The King of Swing, Glennon Bazzle, received a Declaration during the Birmingham City Council Meeting, whereby Mayor William Bell, Sr. presented him with a Declaration during April in celebration of National Black Golf Month, with comments from other council members. (April 2011).
Bill Spiller (1913-1988)
Tishomingo native Bill Spiller fought valiantly for equal access on the PGA Tour for African-American golfers and, though he never really got to enjoy the fruits of his victory, his efforts were crucial in paving the way for Charlie Sifford and others to finally integrate the tour.
“Bill Spiller is a hero, but unappreciated,” said national golf writer Al Barkow, who wrote the definitive story on Spiller’s integration efforts for Golf World in 2008.
“Charlie Sifford gets a lot of the credit for breaking the racial barrier, but Bill Spiller paved the way.”
Spiller moved to Tulsa at age 9 and eventually moved to Los Angeles and took up golf around age 30. He started competing and winning blacks-only amateur golf tournaments during the 1940s. After being denied entry in the 1948 Richmond (California) Open by the PGA of America, Spiller spent many years challenging the segregation policy of the PGA of America.
Spiller sued. In 1952, the sponsors of the new San Diego Open invited Spiller, unaware of the “Caucasians only” clause. This time he was assisted by fellow invitee and former heavyweight champion Joe Louis. Both men were excluded by Horton Smith, president of the PGA of America.
In 1960, Spiller’s cause came to the attention of California attorney general (and future California Supreme Court justice) Stanley Mosk, who told the PGA of America it would not be allowed to use public courses. At the time, most tournaments were held on public courses.
RELATED ARTICLE: Bill Spiller 2015 Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame Induction
When the PGA of America replied that it would restrict itself to private courses, Mosk promised to stop that as well. Furthermore, he began contacting state attorneys general around the country. Spiller finally won his cause in 1961, but he was well past his prime by then. Every African American who has played on the Tour since owes Spiller a debt of gratitude.
There has been another surgical back procedure performed on Tiger Woods. The follow-up was conducted to help relieve discomfort that he’d been having, according to an AP Newswire report.
Charles Rich, the neurosurgeon who performed the procedure Wednesday in Utah, said on Woods’ website that he was doing well and a full recovery was expected. He did not say what the procedure involved. Woods said on his website that “it’s one of those things that had to be done.” There was no timetable on his return.
Woods history of back surgery goes began jut a week out from the 2014 Masters. The procedure at that time held him from playing for 12 weeks. Determined to get back out into the game, Woods later admitted that he has returned too soon. Another microdiscectomy followed in the fall, on Sept. 16. That surgery concluded his playing year.
Woods’ popular Hero World Challenge was to hold a press conference last Wednesday, but the event has since been cancelled with Many wondering if he will even attend the tournament, which Wood’s says he plans to do. The tournament runs December 3-6 and is held is the Bahamas.
BY AAGD STAFF
(October 30, 2015)
The 1982 winner of the San Diego Women’s Amateur Championship is swiftly running up a tab of celebrity status, with no end in sight. Avis Brown-Riley, now 51, never would have expected to gain so much, in such a short period of time, growing up in the lush San Diego, California valley. Avis recalls the pleasures of sitting on her front porch and enjoying the mountain views that gazed over into Tijuana, Mexico.
A pint-sized, 5’ 2”, Avis’s golf talents seem to be hereditary; because it was her father, the legendary Gordon Brown Sr. who introduced her to the game when she was 7-years-old. Those early lessons had a tremendous impact on Avis, who now carries a 3 handicap. In counting the years, Avis sums up that her father has been her coach/trainer for over 44 years.
The Salt Creek Golf Course located in Chula Vista, Calif., is her home course. She is also a proud member of the South Bay Golf Center—the new home of her Golf Program: San Diego Junior Golf Academy and Foundation. With a plan to continue her progress in the sport, on October 20, 2015, Avis competed in The LPGA (PAT) physical Assessment Test, and triumphed in becoming a member of the LPGA. Held at the Las Vegas Golf Club, Avis scored a 76. “It was very windy, it was truly a test, and I did it! But I couldn’t have done it without my family and friends who supported me 100%, and I truly wish to thank them.”
Avis holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Telecommunications with a minor in Business from the United States International University in San Diego, Calif., now Alliant University. She also holds numerous certifications in marketing from The FedEx University’s online program.
Working as an Operations Manager for FedEx Express in San Diego, CA., she’s been with the American global courier delivery service company for 21-years.
With such a busy schedule, Avis, a married mother of two: Ayanna Riley (age 19) and Amari Riley (age15), it’s a must for her to stay organized, in order to keep things in balance. Over the years she’s been quite successful in holding it all together: work-family—school—golf, while enjoying life to its fullest. Of special significance, she and her husband, James D. Riley, just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary (October 4, 2015). After two decades together the couple’s love is proving to be stronger than ever.
Perhaps It’s The Golf
The entire family participates in playing the sport, and yes, they are all fairly good at it. “As a family, even when we take vacations we travel with our golf bags…we love it,” says Avis. Their son Amari has even been inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame (May 2010). “Both kids were taught the game of golf at the age of two.”
The clan particularly enjoys playing rounds with their family patriarch Gordon Brown. Even Avis’ brothers Horace and Oran Brown and her sister, Rosetta McClay, get into the family’s swing of things.
Have Clubs Will Travel
Avis absolutely loves to travel. “I travel to Tallahassee, Florida and play golf with my older brother Gordon Brown Jr. When my nephew KJ McClay comes home from college, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, I play with him, too.” He’s an excellent trainer for Avis, and, the family is proud that he will be graduating soon as PGA certified. “Occasionally I will play golf with my friends and the junior golfers in our golf program, two times a month, on the weekends. But I practice more than I play.”
“Golf is a fun game. It allows me to challenge myself. To stay focused and, the ability to concentrate for 4-hours. This is truly a test of skill and of mental capacity. Also, I have met some of the “best” people while out on the golf course…which makes it even more fun!”
Avis has won over 45 tournaments during her junior, amateur and professional golfing career. “Recently, I participated in The San Diego Junior Golf Academy Celebrity Golf Tournament. I had the pleasure of playing with the infamous Admiral Lawrence Chambers and his lovely wife Sarah. I can truly say, that was the best time I have ever had on the golf course in a celebrity event. He is an amazing man.”
“Golf lessons taught me the basic fundamentals on how to set up and approach and build a golf swing. I learned the golf swing and, learned the mechanics so that I could understand the game. Without golf instruction, I would have never been one of the best junior golfers in the history of the San Diego Junior Golf Association, amateur golf, collegiate golf, and professional golf.”
A breast cancer survivor, Avis has been cancer-free for 5-1/2 years. She praises her dear mother Harriet Brown—who is also her dear friend, and the rock and the glue of the Brown family, whom she can always count on for advice and spiritual support.
“I was blessed to be born into a Christian and golfing family. My entire family including all five siblings, mother, and father, plays the game. Our home is warm and full of “Golf Talk” and we’re passing it on to all our children and great-grandchildren.”
“My dream is to travel the world, share my story, perform at golf exhibitions, conduct autograph signing of my book, “Building of A Champion.” ….Avis seems to be well on her way for carrying forth the torch acclaimed by legends.
Accomplishments:
1974 – Junior World Champion
1974,1975,1976,1978, 1979 – San Diego Junior Golfer of the Year
1980 – State CIF Girls Golf Championship Standford University Golf Course – 6th place
1982- San Diego Women’s Amateur Champion
1982-83 – United States Intl University Girls Golf Team Rookie of the year
1988 – Competed in the Women’s U.S. Open Championship
1989 – Michelob Golf Classic Winner and broke course record 65, still stands until this day
1987-2000 Played on California Mini Tours and The Futures Tour
2000 – Present Teaching Pro for San Diego Junior Golf Academy & Foundation
2005 – Qualified for the Futures Golf Tour – playing status
2013 – Recipient of Southern California Professional Golfers Association “Heritage Award”
Inducted into the Hall of Champions in San Diego in 1974
Inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame 2008
The first time in 20-years that “The Heritage Award” was given away to three Families. The Brown family was one of the families to receive the award from the PGA of America (November 2013).
NEW YORK, NY (October 30, 2015) Oneda Castillo, a long-standing member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is recognized as Clubfitting Professional of the Year by the African American Golfer’s Digest, the nation’s leading publication for avid Black American Golfers and a PGA of America Diverse Supplier.
Castillo, a native of Akron, Ohio, who was raised in Cleveland (OH) and Buffalo (NY), first got involved in golf at age 30, swinging at a local driving range through the invitation of a friend. Today, the working mother with two children has been married nearly 44-years and has achieved a swath of success in her field obtaining membership status with the USGFT and since 1998 the LPGA.
During her distinguished career, Castillo has won many awards including being voted by her peers, in 2012, as PGA S.E. Section Teacher of the Year. In 2014, she was inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame. In April 2015, she was honored as an Epic First…”Woman Who Launched New Dimensions” by The Nu Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and, in October 2015.
“It is an honor to recognize Ms. Castillo with this distinction as our Clubfitting Professional of the Year for 2015,” said Publisher Debert Cook, the only woman to solely own a golf publication focused on African American golf. “Through her numerous achievements, stellar career, strong values and personal determination to serve in the golf industry, she is a role model for men and women alike. I am proud to showcase her on our cover of the Summer 2015 edition of our magazine for all to become aware of her skills and professionalism.”
Castillo has served with the LPGA, headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla., for over a decade. She has taught the Golf for Women Clinics around the country and worked as a National Evaluator for most of the time, testing and grading up-and-coming members of the Teaching & Club Professionals Division. In January 2014 she was appointed to the newly formed LPGA Global Education Program. Her involvement also includes serving as Director of Golf for the Women in Golf Foundation (Atlanta, GA), with a focus on youth. Among Ms. Castillo’s other goals is to play golf in all 50 states.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Debert Cook, CMP
Tel: (212) 571-6559
Email: [email protected]
About The African American Golfer’s Digest:
The African American Golfer’s Digest launched in March 2003 and is located in the financial district of New York City. It is 100% minority-owned and operated and is a woman-owned business and the only golf magazine specifically targeting the African American demographic. Its massive editorial appeal comes from a ‘grass roots’ approach and partnerships generated with more than 300 golf tournaments and events annually around the country. The 40-page, full color, quarterly enjoys a circulation of 20,000 and reaches 80,000 readers nationwide with editorial that focuses on news, tips, information and activities in the ‘soulful’ world of golf, travel features, destinations reviews, course, equipment and product news along with individual profiles. Signature annual travel programs include domestic and international hosted golf excursions to destinations that have included Ghana, West Africa, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean and more. Promotional, marketing and advertising opportunities are available in the print edition and online along with customized product sampling, exhibiting and a variety of consumer incentives. A consistent social media presence for the publication is at Facebook and Twitter. The publication is a PGA of America Diverse Supplier and is registered with the National Minority Supplier Development Council with memberships that include the National Minority Business Council, United States Golf Association (USGA), National Golf Foundation, International Network of Golf (ING), and Metropolitan Golf Writers Association. To learn more about the publication visit www.AfricanAmericanGolfersDigest.com
A must-see exhibition in the Olympic Museum’s Gallery from December 9th 2015 to January 31st, 2016. Free entrance. After a 112-year absence, golf is returning to the Olympic programme in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro! To mark this event, The Olympic Museum is devoting an exhibition to golf that will be previewed from 9 December 2015 to 31 January 2016 in Lausanne (Switzerland).
Staged at two editions of the Games (Paris 1900 and St Louis 1904), golf is getting its Olympic swing back. The design, with its several “holes”, offers a “walk through the course” to visitors, enabling them to discover everything about this sport before the upcoming Games: its origins, the equipment, Rules, courses and the biggest golfing icons.
No “green fee” is required to enter, as the exhibition is free of charge. Take advantage before its imminent departure to Rio de Janeiro, where it will be presented in the fan zone at the golf venue during the Games. A six-hole design: The exhibition, which plans to swing around the world, focuses on a 6 hole course, guiding visitors to discover Golf. Six (6) themes are covered: Golf today; The equipment; The game; Golf’s main courses; Golf and its champions; Golf at the Olympic Games.
Production and contributors: This exhibition was created by the Olympic Museum in partnership with the International Golf Federation (IGF), with the scientific help of the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum (USA), The R&A (UK), USGA Mu
Move over Myrtle Beach and Florida, there is a new Golf Mecca packed with fun for the entire family: shopping, fishing, casinos and of “course” great golf! Myrtle Beach and Florida Ain’t Got Nothing on Atlantic City.
Atlantic City Country Club
The Head Golf Professional at Atlantic City Country Club, Francis Mulholland, summed it up best. I caught up with Francis as he prepared for the shotgun start for The Ellison School Annual Golf Tournament. Asked what you would say to weekend warriors and golf enthusiast that travel South to play the in Myrtle Beach and Florida, he very confidently–and with matter of fact authority stated, referring to Atlantic City, “Its home of great courses and its history. It’s a No Brainer”.
The two words that every golfer, pro or beginner, longs to hear when he finishes his or her labor on a particular hole: “Birdie or Eagle”.
Yes Atlantic City Country Club is the home of both words, which, when adorned on your scorecard proves your golf acumen. The course also welcomes you with its Classic Bell. In the early days, this brass plated bell was chimed to signaled that the last trolley heading back to the city was about to depart. Those who missed it, well they were on their own to find their way back.
This well maintained course features 6,539 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70 . The course rating is 72.0 and it has a slope rating of 128. It has both a treasured history and the challenge that should delight every golfer who has the opportunity to play this once private course.
The Stockton Seaview Golf Club
The Stockton Seaview is is 6,300 yards. Brian Rashley, PGA, Director of Golf for the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Resort proudly speaks of the Shoprite LPGA which is played at Seaview.
“We have the ability to accommodate everyone”. He boasts about the Turtle Cove putting course they created which accommodates the young and the non-golfer.
Hole #1 sets the stage for your journey and remarkable golf experience. On my visit this day in October, it was a breezy 55 degrees and the course was packed with two shotgun outings. Quite impressive.
As I stepped up to the Tee and was determining how to manage the wind swirling from Reed Bay, I looked up and hovering over me was a majestic resident eagle, or hawk. The soaring bird allowed the wind to gently manipulate its flight, which showed me the way.
The Bay course is hosted by Reed Bay and accompany’s you through most of the layout, which offers PGA challenge and bragging rights if you can manage some birdies and eagles on hole 2 and 14.
Inviting Fairway’s–and their daunting pine tree partners, require focused and precise skill. However, Mother Nature was kind to me on hole 17 (pictured above).
Twisted Dune Golf Club
If you have never played a course in Nevada or Texas don’t worry, Twisted Dune Golf Club, 7,200 yards , will satisfy your curiosity and needs. The course features four par 5’s at over 500 yards, ten par 4’s, and four par 3’s. Designer Archie Struthers brought in 2 million cubic yards of earth, I say Bravo! This well-manicured, some might say carpet-fresh delight of a course spares no imagination.
As you meandered through the sand dunes, it is such a delight. Twisted Dune is everything the aspiring Amateur or Pro Golfer needs to prove their true skills. The course, which opens with a “I can do this par 4, 346 yards, carries you from there to water, hills, sand dunes and precious well thought out fairways that will capture your heart.
To sum it up, I found this course challenging yet playable enough for A, B or C players. Of course if you are a B or C player be sure to bring a few extra sleeves of balls.
Now, if you can manage to tear yourself away from the temptation of playing another 18 holes (if you can get back out onto this heavily booked course), stop by the club house restaurant. Order the Tuna Club or Philly Steak–O.M.G. it’s to die for! The cook is so familiar, you feel as though you are at home, he loves to cook and loves his job.
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links
One of Atlantic City’s finer municipal courses is the McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links. This 245-acre elevated site presents a Cup type Challenge. Blind shots–blind shots into the sun, hilltop t-shots, and a 3 acre sand trap will test your skills and drive beginning golfers to think about another hobby sport. The 18-hole, 6,600 yard, par 71 layout is challenging.
If you have the opportunity to meet Bob, one of the course rangers, it will be an advantageous encounter. His knowledge of the course and his golf acumen is a perfect match for this links-style course. Each hole pleasantly represents many famed European holes, Hole 7 is designed by Alistat Mackenzie. Wow!!!
(left: Hole #7)
Hole 15: The Royal Dornoch. No. 5: Scotland. Each hole thorughout McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links is a true representation and tribute to many of the famed holes in Europe.
ACTIVITIES:
Champions of the Atlantic City
Your first night, second night, or last night while visiting Atlantic City must be spent at the Irish Pub.
Cathy Burke the owner is a treasure and “Darling of Atlantic City”. One could believe she birthed the place.
The Irish Pub Museum, as I like to call it, boasts so much original memorabilia, if you leave Atlantic City before spending some time with her you will have missed 50% of the value of your trip.
While there, I sat in the highly coveted booth that was Joe DiMaggio’s favorite spot whenever he dined at the Pub.
Room 100
Situated just above the historic Pub, was DiMaggio’s place of choice to bed down for the night when he was in Atlantic City. This 24/7 day-a-week gold mine is adorned with a ceiling plastered full of old Daily News newspapers. It is a must read. And, as tempted as I am to share the stories, I do not want to spoil the magic of your moment when you read them.
Beer connoisseur’s, will be in absolute heaven!
On tap at the Pub is a wide variety of domestic and imported beers. This 75-year old institution is a must stop for area visitors!!! Be Ready!!! Mike Charlton, managing partner of golfac.com, I believe said it best, “Atlantic City is the most underrated destination; yes we have Casino’s, but we also have fishing, golf, shopping, boating and oceanfront shows. The popular Tanger Outlets greet you as you exit the Atlantic City Expressway and enter the city”.
An obvious enthusiastic cheerleaders for Atlantic City, Mike makes it clear that this destination will be “bouncing back BIG” because of its trending positive horizon. Public safety, economic stability, job creation and family-style entertainment, he feels, guarantee a New Atlantic City that will be the envy of both Myrtle Beach and Las Vegas.
In my dinner discussion with Karen Martin, Manager, and Media Relations for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, she is also very optimistic—but not as bullish as Mike, about the come-back of this East Coast destination. Martin, extols the family fun that awaits vacationers, weekend warriors or travelers looking for a short great escape. “We are nearly 1/3 of the country’s population and easily accessible for all those who want a relaxing, exciting or family getaway”. There is no want for fine dining, international cuisine or American delights. Angelo’s, Docks, Gallagher’s steak house are awaiting pallets, with reasonable prices that will not bust your wallet irrespective of the results of your casino visits.”
I must take a writer’s privilege here and say, I have played some of the best courses in this country and around the world. However, after my visit to Atlantic City I can honestly say, ‘move over guys there is a new Golf King to be crowned’ and it’s Atlantic City. “It’s a no Brainer”.
Author: Malcolm A. Smith is an avid golfer who resides in Queens, N.Y., who has traveled and played some of the most challenging courses in the United States and abroad, including China, India and the Caribbean Islands. He can be contacted by email.
Relentlessly following his passion for golf Rodney (Buddy) Watson has been a player in the Golf Channel Am Tour competitive league for four straight years. This is his follow-through: “I stay focused and motivated by the promise I made to my late mother, that I would never quit playing golf. It’s now my mission and purpose in life,” says the Jersey City, N.J.-born golfer.
In his professional life, the 49-year-old, 5’10” Watson is a 20-year veteran of the Summit N.J. police force and serves there full-time as a police officer. Growing up in Somerville N.J., later on he came to greatly appreciate the numerous, well-maintained county-owned golf courses of his area.
“I was introduced to golf by co-workers while attending a work convention in Arizona,” says the divorced father of two, who today, carries a golf handicap of 9.5. The affectionate father is also passing on his passion for golf to his children.
“My daughter Gretchen, 11-years old, and my son Lincoln, age 7, both live in Costa Rica, Central America. We play golf together when I visit them on vacation. When Watson is not on the golf course with his children, he can often be found golfing with his good friend, Asian-American golf coach Mike Choi, who coaches Watson, too.
Watson graduated from Union County College in Cranford N.J. with a two-year degree in criminal justice. He is an active member of the Golf Academy at the Neshanic Valley golf course in Branchburg N.J. “I enjoy playing golf because it keeps me busy from living a boring life…I find golf interesting, exciting and satisfying,” says the inspiring PGA golf instructor.
Holding down a city job that pays well—and gives him enough time to play golf—Watson gets in 18 holes every day along with regular practice on the driving range. He particularly enjoys dressing the part and looking professional, wearing crisp, nice-fitting golf clothes while playing.
With his playing skills he has participated in numerous Golf Channel AM League tournaments and successfully won his very first tournament in April 2015, at the Fox Hollow golf course in Branchburg N.J. Jason Day is the professional golfer whom Watson admires most, “…because he has faced a lot of adversity in his life, but kept believing in himself.”
“I’m mostly self-taught in golf by reading books, magazines and watching online videos. I’m also a big fan of watching professional golf on T.V., ”admits the wide-smile fellow who claims to get many of his tips and knowledge from frequently playing with other golfers. A strict, self-disciplined individual, Watson says, “My biggest challenge in golf is improvement. Lowering my handicap is painstakingly difficult; but you get out of it, what you put in.”
His hobbies and interests all revolve around golf and he is extremely proud of his personal choice of living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a daily exercise and workout regime. Watson believes that his body is only as strong as he makes it and he has committed to eating a healthy diet—eliminating drugs, alcohol, soda, coffee and tobacco.
Watson’s overall dream is to become a scratch (expert) golfer before he sets down his golf clubs forever. “I’ve been playing for seven years and feel I’m well on my way!”
At 5-8, Alpharetta golfer Maurice Allen may not seem to be an imposing presence on the tee. But the power he generates with one of the fastest golf swings in the world has earned him international fame — and championships in the emerging sport of Long Drive, where success is derived by hitting a golf ball farther than any other competitor.
On Tuesday, Allen, 33, will compete in the “Sweet 16” of the 2015 World Long Drive Championship, held at the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. (Golf Channel, live 9pm ET; encore, 1130pm ET) The final eight competitors will vie for a $250,000 first prize on Wednesday (Golf Channel, live 9pm ET; encore, 1130pm ET).
“I get the chance to live my dream out loud on the Golf Channel. This is an amazing opportunity for me to inspire others to play the wonderful game of golf and feel the adrenaline rush of long drive,” says Allen, who began the Championship as one of 64 international competitors.
In Long Drive, golfers compete in a match-play format and are given 2 minutes and 45 seconds to hit drives farther than their opponent. The golfer trailing at the end of the round has one final swing to out-drive his opponent. A small but dedicated group of golfers populate the world of Long Drive, with the top talent competing professionally in international events and exhibitions.
Allen has three European Long Drive Tour Event Championships under his trademark lion-head belt (Sweden, Italy and Belgium, all won this year.
Allen was raised in a working class family in Pine Hills, Florida but now resides and trains in Alpharetta, Georgia. In 2010 after receiving a degree in biology from Florida A&M University, Allen, who did not play collegiate golf, broke a Guinness Book world record by swinging a golf club 211 miles per hour. The feat was filmed for Golf Channel.
“Allen is a phenominal athlete,” says Debert Cook, Publisher of the African American Golfer’s, whose 12-years old publication has covered the successes of the gifted hitter several times throughout the years. “I admire his ‘get it done’ attitude and tenacity to keep moving forward regardless of the set-backs he has faced.”
He turned pro eight months later and now has numerous endorsements and is learning our to expand his sports brand from his mentor NBA legend Julius (Dr. J) Erving. Erving has been instrumental in encouraging Allen to follow his dreams. Allen says the best aspect of his high profile professional is being able to inspire youth to follow their dreams.
“I encourage young people to follow their gut instinct but not to share their dreams with everyone because naysayers may try to wake you up,” he says. Usually the only African American long-driver competing internationally, Allen has been the target of racial slurs and cyber stalking. However, he remains committed to using his platform to bring diversity to the sport.
Charlie Sifford
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Tommy Bolt, Charlie Sifford, Payne Stewart and Lee Trevino, a foursome that left a historic impact upon American golf, head a class of seven inductees to be enshrined into the PGA of America Hall of Fame on October 15, 2015.
The 2015 class, to be honored Nov. 12, at the PGA’s 99th Annual Meeting in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, also features 2013 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Michael Doctor of Camillus, New York; 2014 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Ray Cutright of Macon, Georgia; and legendary University of Texas Coach George Hannon.
“It is with great pride that the PGA of America welcomes this exceptional class into the PGA of America Hall of Fame, who by their achievements have made significant and lasting contributions to our Association and the game of golf,” said PGA President Derek Sprague. “They represent individuals who were passionate leaders; stood strong against social injustice; inspired young players to greater heights; and whose performance on the course is remembered for generations. Their names will be inscribed among those who have made golf the greatest game.”
(L-R: top row) George Hannon, Lee Trevino, Michael Doctor
(L-R: bottom row) Payne Stewart, Tommy Bolt
All photos owned by The Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
For a closer glance of the 2015 PGA Hall of Fame inductees, click here
The SwingTalk Golf Swing Analyzer by Golfzon became the newest swing analyzer available after being introduced to the North American market in January of 2015.
I was skeptical, as I’d been before with previous swing analyzers, if my experience with the SwingTalk would follow that of the other golfers that had posted their respective experiences in different forums or be worth the $149.95 price tag.
The missing element, however, was a video of the SwingTalk being used. This prompted a visit to their their website (www.swingtalkgolf.com). The first video available was the SwingTalk – Golf Swing Analyzer with Voice Feedback.
Although the video provided the features and benefits of the SwingTalk, it didn’t alleviate my skepticism based upon the comments I’d read; they’d felt the same initial excitement about the SwingTalk Golf Swing Analyzer as I had, but each of them commented on their respective pain points which ranged from a mishit that resulted in a broken analyzer to problems with the unit not staying in place.
The first opportunity to see the SwingTalk in use was the official testimonial featuring Robin Symes, which was commented upon as well in the forum as an “endorsed” testimonial:
Whether it’s Mark O’Meara selling you on the Medicus or Jack “Hammer” Hamm screaming after hitting a drive, there’s inevitably an endorsed testimonial with every product.
For me, it was the first opportunity to see both the SwingTalk and App in use which showcased the all-in-one aspect; supporting both iOS and Android, and allowing you to analyze every club in the bag including the putter was a huge plus.
It admittedly eased my skepticism, and pushed me towards seeing the value of this swing analyzer. Prior to purchasing the SwingTalk, which I’d found on Amazon and Ebay, I searched YouTube to see if there was an “unendorsed” review. There were a few choices, but the best result was the below video by Meandmygolf: https://youtu.be/23oWXY2Ayio
As a former PGA of Canada Class A Professional, I appreciated the approach Piers and Andy took to their video to not only speak to the pros and cons of the SwingTalk, but also how you could use the analyzer to make improvements to your swing and/or putting using the data provided.
Both Piers and Andy addressed it in the video but having that instant feedback to allow you to start understanding the changes needed to establish an inside to out path, for example, is well worth the price of the SwingTalk.
Yes, there were some slight inconsistencies in the data when compared against the launch monitor data but the end result was a club that worked inside-to-out versus outside-to-in which will go a long ways towards more consistently being in the fairway.
My Own Testing
I took to testing the SwingTalk with the help of PGA of Canada Class A Professional, Trevor Woynarski at GolfTEC Vancouver. It gave me an opportunity to not only test the analyzer against the Foresight GC2 Launch Monitor (without HMT) but also to use the Motion Measurement and Video Technology offered at GolfTEC.
Now, while we saw similar inconsistencies in the data between the SwingTalk and GC2, it didn’t feel any different than the discrepancies that can be found between data on a GC2 versus data on a Trackman. More importantly, the data from the SwingTalk was consistent in the data it gave us, and mirrored the swings we’d made.
I will say though that throughout our testing the issues experienced with either the SwingTalk coming out of the grip or “incorrect swing” being displayed were minimal. I am interested to see how durable it will be over time, but certainly recommend taking the time to align the SwingTalk prior to every swing, and ensure it’s properly in place. It will serve to provide the most accurate data, and mitigate the chances of damaging the SwingTalk.
It brings up the matter of Support. After seeing the response from their Customer Service Department to a golfer who had a broken SwingTalk, I hope this is an area that improves as they look to grow their presence in the North American market because having to ship the defective and/or broken unit back to Korea or being told to reference the FAQ section of their website will have golfers quickly considering a different swing analyzer from their competition.
I personally think the SwingTalk is a better swing analyzer than a lot of the competing golf swing analyzers, but beyond the support, there are three other improvements that I hope could be provisioned into the next iteration of the App.
The first being a video capability that would allow you to record swings from face on and down the line with the ability to see the 3D data against plane lines, for example. It would also improve the comparison against the Pro swing to see more visually than what’s currently offered.
The second would be the inclusion of drills using the SwingTalk, and the appropriate data in a similar fashion to how Piers and Andy approached using the swing analyzer to help fix slicing the ball. It won’t replace going to see your local PGA Professional as Michael Breed says, but at $149.95, the SwingTalk provides a portable alternative that will appeal to a lot of golfers.
For the golfer who uses this alongside, and WITH, their local PGA Professional, there’s a lot of upside to having this all-in-one device that will allow you to show and hide the data depending upon what he or she wants you to work on.
Final Thoughts
While I remain skeptical about the Support, and the durability. Both Trevor and I agreed that the ability to analyze your swing with every club in your bag with such a portable device would appeal to all levels of golfers and Teaching Professionals alike.