

News

2nd Diversity Round Table Held, Aiming To Grow Participation Among Women

by Debert Cook May 31, 2016

written by Debert Cook

The second diversity round table discussion of 2016 was held at the Wyndham Resort Hotel, in Peachtree, GA on Friday, May 20, 2016; in conjunction with the Advocates Pro Tour and the National Black Golf Hall of Fame dinner/induction ceremony. Approximately 35 individuals participated.

The theme for the session was “Increasing Female Participation in Golf,” and the objectives were:

To develop action items to increase diversity and inclusion in recreational golf, youth golf, college golf, professional golf, and careers/employment,
To meet other advocates for diversity and inclusion in golf,
To share findings from the recent diversity and inclusion report,
To serve as a linking agent, connecting grass roots and community-based org’s/individuals already working with diverse populations, with leaders within the golf industry.

Comments and opinions were widely generated during the Roundtable, and among the many suggestions from the collection of participants were these:

Create an “awareness campaign” highlighting career opportunities

Make sure this campaign goes into diverse communities, to “communicate where they are”
Portray images that look like them

Partner with Debert Cook at African American Golfers Digest, who probably has the most extensive database and ability to reach these markets
Get more mentors involved
Get more parents involved
Explore and share history…story-telling
Also share your own personal experiences through story-telling
Create/promote free club outings, tournaments, etc., to attract interested, but hesitant. Create a fund to provide resources so “all they have to do is show up”
Promote affordable golf
Provide access, opportunities, and exposure through golf
Subsidize fees for “junior golf open house day,” kids practice free month,” “kids play free month”, “girls day/month”
Make imagery more exciting, fun and appealing
Re careers, engage adult females already into golf. What/where are their opportunities?
“Boycott! The only thing the industry understands is green!”
Create accountabilities re diversity for leaders in golf
When preparing resumes, make sure you let them know you play golf
Ask millennials for answers…make them a part of the conversations, and make/treat them as experts
Use the game as a tool/instrument to educate
Recruit more female role models
Develop more all-female opportunities
Assist teens seeking college scholarships, interns, career ops, etc.
Take individual ownership!
- What part will you play?
Unify and determine “what’s the ask” of the industry?
Industry is currently too steeped in tradition…must make it more welcoming to females and meet people where they are.

Send Michael a Comment!

ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D. Dr. Michael W. Cooper is the former Director of Diversity for the World Golf Foundation/The First Tee and past Assistant Dean/Campus Director for Springfield College-Tampa Bay campus. Contact him at [email protected].

May 31, 2016 0 comment

News Slider

2016 Afro-Cuban Golf & Travel Excursion–Come With Us, AGAIN!

by Debert Cook May 26, 2016

written by Debert Cook

African American Golfer’s Digest & Pathfinders Travel Magazine
Present their 3rd Annual

AFRO-CUBAN PROGRAM HAVANA-MATANZAS

8 Adventurous Days / 7 Exciting Nights

“Yes, We’re Going to Cuba Again! Come With Us!”

Discover the magnificent island of Cuba – with its sunlit beaches, soulfully-vibrant rhythms, sultry landscape, and uniquely rich heritage of music, art, literature and dance. Cuba is now the most desired travel destination in the Caribbean. Within easy reach of the U.S., Cuba is just 90 miles off the coast of Florida. The ease and convenience of vacationing in Cuba is quickly gaining attention, and those who have traveled with us before are fiercely spreading the word!

Cuba has been a sought-after destination since the early 50’s when Hollywood’s elite enjoyed spending time there; to now, recent visits by celebrities who flock to Cuba including legendary entertainers such as JZ and Beyonce, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Mick Jagger, Usher and Katy Perry to name a few. The sun-drenched beaches, bungalows and culture of Cuba is attracting a steady stream of visitors. Join us this year on another fabulous Cuba travel excursion for the experience of a lifetime and, an opportunity to explore this beautiful and captivating land and meet its friendly and open people.

NEXT TRIP:
November 15 – November 22^nd, 2016

ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Tuesday, November 15th

Arrival at José Martí International Airport in Havana, where guests will be welcomed by the Agency’s guide. Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Havana.

In the evening, dinner at a restaurant. After dinner, enjoy the night show at a Parisian Cabaret.

Meals Included: Dinner

DAY 2: Wednesday, November 16th

After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the historic area of Havana, designated as a World Heritage Site since November 1979. Visit the rum museum and the cigar factory. Lunch at the Paladar Prado 115. After lunch, visit the Revolution Museum and Yoruba Association of Cuba, and enjoy a folkloric activity. Visit the Malcolm X and Martin Luther King monument in one of the streets of Vedado. Continue to Marianao neighborhood where the Martin Luther King Memorial Center is located. Return to the hotel.

Dinner at the Paladar Rio Mar. After dinner continue to “La casa de la musica” in Miramar neighborhood to enjoy the music of a live band.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3: Thursday, November 17th

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After breakfast, transfer to the new Havana through the seawall, passing by the American Embassy and continue to the Plaza of the Revolution. Visit one of the art schools of this country’s educational system in Havana. Tour the institution to learn more about it, its construction and forms of study. Meeting with teachers and students and time to establish a dialogue. Lunch at the Paladar where the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama and her daughters had lunch during their visit to Cuba. On the way back to the hotel, visit the studio of the Cuban painter “Choco”. One of the foremost Cuban artists, Choco graduated from the Escuela Nacional de Arte in 1970 and studied at the University of Havana Art School. Choco is internationally recognized for his collagraphs, a printmaking technique in which the image is composed from a variety of textured materials placed on a plate, then inked and pressed. These materials, often discarded remnants, are recycled by Choco and turned into vibrant images that beckon to be touched. As is evident in Choco’s work, collagraphs provide opportunity for a tremendous scope of innovation and experiment.

Return to the hotel.

At night, transfer to another Paladar for dinner. This paladar received the Excellence Award from TripAdvisor in 2014 and obtained the Fourth National Excellence Crown of urban agriculture and the agro-ecological seal. The Paladar is supplied by an integrated farm: The Yoandra, that offers guided tours to learn about more than 110 species of fruit trees including visits Baobab, the tree of the Orishas. An Orisha

is a spirit that reflects one of the manifestations of God (Eledumare, Olorun, Olofi) in Yoruba religion. The farm has been declared Provincial Botanical Garden of fruit trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4: Friday, November 18th

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Pick up at the hotel after breakfast. Transfer to Matanzas City to visit the Slave’s Route Museum and the San Severino Castle. This museum is part of a project that has the goal to show to the world the phenomenon of the slave trade. The Castle itself (where the museum is located) is one of the greatest constructions in the city and a well preserved witness of the local history. Built as part of a military defense system, the construction works started in 1693 and culminated around 1740. During its history, the castle was used in the slave trade activities in the 18th century and as a prison until 1970. This fortress is considered a jewel of military architecture in Matanzas and due to its historical and architectural values is considered a National Monument.

Lunch at the Paladar Amelia del Mar.

Visit the first Pharmaceutical Museum in Latin America which was reopened on May 1, 1964. Although eclecticism dominated its construction, it still retains all the original furnishings and elements and is the only French pharmacy from the end of the 19th century that remains today that is protected under the law. It was declared a National Monument in 2007.

At night, guests will be taken in a classic convertible car to a Mansion for dinner with a welcome cocktail. Then guests will have 15 minutes for pictures and autographs with the musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club Project at the Marino Bar in Plaza America. Later enjoy Buena Vista Social Club Concert seated in a preferential area, the musicians from this club played in the White House for President Obama.

Return to the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Lunch at the Paladar Amelia del Mar.

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Screen Shot 2016-05-25 at 11.09.57 PM At night, guests will be taken in a classic convertible car to a Mansion for dinner with a welcome cocktail. Then guests will have 15 minutes for pictures and autographs with the musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club Project at the Marino Bar in Plaza America. Later enjoy Buena Vista Social Club Concert seated in a preferential area, the musicians from this club played in the White House for President Obama.

Return to the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5:
Saturday, November 19th

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After breakfast at the hotel, GOLFERS will transfer to Varadaro Golf Course for 18 holes of play. An additional Fee and proper dress code applies for this out of program activity. Tee-time: 7:00 a.m.
Estimated return: 12:30 p.m. where golfers will rejoin the travel group for Lunch at the Paladar Chiquirrín.

After breakfast at the hotel NON-GOLFERS will take a transfer to meet with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, a recognized Cuban folklore group. Lunch follows at the Paladar Chiquirrín. After lunch, return to the hotel.

Dinner at the hotel and then transfer in the antique cars to the Xanadú Mansion to enjoy a live jazz group.

Return to the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6:
Sunday, November 20th

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Havana to visit the studio of the painter Mendive. Born in Havana in 1944, Mendive is known as one of Cuba’s foremost artists. He graduated from the San Alejandro Academy in 1962. During the ’60s his works were influenced by the altars of religious cults and Santería, which incorporated voodoo performances and masks.

He was awarded the Adam Montparnasse prize at the 1968 exhibition at the Salon de mai in Paris. That same year he won 3rd prize at the Salón Internacional de Artes Plásticas in Havana. Mendive’s work can be found in most of the important salons and museums in Europe and the Americas. Later visit the Museum of Guanabacoa, and then lunch in another Paladar. After lunch, visit the headquarters of the Association Cuba-Africa. Return to the hotel.

At night, dinner in another Paladar and then transfer to another venue to enjoy music.

Return to the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7:
Monday, November 21^st

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Cafetal Angerona. The ruins of the coffee plantations are located in the province of Artemisa. Its owner was a German immigrant, Cornelio Souchay, who acquired the land in 1813. Cornelio Souchay had come to Cuba in the early nineteenth century. While in Havana he met Ursula Lambert, a freeborn Haitian who had also reached the largest Caribbean Island with her parents and settler Lambert, running away from the war produced by the revolution in Haiti. In 1815 Ursula began working with Cornelio, and in 1822 reached Angerona. Both shared economic, financial and organizational interests of the coffee plantation. The rumors are, despite the social and racial prejudices of the time, they lived an intense love, but this part of the story is only a legend.

With her hard work, Ursula contributes to the development of the coffee plantation. Since Cornelio trusted her, she dealt with the economy of the hacienda and taught the slaves needlework and domestic work. Because of her initiatives, the nursing and criollitos house was built, where children were given special attention to grow healthy and strong. She also installed inside the coffee plantation shops, where she sold guano, clay and fabrics items.

Lunch then return to the hotel.

At night, transfer to another Paladar, where President Obama had dinner with his family during his stay in Cuba. After dinner transfer to a bar in Havana.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8:
Tuesday, November 22^nd

After breakfast, transfer to Jose Marti Airport in Havana to take the flight back to Miami.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Price includes:

– Accommodation in Havana for 5 nights

– Accommodation in Varadero, Matanzas, for 2 nights (all inclusive)

– All meals as described in the itinerary
– All private transfers for customers of the group
– Tour guide is a Professor of Caribbean Culture and Raciality, with a Ph.D.

in this area in addition to being an English teacher

– Private welcome and pre-tour briefing
– All entrance fees to schedule activities and events described in the program
– 24-hour emergency customer service hotline

– Tour operator travel guidebook

– Souvenir courtesy of the agency

Private Casas

Accommodation in Havana – Premium Private Villages

Accommodation in Varadero, Matanzas – Iberostar Playa Alameda (4* hotel)

Price per person in a SGL: $3,399.00

Price per person in a DBL room: $2,899.00

Additional charge for flights

MIAMI – Daily charter flights are available – If leaving from Miami, we recommend an overnight stay as flight time confirmations to Havana are subject to change.

New York – Flights are available on Tuesday & Friday – Our departure and return date is on Tuesday. If adding on a few days, be sure to return on Friday or Tuesday.

Flight package includes:

– Roundtrip Air Fare
– Taxes & fees at the U.S. airport
– Cuban Airport Departure Tax

– Travel Health Insurance

– Cuban Visa

Flight Package does not include:

Baggage charges are not included in the Flight Package and are subject to change depending on the contracted airline. Please ask your travel agent about baggage fee, airline regulations for irregular baggage, special assistance, or other questions regarding your trip.

(ONLY 30 spots remain available!!) Book Today!!

To book your travel package contact:

Debert Cook
African American Golfer’s Digest
Phone: (212) 571-6559

May 26, 2016 0 comment

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