Page 457 – African American Golfer's Digest

Memorial Day Discount for The Taylormade Junior Open!

by Debert Cook May 24, 2016

written by Debert Cook

With respect and appreciation for our service members and their families Taylormade is offering a Memorial Day Discount for their Taylormade Junior Open! Enter discount code 0727 when registering!

Taylormade Junior Open presented by PGA TOUR Superstore

June 7th & 8th, 2016

Waterchase Golf Club – Ft Worth, Texas

Entries Close – June 1st, 2016 (9pm CST)

Junior Golf Scoreboard Ranked

Golfweek Ranked

IMG Academy Junior World Exemptions (Boys and Girls 15-17 Champions)

North American Junior Am Exemptions (Boys and Girls Championship Division)

AJGA PBE (see below)

Optimist International – Qualifier (see below)

This event will be open to any junior golfer 8-18 (boys/girls) with NO membership fee. The Taylormade Junior Open will be ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and Golfweek, serve as a qualifying event for IMG Academy Junior World (Boys 15-17 & Girls 15-17), Optimist International, North American Junior Am (Boys 14-18 & Girls 13-18), and will award AJGA PBE to the Boys Championship (14-18), and Girls Championship (13-18) divisions.

NOTE: When looking online at entries for these two divisions please count the number of players for each age group as they make up the total for the two divisions listed (Boys 14-15 & 16-18 and Girls 13-14 & 15-18 Championship Divisions).

– BOYS 14-15 and 16-18 will be grouped together to form the Boys Championship Division. We will award prizes based on age divisions but rankings and exemptions will be based on the Overall Championship Division (Boys 14-18)

– GIRLS 13-14 and 15-18 will be grouped together to form the Girls Championship Division. We will award prizes based on age divisions but rankings and exemptions will be based on the Overall Championship Division (Girls 13-18)

Taylormade Junior Open participants will receive a player goodie bag, and chances to win the below items.

Players and parents will be entered into the Taylormade Junior Open raffle/drawing during our drawing. We are approved through UIL and will maintain Amateur status by including players and parents in our drawings.

Taylormade Junior Open presented by PGA TOUR Superstore – Drawing Items:

Taylormade M2 Driver
Taylormade M2 3Wood
Taylormade M2 #3
TaylorMade Golf Balls (2 Dozen)
Taylormade Gift Bag
AT&T Smart Phone (Activation Required)
JGC Gift Bag
Peachtree Junior Open 2017 (Georgia) – 2 Free Entries
Taylormade Junior Open 2017 (Texas) – 2 Free Entries
Lone Star Junior Championship 2017 (Texas) – 2 Free Entries

North Texas Junior (Texas) – 2 Free Entries

AJGA (PBE) – Taylormade Junior Open

Boys (14 – 18) Champion —- 4 Performance Stars
Boys (14 – 18) Top 5 —- 1 Performance Star
Girls (13 – 18) Champion —- 4 Performance Stars
Girls (13 – 18) Top 3 —- 1 Performance Star
Boys (12-13) Minimum 20 players in this division to get (1) Star

Optimist Qualifying Spots:

Boys 16-18 – 3

Girls 15-18 – 4

Boys 14-15 – 4

Girls 13-14 – 3

Boys 12-13 – 2

Girls 10-12 – 3

Boys 10-11 – 3

Additional questions about exemptions please contact Justin Hogue ([email protected])

Please visit your local PGA TOUR Superstore for their exceptional service and latest technology to help your game!

For more information on the Taylormade Junior Open, please visit: juniorgolfchampionships.com

For more information on The Optimist, please visit: optimist.org/golf

Junior Golf Championships would like to thank our partners for their continued support. Our partners include PGA TOUR Superstore, Taylormade, Adidas, Ashworth, Pepsi, Gatorade, Frito Lay, Gimmie Charge, Iomic Grips, Junior Golf Scoreboard, DFW Links, Embroidery by Design, Chick-Fil-A, Golfweek, AJGA, Optimist International, North American Junior Am, and AT&T.

Sibling Discount – This discount is valid throughout our 2017 JGC golf season.

Please contact JGC for the discount code.

Junior Golf Championships

Cell (214) 499-6841

[email protected]

FB: @JuniorGChampionships

T: @JuniorGolfChamps

W: JuniorGolfChampionships.com

May 24, 2016 0 comment

Blog

So Much Good Is Happening In the World of Golf!

by Debert Cook May 24, 2016

written by Debert Cook

This blog is full of interesting information. That’s because, so much GOOD is happening in the world of golf, especially for Black people who are involved in the game. It will be brief, so let me get started!!

Diversity Roundtable discussion & National Black Golf Hall of Fame ceremony
Introducing PEYD
Pin High Golf Apparel
30 years of Jazz, Rich in Spirit

Diversity Roundtable discussion & National Black Golf Hall of Fame ceremony

I look forward to attending the Diversity Roundtable discussion on golf and experiencing the National Black Golf Hall of Fame ceremony in Atlanta the weekend of May 20, 21, 2016. My good friend Dr. Michael Cooper knows my love of golf and my commitment to introducing and bringing as many youth and families to experience this wonderful and crazy game called golf. For Dr. Cooper and me, it’s more than playing the game it is the business and social implications that are compelling. The late, great Calvin Pete once told me-over a drink of scotch- that he has benefited from just being around the golf environment, i.e. the people you can meet, plus the deals and connections that are made. I look forward to meeting people and making some connections the weekend of May 20-21, 2016 in Atlanta.

Introducing Par Excellence Youth Development (PEYD)

Established in Huntsville, Alabama in 2015, Par Excellence Youth Development (PEYD) is a newly formed community service youth development organization.

Several individuals have committed their time and talents to serve and develop this 501(c)(3) non-profit, into a premier youth serving organization.

PEYD’s mission is to positively influence the lives of youth by providing educational programs that supports academics, develop character and encourage fitness.

PEYD is new in years, yet rich with years of service and expertise.

PEYD aims to address low academic achievement; character development; lifestyle decisions and improve family structure.

PEYD’s ultimate goal is to help solve and break the cycle of poverty while transforming lives in some of our youth and their families.

PEYD is assured that through the 3-5-10 Mentoring and Tutoring Initiative to address low academic achievement while using the sport of golf to develop character and influence lifestyle decisions to transform some lives of the youth and families PEYD pledge to serve.

PEYD activities are designed to encourage our participants, volunteers and board members to commit to integrity, mastery, accountability, self-reliance, work ethics, civility and service to others. These are PEYD core values!

The founding members of PEYD includes:

Taylor Byrd, Jr., Ph.D.
James O. Bearden, Jr.
Reggi Clark
Errol Davis
LeRoy Gradford Jr., Ed.D.
Kevin Hathaway
Howard Bankhead
Joe Collazo, Ed.D.

Pin High Golf Apparel

It is refreshing doing good business with young, positive and smart entrepreneurs especially when they just happen to be African American. I first met Franco Blackburn when he made a hole-in-one at a John Stallworth Foundation golf tournament in Huntsville, Alabama a few years ago. After that Franco volunteered as a math/golf instructor for my youth development program. I will share more of Franco’s bio and our partnership in another blog.

This section of the blog is to introduce our readers that’s not familiar with Pin High, the latest thing in golf apparel. Besides the world-class quality and pricing of the product, what makes Pin High a compelling choice for purchase is the methods in which Pin High is marketed, distributed and sold throughout the U.S. domestic market and regions beyond, by family owned and operated Agnate Group.

The Agnate Group is husband and wife team Franco and Elisabeth Blackburn, along with Elisabeth’s brother, David T. Wheeler, Jr. You can contact my main man Franco @[email protected] also check out the website: http://www.pinhigh-golf.com/.

30 years of Jazz, Rich in Spirit

In 2001, the Board members of Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Jazz Society (TVJS) voted and to amend the articles of incorporation to expand the mission of the jazz society to include the promotion of heath and sports. The sport selected by the TVJS to promote was golf. The Tennessee Valley Jazz Society became known as the Tennessee Valley Jazz Society-Youth Development Program. We were the only organization in the entire world that offered jazz education & entertainment, health awareness and youth development life and golf skills. More on this unique arts agency and youth serving organization in another blog.

I am proud to announce my 30^th year as being part of the TVJS and presenting the annual Jazz-N-June on the Mountain Festival. Since 1986, Jazz on the mountain has grown from a few hours of jazz in the state park, to a branded event called Jazz-N-June Festival, featuring Jazz-N-June on the Mountain.

The 30^th annual for the Jazz-N-June (JNJ) Festival, June 12-19, 2016, will consist of eight days and nights of jazz-related activities. Jazz venues include libraries; colleges & universities; community centers; restaurants & bars and concerts halls. Events and activities will include jazz concerts; jazz jam Sessions; jazz education; sports events and quality of live activities. JNJ featured event is Jazz-N-June on the Mountain in Monte Sano State Park Amphitheater. We project over 3,200 festival goers to experience the various Jazz-N-June activities.

For more info you can contact directly @ [email protected] and visit www.tvjs.webs.com

For more information and to support contact Howard Bankhead @ [email protected] / 256-604-8172

May 24, 2016 0 comment

News Slider

Pro Golfer Kevin Hall Earns $7,500 Top Prize at Advocates Pro Tour Event This Past Weekend at Heritage Golf Links

by Debert Cook May 24, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Final Scoring Summary for the Advocates Pro Tour Event This Past Weekend at Heritage Golf Links proves the challenge was a good one.

Kevin Hall‘s 8 under par two-day total earned him the $ at the APGA Atlanta Championship. Hall is a hearing-impaired golfer who is deaf. Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kevin (pictured left) became a nationally ranked Little League standout and overcame his handicap to succeed in golf at a young age.

“What a fun weekend in Atlanta,” said Hall from his Facebook page. “Waited a long time for this but I finally got into the winner’s circle. I feel really humbled and blessed to be able to experience my hard work paying off.”

Tim O’Neal‘s second day 67 pushed him past the competition for sole possession of second place. Jesse Allen finished 2 under for the two days and he once again is the Senior Division Champion. Doug Smith earned top amateur honors at 1 over par for the Championships. The next Advocates Pro Tour event will be held in New Orleans June 11-12, 2016.

May 21-22, 2016, Total Purse $24,000, Winning Share 7,500

	First name:	Last name:	Total	Round 1	Round 2	Strokes	Payout
1	Kevin	Hall	-8	67	69	136	$7,500
2	Tim	O’Neal	-4	73	67	140	4,000
3	Jesse	Allen	-2	73	69	142	2,400
t4	Willie	Mack	-1	74	69	143	1,100
t4	Daniel	Augustus	-1	68	75	143	1,100
t4	Greg	Banks	-1	70	73	143	1,100
7	Matthew	Ryan	0	73	71	144	850
t8	Tommy	Schaff	1	72	73	145	800
t8	Patrick	Olobo	1	74	71	145	800
t8	Doug	Smith	1	72	73	145	Amateur
t8	Robbie	Biershenk	1	73	72	145	800
t8	Christian	Heavens	1	75	70	145	800
t13	Anthony	Phipps	2	72	74	146	417
t13	Maurice	Jeffries	2	74	72	146	417
t13	John	Montgomery	2	69	77	146	417
t16	Montrele	Wells	3	71	76	147
t16	Will	Lowery	3	71	76	147
t16	Nicholas	Wade	3	71	76	147
t16	Kevin	Lyles	3	71	76	147
t16	Jerry	Bruner	3	72	75	147
t16	Jabir	Bilal	3	75	72	147
t22	Dominique	Worthen	4	72	76	148
t22	Keith	Early	4	73	75	148
t24	Jon	Levitt	5	73	76	149
t24	Kyle	Sapp	5	83	66	149
t24	Tom	Rasmussen	5	73	76	149
t24	Pomp	Braswell	5	78	71	149
28	Jarred	Garcia	6	74	76	150
29	JP	Thornton	7	78	73	151
t30	Kumaiu	Johnson	8	77	75	152
t30	Devin	Crenshaw	8	76	76	152
t30	Brandon	Beckham	8	78	74	152
t33	George	Perry	9	78	75	153
t33	Jerel	Whiting	9	82	71	153
t33	Galen	Aldrich	9	76	77	153
t33	David	Carnell	9	76	77	153
t33	Clay	Myers	9	77	76	153
38	Shep	Archie	10	76	78	154
t39	Dennis	Minnefee	13	76	81	157
t39	Omari	Whitmore	13	78	79	157
41	Aaron	Grimes	14	79	79	158
t42	Jordan	Heath	17	77	84	161
t42	Chuck	Wyatt	17	78	83	161
44	Brian	Wilbor	18	79	83	162
45	James	Petty	19	84	79	163
46	Adrian	Singh	23	85	82	167
47	Damon	McKenzie	29	91	82	173
	Jeremiah	Wooding		68	WD	WD
	Lee	Bazile		WD
	King	Simmons		WD

	Amateur
	First name:	Last name:		Round 1	Round 2	Total
1	Doug	Smith	1	72	73	145
2	Dennis	Minnefee	13	76	81	157
3	James	Petty	19	84	79	163

	Senior Division
	First name:	Last name:		Round 1	Round 2	Total	Payout
1	Jesse	Allen	-2	73	69	142	$1,000
2	Jerry	Bruner	3	72	75	147	500
t3	Tom	Rasmussen	5	73	76	149
t3	Jon	Levitt	5	73	76	149
5	Johnny	Allen	14	80	78	158

May 24, 2016 0 comment

Auto Review

2016 Range Rover Evoque 5-Door, The Urban Navigator

by Debert Cook May 23, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Whether you’re cruising the streets, driving over potholes, taking the family to a football game, or maneuvering through tight traffic, the 2016 Range Rover Evoque is built for all that and more. The Evoque dispels the image of Range Rover as strictly off-road. It does that better and tackles city driving as good as a car.
The Santorini Black Range Rover Evoque I drove also got lots of attention with the $3,500 Black Design package that included 20-inch 5 split spoke satin black finish alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, smoke finished fog lights, and clear finished tail lamps. The exterior design contrasted well with the $475 Santorini Black paint finish.

Range Rover-3 First introduced as a 2012 model, the Range Rover Evoque wrapped up a host of vehicle awards, including our 2012 Urban Truck of the Year. http://www.landroverusa.com/vehicles/rr-evoque-luxury-crossover/awards/decisive-magazine.html The Evoque’s small size and exceptional fuel economy makes it a superlative match for Urban environments, according to Decisive media judges.

Above: Andy Goss, Director of Sales Operations and former President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America, accepts the 2012 Urban Truck of the Year Award from Randi Payton, President, Decisive Media.

The Evoque I tested was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that was paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The EPA fuel economy is listed as 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. That’s about $1,250 more in fuel cost over five years than the average vehicle, which is pretty good for a small 5-door SUV.

If you plan to run out and finance the 2016 Evoque, in addition to your monthly note or lease cost, expect to budget around $2,000 a year for gas.

Other standard features included an intelligent start and stop system that saved fuel during stops and started by pressing the gas pedal. Built in are many Range Rover all-terrain suspension, braking, hold and decent control, trailer assist, and stability technologies for which it is a leader.

The 2016 Range Rover Evoque comes with a 4 year limited manufacturer warranty and pro-rated mileage corrosion warranty. You also have four years or 50,000 miles of roadside assistance, whichever comes first.

The MSRP is $53,775, with a $995 dealer delivery charge.
Randi Payton is Founder at Decisive Media, Washington D.C. Metro Area.

May 23, 2016 0 comment

Blog News Slider

Houston We Have A Problem….

by Debert Cook May 23, 2016

written by Debert Cook

May Day! May Day! SOS to anyone who’s listening, please contact the “Golfing Police”, because we have a serious situation here and the future of this great game we love is in jeopardy.

Yes Houston; we do have a problem. Golf as we know it seems to be going down the tube faster than we may think. On a personal note, for me, it started with the Golf Channel’s telecast of “Big Break”. That show that promoted and showcased gimmicky, trick shot, golf—showing contestants hitting golf balls through glass windows, and into circles, and squares. From there it went on to “speed golf”, “midnight golf”, golf video games, virtual golf, golf simulators, soccer golf, etc.

golf board-1 We’ve gone from caddying and being self-taught, to father teaching son (or daughter), to high school and college coaches, to Sean Foley. Sorry Sean, not meaning to throw you under the bus, but someone had to be the sacrificial lamb.

photo: golfer on course using the Golf Board.

I know that golf— the brand— needs to be marketed and promoted like any other product that needs to grow and survive, but as I see it, and have played it for over 55-years, golf can stand on its own tradition and reputation, as well as any sport out there, without the smoke and mirrors approach.

“Golf Boards” On The Scene

From St. Andrews in Scotland, to playing Ice Golf in Alaska, this game has transcended like no other. For me personally, the straw that broke the camel’s back has been my exposure and introduction to the new wave known as “Golf Boards”. These surf board-like, single golf scooters, are the latest phenomenon that’s being allowed at public golf courses throughout the golfing community. They’re supposed to be an alternative to the two passenger golf cart that at least offered a canopy and windshield. These “Golf Boards” will hold 1 golf bag and 1 passenger. It has 4-wheel drive, a high speed of 14 mph, low speed of 5 mph. And they’re supposed to be designed to speed up the pace of game.

It’s projected that by using the Golf Board you can play 2 rounds of golf in under 5 hours. (This is usually the time it takes to play 1 round.) The powers-that-be in the game of golf have, as of late, been preoccupied with a solution that will shortened the amount of time “weekend warriors” take to complete a round of golf.

Truth be told, over the last several years even the purist and the golf royalist were starting to lose their patience with the slow pace of play. But to compromise the integrity—and soul of this great game, I say beware. Sometimes as we know, the grass always looks greener on the other side. These new Golf Boards will certainly attract the younger, more athletic, golf enthusiast. But, the senior citizens of the game— I’m sure— will still prefer the original, two-passenger golf cart, with a comfortable seat, a canopy and a windshield. The safety side of these new Golf Board things is also something that I’ll surely be keeping my eyes on.

Pandora’s Box Wide Open

Overall, I see the entry of the Golf boards on the thousands of golf courses across the country to the likening of opening a Pandora’s Box. In the long run, these Golf Boards could do more harm than good.

golf board_300

Where the traditional carts rent for around $10-$15 per golfer, these Golf Boards are going for $29 and up, per golfer. It would be a shame to sell out this game for profit that could be short lived. Sometimes less, is still more. Golfing Police, I beg you to get off your SEAT and get back on your BEAT. It was a much better game when the golf icons of the game were the poster children for growth, and not the trick-shot artist and the longest drive muscle-men.

ABOUT JOHN PERRY

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. Email: [email protected]

May 23, 2016 0 comment

Heard & Scene News

Phil Mickelson to Pay More Than $1 Million to SEC for Profit He Made on Inside Stock Tip

by Debert Cook May 19, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Two other individuals allegedly involved in the insider trading case with Mickelson are Las Vegas investor and gambler Billy Walters and Thomas Davis, the former chairman of Dean Foods. Walters and Davis were named in federal criminal indictments unsealed Thursday.

Mickelson was named as a “relief defendant” in the case, meaning he benefited from wrongdoing but is not accused of any illegal act.

“The complaint does not assert that Phil Mickelson violated the securities laws in any way. On that point, Phil feels vindicated,” said the statement released by his attorney, former White House counsel Gregory Craig. “At the same time, however, Phil has no desire to benefit from any transaction that the SEC sees as questionable.”

The SEC complaint cites a July 2012 conversation he had with Walters. According to the SEC, Mickelson and Walters were friends, and the golfer owed the gambler for bets.

Walters had insider information from Davis about an upcoming spin-off Dean Food (DF)was planning, and Walters advised Mickelson to buy its stock, according to the complaint.

Mickelson allegedly bought $2.4 million worth of the stock the next day, dwarfing his total stock holdings of $250,000. When the stock rose in price, Mickelson was able to sell it at a $931,000 profit and pay off his bets with the proceeds of the trade, according to the SEC. His payment to the SEC will reflect that profit, along with $105,000 in interest.

“Simply put, Mickelson made money that wasn’t his to make,” said Andrew Ceresney, director of the SEC’s enforcement division at a New York press conference.

In his statement, Mickelson said his sponsors have decided to stand by him.

“Phil understands and deeply respects the high professional and ethical standards that the companies he represents expect of Phil. He regrets any appearance that, on this occasion, he fell short,” said his statement. “He takes full responsibility for the decisions and associations that led him to become part of this investigation.”

Read more by Chris Isidore, Katie Lobosco and Ahiza Garcia @CNNMoney

May 19, 2016 0 comment

News Slider Women's Round

Condoleezza Rice and Annika Sorenstam will Keynote KPMG 2016 Women’s Leadership Summit

by Debert Cook May 18, 2016

written by Debert Cook

KPMG today announced today (May 17, 2016) that the 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and LPGA Legend and Entrepreneur Annika Sorenstam will keynote the 2016 KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit in June, joining a group of highly-accomplished leaders in the worlds of business, sports, and the media.

This distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists includes: KPMG U.S. Chairman and CEO Lynne Doughtie; KPMG Global Chairman John Veihmeyer; Microsoft CFO Amy Hood; Facebook VP of Engineering, building8, Regina Dugan; Concur President Elena Donio; Intel Data Center Executive Vice President and General Manager Diane Bryant; LPGA Tour champion golfer Stacy Lewis; Olympic Gymnastics Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson; Olympic Basketball Gold Medalist Lisa Leslie; and Olympic Soccer Gold Medalist Megan Rapinoe.

The KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit, hosted on-site during the week of the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, brings together today’s most accomplished leaders from multiple arenas to inspire the next generation of women leaders.

“The goal of our Summit is to increase the number of women in the C-suite by empowering the next generation of women leaders to reach their highest aspirations and potential,” said KPMG’s Doughtie. “And we are so very pleased to bring together a remarkable group of leaders, representing many fields and industries, who will share their perspectives on how women can move forward with great confidence and resolve.”

KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit Speakers and Panels
· Rice will provide the opening keynote and share personal leadership experiences from working with top world leaders, and advice for the next generation of women leaders including the importance of philanthropy and “paying it forward.”
· Sorenstam will participate in the closing fireside chat. She will share personal experiences of breaking the glass ceiling in business and golf.
· Hood and Veihmeyer will participate in a panel titled “C-Suite Insights.” The panel will focus on leading in a fast-changing global marketplace.
· Bryant, Donio, and Dugan will participate in a panel titled “Visionary Leadership.” The discussion will focus on embracing innovation.
· Johnson, Leslie, Lewis, and Rapinoe will share personal stories of resiliency and thriving under pressure in a panel discussion titled “Achieving the Dream in Your Personal and Professional Life”

NBC’s Sunday Night Football Sideline Reporter Michele Tafoya will serve as the master of ceremonies. Sessions will be moderated by NBC on-air talent including: NBC News and MSNBC Business Correspondent Olivia Sterns, CNBC Contributor Deirdre Bosa, and NBC Sports Play-by-Play Host Terry Gannon.

The KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit will be available via live streaming at CNBC.com and Golf Live Extra, Golf Channel’s live streaming platform.

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, a collaboration between KPMG, PGA of America and LPGA, combines a world-class, annual major golf championship with a women’s leadership summit and an ongoing charitable initiative. The events will take place June 7-12, 2016 at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. The Championship offers a $3.5 million purse, among the highest in women’s golf, and will be broadcast on NBC and Golf Channel.

An advisory council comprised of exemplary leaders from across business, sports, and the media is helping to guide the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit.

Founding sponsors of the 2016 KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit are Microsoft, National Car Rental, and Zurich Insurance.

For more information about the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, please visit: KPMG.com/WomensLeadership.

About KPMG LLP
KPMG is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, providing innovative business solutions and audit, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s largest and most prestigious organizations.

KPMG is the fastest growing Big Four professional services firm in the United States and is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career.

Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, diversity and inclusion, and eradicating childhood illiteracy.

Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.

KPMG LLP is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). KPMG International’s member firms have 174,000 professionals, including more than 9,000 partners, in 155 countries.

May 18, 2016 0 comment

Heard & Scene

Tiger is Confident That He Will Break Nicklaus’ Record

by Debert Cook May 17, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Tiger Woods believes he can still break Jack Nicklaus’ major championship record. All he has to do is find a way back on the course.

The record of 18 majors is “still attainable,” Woods, 40, said Monday at an event for his Quicken Loans National tournament, per Golf Channel’s Tiger Tracker. Woods hosts the event, which benefits his foundation, and said he hopes to be healthy in time for the tournament’s June 23 start.

The 14-time major winner has not played a competitive round of golf since a 10th-place finish at the Wyndham Championship last August. A second microdiscectomy of his back took place in September, and he underwent a cleanup procedure to alleviate discomfort in October. Woods has not offered a firm timetable for his return.

“I’m excited to hopefully get back out here to play, compete…hopefully I can do that,” Woods said.

Read more by Tyler Conway on BleacherReport.com

May 17, 2016 0 comment

Slider

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE

by Debert Cook May 17, 2016

written by Debert Cook

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE!

The African American Golfer’s Digest is a PGA of America Diverse Supplier and the nation’s leading print and digital publication covering the very best of the golf lifestyle within this exciting niche market.

Exclusive content showcases some of the most successful, talented and prolific personalities in the game who have devoted their life and passion to this sport brings full circle this ‘soulful’ world of golf.

Content includes news, golf tips, course critiques, destination travel features, book reviews, fashion and interviews with professional trainers, educators, golf industry business owners, and profiles of exceptional and ordinary golfers alike, is what sets this publication apart from any other golf magazine.

We’re independently published and at times several issues will be combined into a single edition.

The African American Golfer’s Digest is the essential guide to the very best in the ‘soulful’ world of golf and features unparalleled content with highlights driven across a full spectrum of activities enjoyed by golfers. Preeminent editorial and coverage includes celebrity tournaments, national/regional championships and fundraiser outings. You’ll receive invitations to our African American Golfer’s Digest annual signature events such as our “Friends & Family Golf Cruise” that has visited and golfed exotic and exciting destinations including Cuba, Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Join us at our celebrated Augusta GolfFEST held during the excitement of Master’s Week in Augusta, Georgia, participate in various reader contests and enjoy information on healthy living & wellness. Celebrate entrepreneurial leadership and professional success at our “Outstanding Leaders In Golf Awards” held in a variety of great golfing cities across the country.

The African American Golfer’s Digest does all of this with exclusive and insightful content and beautiful images that feature and embody the passion of the Black American golfer.

May 17, 2016 0 comment

News

National Golf Day Set To Roll Again

by Debert Cook May 17, 2016

written by Debert Cook

WE ARE GOLF, a coalition of golf’s leading organizations, will host its ninth annual National Golf Day on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. “With 2016 being an election year, it’s even more important for political leaders to understand the impact our industry has on local communities and millions of Americans,” said Steve Mona, Chief Executive Officer of World Golf Foundation, administrator of WE ARE GOLF.

“Since our first event in 2008, National Golf Day has educated our nation’s lawmakers about the countless benefits of the game and we look forward to continuing this agenda in May.”

The 2015 event featured industry leaders from the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association, United States Golf Manufacturers Council, WGF and others were in attendance to discuss golf’s economic, environmental, charitable and fitness benefits to Congressional, executive branch and agency leaders. – See more at: http://wearegolf.org/capitol-hill/national-golf-day/#sthash.hicrpFN1.dpuf

May 17, 2016 0 comment

News

Ryder Cup Points through The Players Championship

by Debert Cook May 17, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Ryder Cup Points through The Players Championship

May 15, 2016

Rank This week	First	Last	Rank Last week	2016 Cumulative POINTS	Last Week Cumulative POINTS
1	Jordan	SPIETH	1	8,872.840	8,872.840
2	Dustin	JOHNSON	2	4,878.173	4,809.848
3	Bubba	WATSON	3	3,691.748	3,658.078
4	Brandt	SNEDEKER	4	3,511.352	3,511.352
5	Rickie	FOWLER	5	3,441.704	3,441.704
6	Phil	MICKELSON	6	3,261.735	3,261.735
7	Zach	JOHNSON	7	3,190.366	3,166.216
8	Patrick	REED	8	2,960.257	2,960.257
9	J.B.	HOLMES	9	2,592.281	2,592.281
10	Kevin	CHAPPELL	26	2,354.391	1,220.391
11	Charley	HOFFMAN	10	2,287.858	2,287.858
12	Brooks	KOEPKA	12	2,266.901	2,214.007
13	Bill	HAAS	11	2,249.046	2,215.376
14	Matt	KUCHAR	15	2,158.100	1,654.100
15	Jason	DUFNER	14	1,779.849	1,753.935
16	Kevin	KISNER	13	1,766.323	1,766.323
17	Billy	HORSCHEL	16	1,677.642	1,609.317
18	James	HAHN	18	1,604.595	1,570.925
19	Jamie	LOVEMARK	17	1,597.958	1,576.223
20	Kevin	NA	19	1,556.913	1,556.913
21	Daniel	BERGER	25	1,506.467	1,222.967
22	Justin	THOMAS	35	1,466.047	962.047
23	Jimmy	WALKER	20	1,439.837	1,439.837
24	Ryan	MOORE	21	1,421.244	1,421.244
25	Jim	HERMAN	22	1,392.622	1,392.622

For the complete of U.S. Ryder Cup points click here.

European Ryder Cup Team Points

Position	Player	Points
1	Danny WILLETT (ENG)	3,630,894.20
2	Rory MCILROY (NIR)	2,849,657.14
3	Matthew FITZPATRICK (ENG)	1,902,086.74
4	Andy SULLIVAN (ENG)	1,853,093.55
5	Victor DUBUISSON (FRA)	1,641,925.74
6	Rafa CABRERA BELLO (ESP)	1,593,331.74
7	Chris WOOD (ENG)	1,527,750.74
8	Søren KJELDSEN (DEN)	1,516,493.71
9	Henrik STENSON (SWE)	1,469,073.36
10	Kristoffer BROBERG (SWE)	1,424,556.93
11	Thorbjørn OLESEN (DEN)	1,384,118.61
12	Thomas PIETERS (BEL)	1,134,918.82
13	Lee WESTWOOD (ENG)	1,123,430.60
14	Lucas BJERREGAARD (DEN)	997,074.75
15	Joost LUITEN (NED)	912,098.84
16	Justin ROSE (ENG)	904,475.76
17	Ross FISHER (ENG)	885,590.22
18	Lee SLATTERY (ENG)	882,942.66
19	Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT)	847,224.21
20	Shane LOWRY (IRL)	809,158.15
21	Martin KAYMER (GER)	747,373.50
22	Andrew JOHNSTON (ENG)	685,019.65
23	Sergio GARCIA (ESP)	647,602.87
24	Benjamin HEBERT (FRA)	644,342.30
25	Richard BLAND (ENG)	613,120.30

European World Points

Position	Player	Cumulative Points
1	Danny WILLETT (ENG)	237.14
2	Henrik STENSON (SWE)	219.44
3	Rory MCILROY (NIR)	212.52
4	Justin ROSE (ENG)	162.74
5	Rafa CABRERA BELLO (ESP)	127.17
6	Matthew FITZPATRICK (ENG)	115.05
7	Sergio GARCIA (ESP)	109.80
8	Andy SULLIVAN (ENG)	108.99
9	Søren KJELDSEN (DEN)	90.10
10	Thorbjørn OLESEN (DEN)	89.48
11	Thomas PIETERS (BEL)	87.10
12	Lee WESTWOOD (ENG)	84.62
13	Chris WOOD (ENG)	81.36
14	Graeme MCDOWELL (NIR)	77.65
15	Victor DUBUISSON (FRA)	72.75
16	Jamie DONALDSON (WAL)	71.67
17	Joost LUITEN (NED)	68.85
18	Lucas BJERREGAARD (DEN)	68.04
19	Kristoffer BROBERG (SWE)	66.18
20	Lee SLATTERY (ENG)	66.16
21	Shane LOWRY (IRL)	60.82
22	Luke DONALD (ENG)	56.52
23	Martin KAYMER (GER)	56.29
24	Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT)	56.15
25	Ross FISHER (ENG)	52.84

Click here for European Ryder Cup Team Points

S. Ryder Cup Qualifications (Captain Davis Love III)

The United States points system will be determined as follows:

Eight of the 12 members of the U.S. Team will be named on points earned following the conclusion of The Barclays, which is scheduled to conclude Sunday Aug. 28, 2016. This new timetable gives two additional weeks for players to earn Ryder Cup qualifying points.
Captain’s Picks – Three of the four Captain’s Picks will be announced after the conclusion of the BMW Championship, which is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. The final Captain’s pick will take place Sunday evening after the TOUR Championship, Sept. 25, 2016.

Points are based upon the following:

All U.S. players will earn points based upon the following criteria starting in 2015 and concluding Aug. 28, 2016:
2015 Major Championships – The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship (1 Point per $1,000 earned).
2015 WGC Events – WGC Cadillac Championship, WGC Match Play Championship, WGC Bridgestone Invitational, WGC HSBC Champions and The Players Championship (1 Point per $2,000 earned).
2016 Regular PGA TOUR Events – beginning Jan. 1, 2016, through and including the Barclays on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016 (1 point per $1,000 earned).
2016 Opposite Field PGA TOUR Events will not receive any points.
2016 Major Championships (2 points per $1,000 earned)

European Ryder Cup Qualifications (Captain Darren Clarke)

The European Team to compete in the 2016 Ryder Cup shall comprise of the following Members:

(a) The leading four Members¹ on The Ryder Cup European Points List (1) on Sunday 28th August 2016, (or as at the conclusion of the Race to Dubai Tournament scheduled to conclude on that date, whichever is the latter). In the event of a tie between Members (i.e. a number of Members having accumulated an equal number of points), placings will be decided by the Member1 with the higher ranking on the 2016 Race to Dubai Rankings on Sunday 28th August 2016, (or as at the conclusion of the Race to Dubai Tournament scheduled to conclude on that date, whichever is the latter);

(b) The leading five Members¹ , not otherwise qualified under paragraph (a) above, on The Ryder Cup World Points List (2) on Sunday 28th August 2016, (or as at the conclusion of the Race to Dubai Tournament scheduled to conclude on that date, whichever is the latter). In the event of a tie between Members (i.e. a number of Members having accumulated an equal number of points), placings will be decided by the Member¹ with the higher ranking on the Official World Golf Ranking as published on Monday 22nd August 2016; and

(c) The Captain, Darren Clarke, will choose (at his own discretion) the remaining three Members¹ in the week commencing Monday 29th August 2016.

(1) The Ryder Cup European Points List will comprise points (1 point = 1 Euro of Official Money) earned by a Member¹ from all Race to Dubai Tournaments in which he Participates that are scheduled to conclude between Thursday 3rd September 2015 and Sunday 28th August 2016. (Money earned by a Member from the 2015 Race to Dubai Bonus Pool (unofficial) does not count towards this points list).

(2) The Ryder Cup World Points List will comprise Official World Golf Ranking Points won by a Member¹ from all OWGR tournaments in which he Participates, (unless otherwise stated below) that are scheduled to conclude as follows: –

(i) Between Thursday 3rd September 2015 and Sunday 7th August 2016.

(ii) On Sunday 21st August 2016.

(iii) ONLY from the Race to Dubai Tournament on Sunday 28th August 2016.

Official World Golf Ranking Points are allocated to all officially sanctioned tournaments (on any Federated Tour) by the Official World Golf Ranking and are allocated according to the Event Rating of the tournament.

Definitions

¹ For the purposes of defining eligibility for selection for the 2016 European Ryder Cup team only, all references to Member(s) and Membership in the eligibility criteria referred to above shall mean only those European Members of the European Tour, whether Ranked Members, Affiliate Members, Honorary Life Members, Past Champions or other Members of distinction or Ranked European Members of the European Challenge Tour.

Notes

Note 1: Points won on The Ryder Cup World Points List and The Ryder Cup European Points List can only be earned by a Player whilst a Member¹ of the European Tour (as defined in the preceding section).

Note 2: For points earned on either list to count within any one Official Season, a Ranked Member (including a Ranked Honorary Life Member) must fulfil his Membership obligations* (referred to in Regulation B1(c)) within that Official Season.

* In the Official Season in which The Ryder Cup is to be played, if any Ranked Member has not fulfilled these Membership obligations at the time when The European Ryder Cup team is selected, he must have committed to Participate in and there must remain sufficient Race to Dubai Tournaments in that Official Season for the Member to be able to do so.

Note 3: A Non-Member taking up Membership¹ of The European Tour for an Official Season that commences during the qualification period, (referred to in paragraph (1) above) can only earn points on either list from the date of the first Race to Dubai Tournament of that Official Season or the first Race to Dubai Tournament for which the Player is a Member¹ of The European Tour, whichever is the latter.

All decisions and/or disputes relating to a Player’s eligibility for selection for a European Ryder Cup team including any issues relating to nationality, citizenship, domicile or residency of a Player will be determined by the European Tour’s Tournament Committee, subject to the ratification of any such decision by the board of directors of Ryder Cup Europe.

May 17, 2016 0 comment

News

Larry Powell, Clearview Golf Course Superintendent Inducted into National Black Golf Hall of Fame

by Debert Cook May 17, 2016

written by Debert Cook

Lawrence, Kan. (May 17, 2016) — Larry Powell, the 64-year-old golf course superintendent who has spent his life tending to the dream of his father, Bill, at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, will be one of four new inductees into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (NBGHF) on May 21, at the Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center in Peachtree City, Ga.

Powell will join his well-known sister Renee, a former LPGA Tour golfer who still teaches at Clearview, and be inducted along with European Senior Tour player Jerry Bruner, and Ann and Tom Cousins, who share responsibility for rebuilding Atlanta’s historic East Lake Golf Course and the surrounding community. The Chicago Women’s Golf Club, the country’s second oldest African American women’s golf club (1937), will also be recognized.

Powell, who has been mowing fairways since he was eight, is into his fourth decade as caretaker for the 130-acre tract that has been elevated to the National Register of Historic Places. He has also been a proud member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America since 1975, serving on the association’s diversity task group for five years.

“This a great honor, and one that I never expected,” said Powell. “It is nice to be appreciated and recognized. The people who have gone before me were outstanding people with heart and determination.”

Since its beginning in 1986, the NBGHF has inducted 113 members. Bill, who was famous for saying, “the only color that matters is the color of the greens,” was inducted in 1996. Renee joined her father in the Hall in 2006.

The NBGHF mission is to “recognize and honor the contributions of black golfers for their skills and to honor persons, regardless of race or ethnicity, who have done the most to promote golf in the black communities.”

May 17, 2016 0 comment

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