Who would have thought that an annual golf trip would be the catalyst for starting an organization that brings together a band of men who are dedicated to making a positive impact on youth. Such is The York County Black Golfers Association (YCBGA).
It was a September pilgrimage made by four residents of New York City which began this endeavor. Dating back to 1996, the foursome traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC for a week-long golf retreat. Word of their camaraderie-and the outing-spread and the group size increased to more than 40 active members across Central Pennsylvania and other parts of the United States. During 2005 the organization passed its first bylaws, thereby officially becoming the York County Black Golfers Association.
The organization has a strong Board leadership and members are comprised of African American professional men who are York City and York County residents whose ranks include city workers, firefighters, a retired York city police chief, business executives, a TV news anchor, a Harley Davidson supervisor, a Graham engineer, an AME pastor, stockbroker, federal worker, realtor, retired banker, school teacher, contractor, county corrections officer, and retired army officer. Certainly, a roster that brings lots of experience and shared knowledge to benefit their overall mission.
“We are proud to say that we received our 501(c)3 designation in early 2008.” states the website. Our principal working address is in the city of York and we expect our activities to have their greatest impact on minority youth in York City,” states the organizational website. The YCBGA hosts several events throughout the year and more information can be gained there at: http://www.ycbga.org/home.html
Harper should know. The former spouse of the pioneering African American golfer Lee Elder, Harper has worked with the world’s best players – from Arnold Palmer and Gary Player to Tiger Woods. She was instrumental in the founding of the PGA Tour Wives Association, initiated the Golf Digest Minority Golf Summit, restructured PGA player credentials, established a minority joint venture golf course design team, was the first person of color to run a full concession eighteen-hole golf complex for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and she organized the first multi-racial sporting event in the history of South Africa.
Fulfilling several roles successfully as husband, father, entrepreneur, concerned citizen and avid golfer George Webber has an interesting life full of opportunities and challenges. Webber is the Founder and President of FindMyGolfBuddy.com, an online interactive recreational/sports website whose social platform unites golf playing partners from around the country, and around the world. The mission: “To find golf partners one buddy at a time.”
Webber, sole owner of the company and its Chief Golfing Officer (CGO), says the aim of FindMyGolfBuddy.com is in “bringing the game to more players and increasing the frequency of play among all golfers.” The Canadian-based Corporation has created the ideal means for doing so. “Golf allows me to relax and have fun with my friends,” says the former Human Resources corporate executive who recently retired and works from home.
Webber enjoys a relaxing day in Philadelphia, Pa.
Webber and his wife enjoy traveling and they both keep fit and healthy by enjoying–in moderation–the native dishes of Trinidad in the Caribbean where he was born. “It’s a treat when we are able to indulge,” he chuckles.
(L-R) Errol Blake, Eli White, Donald Rucker
(L-R) Herbie Lewis, Jesse Branson
The club was organized in November 1997 and was originally called The Weequahic Ball Strikers Golf Club. The charter members were Leon Harris, Althear Lester, Blease Greene, Leonard Simmons, William Walker, Coleman Holmes, William Wright, Jesse A. Bell, Harry Robinson and Darryl Jeffries.