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
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”.
“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.
Your first night, second night, or last night while visiting Atlantic City must be spent at the Irish Pub.
With a busy schedule, Brown manages to keep his game in top shape by playing 3-4 holes daily with friends and club members at Quail Valley Golf Club in Missouri City, Texas. Due to his work schedule he’s not been able to prepare for tournament play, but eagerly admits to loving the sport for the “challenge that golf presents, being outdoors and meeting other people.” However, finding time to play more rounds is Brown’s biggest challenge.
Over his 40+ years of playing, Brown has had many instructors. “My last lesson was with Hank Haney. Training with Hank gave me a better understanding of ‘angles in the swing’.” And, no doubt about that, as Hank Haney is known worldwide for his expertise in helping golfers to better understand their swing and lower their scores.
Brown is an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Rho Xi Chapter. He and his wife Monica have been married for 19 years and together they are proud of their only child, Richard A. Brown IV. “We used to play golf together when he was younger, but now his passion has turned to basketball.” His son, age 17, is a stunning 6’7” tall and, an excellent basketball player at Lutheran South Academy. He just received a basketball scholarship offer from Tuskegee University. 
Airport arrivals.
All guests at Wyndham Ramada San Jose are invited to use the Cariari Country Club Golf Course at a discounted rate. Of course, your stay with this package includes 1 complimentary round!
Other amenities and services include full use of three crystal clear swimming pools, indoor jacuzzi, sauna, expert massage service, fully stocked beauty salon, enchanting restaurants, lively Casino, gift shop, business center, wake up calls, high speed internet access, in-room safety-deposit boxes, free airport shuttle, 24-hour room service, on-site currency exchange, laundry service, and cable TV.
What to bring: Collared Shirts or mock neck are required, Tennis Shoes are allowed, Shorts must be “Bermuda” length. NO METAL SPIKES. Inappropriate Attire: Tank tops, T-Shirts, Denim, Cut-off shorts (Dress Code strongly enforced).
Transportation from/ to hotel is included.
