(By Andy Zunz) –Unable to swing a golf club after a second microdiscectomy back surgery, Tiger Woods will attend the Bridgestone America’s Golf Cup on Oct. 22-25 but not participate.
Woods will meet with government officials Oct. 20 in Mexico City and host a golf clinic with Matt Kuchar – with whom Woods was scheduled to partner for the best-ball event – that same day, according to a release on TigerWoods.com.
Read more at GOLFWEEK
Your trip to Costa Rica is not complete without getting up-close and seeing this beautiful country and all that it has to offer! Book your tours early, directly with our travel coordinator Ms. Silvia Mattio to insure your spot!
TOURS:
-Aerial Tram ( 45 min drive, each way) $ 110.- per person
We will drive you through the unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most important rainforest reserves for Costa Rica. Rainforest Aerial Tram, a sanctuary which shelters an eco-touristic and research park like anyone in the world. Experience the rain forest as a bird could. Observe the most complete ecosystem on Earth – the rain forest canopy. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram – Atlantic is a 475-hectares (1,200-acre) private reserve, it shares a 10 km border with Braulio Carrillo National Park and constitutes a buffer zone between the park and farming lands. Includes: transportation, entrance fee and lunch. What to bring: light jacket, comfortable shoes, binoculars and camera.
-San Jose City Tour (Afternoon) : $ 52.- per person
At a time TBD, meet the Expediciones Tropicales guide and drive and start your city tour. This tour immerses you in the rich Costa Rican culture and history by experiencing the beautiful museums and historical sites of San Jose. It begins with an orientation and drive through the beautiful Sabana Park. Next, we will take a walking tour through the historic National Theater. Afterwards you will visit one of the many unique museums of Costa Rica. You will continue heading to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court and various sites of interest. A brief stop will be made in a beautiful art craft shopping store allowing you to browse through it before returning to your hotel and buy some souvenirs. Includes: transportation and guide. What to bring: comfortable clothes and camera.
– Poas Volcano Tour – Half day ( 1 hour drive per way) : $ 69.- per person
At TBD the staff from Expediciones Tropicales will be pick you up at the lobby from the hotel to start the Poas Volcano Hike. You will take the Interamerican highway towards the city of Alajuela. As you will ascend towards the volcano you will notice the change in temperature and vegetation, preparing us for the pleasure of the exuberant cloud forest of Poas Volcano. At the Volcano you will have time to observe the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles. Then you will hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon that will allow us to learn about the different ecosystems in the park. Includes: transportation and entrance fee. What to bring: hat, light jacket, walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars and camera.
-Show & Dinner at Ram Luna : $ 80.- per person
You will admire the panoramic views from the Central Valley mountains at nightfall. A delicious Costa Rican buffet dinner will be served, while enjoying a traditional masquerade with typical dances and famous marimba music. During the visit, local artisans will exhibit their beautiful creations for your amusement. The evening will culminate with a magical fireworks show. You can’t miss this unforgettable experience! Includes: transportation and dinner. What to bring: comfortable clothes, camera and a sweater/coat.
-Doka- Grecia & Sarchi : $ 63.- per person
The tour begins with a wonderful drive through some of the largest coffee and sugar cane plantations (Doka) in Costa Rica.
Then we will arrive in Grecia, and we will see the famous metal church. The church that has a rare architecture, with high ceilings, ornate stained glass windows, and classical lines.
Next we will move on to the arts & crafts factories of Sarchi recognized all over for their skilled labor and talented artistry; albeit, known primarily for the famous ox carts that are built there. And, if you are fortunate enough, you will see an ox cart that is over! two stories high. To that end, the behemoth ox cart is registered in the Guinness book of world records as being the largest ox cart in the world.
These ox carts are ornately decorated and bursting with intense colors, such as oranges and reds, and come in various sizes, and are treasured worldwide for their unique beauty. That said, you will not want to leave Costa Rica without one. Albeit, I would not recommend you attempt to lug the two story ox cart home.
To end a beautiful time spent, a delectable typical lunch will be served.
To book your tours contact:*Itinerary and pricing subject to change.
While Tiger is a long shot to make the 2016 Ryder Cup team, Notah Begay III Thinks Woods would be a great assistant captain.
Notah Begay III spoke with The Golf Channel and said that Tiger Woods is “taking it real easy” after undergoing a second back surgery earlier this month. (September 30, 2015 – by Ryan Lavner)
Speaking on an NBC Sports conference call, Begay said that his former college teammate is “giving it a little extra time to heal up before he starts rehabilitation. He’s just spending a lot of time at home and going to soccer games and watching Sam and Charlie play their fall soccer.
“It’s hard. It’s a challenge to be on the couch, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
Woods, who turns 40 in December, is not expected to return to competition until January 2016, at the earliest.
“I think he has a clear understanding with where he’s at in regard to his career that the sun is setting,” Begay said. “He’s very fair about where he’s at with his career and his body, and he’s certainly not going to go down without a fight, without trying to do everything he can to get back to a world-class level.”
Read more at Golf Channel
In Atlanta, Ga., PGA Professional William Lewis has seen a lot in his 63 years. Lewis was born May 1, 1951 in Huntsville, Alabama, the oldest of seven children born to William and Marie Lewis.
Williams, Sr. died when William was a ten-year-old student at Calvary Hill Elementary School. His mother, Marie, struggled to care for her children, but the task was beyond her. William remembers pulling his little red Flyer wagon to the government disbursement center to get cheese, peanut butter, and other commodities for the family.
At the age of eleven, William began caddying at the Huntsville Country Club on the weekends to help support his family. There he formed a special bond with a golfer named Robert Lowery, President of a local bank.
“Mr. Lowery allowed William to hit balls with him, and to use his clubs, recalls William. Their relationship continued as William matriculated through Lee High School, as the first Black member of the golf team.
Upon completion of high school, William entered Alabama A&M College where he joined the golf team, continued caddying, refereeing, and carrying a paper route to help his mother.
Youth receiving instruction from golf professional William Lewis, PGA
RELATED ARTICLE: Atlanta Pro-Duffers Know How To Hook-A-Kid On Golf
When Bob Lowery learned that William was playing golf at Alabama A&M University he purchased for him a new set of clubs. His impressive college golf resume included being voted while a freshman the most outstanding athlete; in 1970 and 1972 he won the SIAC Golf Tournament. In 1971 and 1973 he finished second in the SIAC Golf Tournament. During his college career, he won dove 28 tournaments.
In his senior year of college, William visited John A White Golf Course in Atlanta, where his former caddy manager Elijah Walker was the Golf Professional. Elijah offered William a job as his assistant.
A great ball driver, William began to play on the North American Golf Association Tour, with such renowned golf professionals like Charlie Sifford, Jim Thorpe, Jim Dent, Calvin Peete, George “GG”Johnson, Lee Elder, et al. William’s skills had put him on par with PGA Tour players and given him the incentive to pursue Tour school.
In his first attempt, he missed the cut. He made the finals in 1978 and 1981 and then ran out of money. In the meantime, he continued to make a name for himself on the North American Golf Association Tour. He won the Atlanta Open and West Georgia Open in 1978 and the Greensboro Open in 1979 and 1981. He went on to win the Bogey Hills Invitation in 1981 and the Macon Open in 1982. He entered his first PGA Event when he qualified for the Southern Open in Columbus, Georgia in 1981. He missed the cut by two strokes.
In 1986, American Golf Company assumed management of Atlanta City Golf Courses. At that time, William could no longer travel away from his job causing him to curtail his competitive schedule.
He became a member of the Georgia PGA of America and began the process for Class A Status. He left Tup Homes to become the general manager of Brown’s Mill Golf Course in Atlanta, Georgia. After about two years, he moved to Rivers Edge Golf Course in 1995 and obtained his Class A Status the same year.
In 1997, there were only two open spots on the Inaugural PGA Bellsouth Classic. William qualified for one of them. But, at this point in his life the responsibility for a wife and two children curtailed him to enter. William wholeheartedly embraced his duties as husband and father, head golf professional and youth instructor.
William continued to play on the Georgia Section of the PGA as time permitted; however, as the need for steady sources of income grew to support his family he reduced his competitive golf travels and settled into his golf professional duties at his home base.
He endeavored to share his experiences with the youth. In 1998, he was named Junior Golf Teacher of the Year. In 1999, he joined the first Tee at John A White Golf Course as the Head Instructor of Golf. He was selected Junior Golf Teacher of the Year again in 2000 and was inducted into the Black Golfers Hall of Fame and into the Madison City Hall of Fame that same year.
He was inducted into the Huntsville Booster Club Hall of Fame in 2003. Over the course of his professional career, he won over twenty events. At one point, he held five course records: John A While (Atlanta) 18 holes-61; Tup Holmes (Atlanta) 18 holes-61; Fort McPherson (Atlanta) 18 holes-64; Jet Port (Alabama) 18 holes-65 and Tup Holmes (Atlanta) back nine-29. To date, three records remain (both Tup Holmes and John A White). The highlight of his career was realized when he played Augusta and shot 65.
As the Head Instructor of Golf at the First Tee at John A White, William touches the lives of many junior golfers in Southwest Atlanta and surrounding communities. Over the past six years, he has helped several young boys and girls qualify for high school golf teams and earn golf scholarships for college. William Lewis has also been the coach of the Morehouse College Golf Team for the past eight years.
He currently has over 21 players participating in golf scholarship programs in colleges and universities. Lewis relates with pride and enjoyment that becoming a college golf coach has always been his dream. Moreover, he states that “Teaching these players value and direction is very rewarding for me.”
Organizers of the first pan-African gathering in golf have hailed the event as a resounding success, according to its press release.
The Africa Golf Summit, held September 9-11, 2015 at the at the award-winning Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Resort, near Johannesburg, saw some 90 industry figures from seven African countries come together with their European contemporaries to discuss and debate the way forward for the game throughout Africa.
According to its website, africagolfsummit.com: As a sport played by over 80 million people in over 130 countries, golf has a significant global reach. Unfortunately, however, the popularity of golf across the African continent is relatively low. This is largely due to limited golf development programs and the fact that golf has traditionally been inaccessible to many Africans.
In all, 11 countries were represented and these included a number of the golfing unions from various parts of the continent and a very strong representation from South Africa – Golf RSA, the Professional Golfers Association, the Disabled Golfers Association, and the Club Managers’ Association, among others, as well as the Sunshine Tour and SuperSport TV – together with five experienced European specialists.
Steve Isaac, golf course management director of the R&A, was accompanied by Paul Gray, general manager of Holywood Golf Club, in Northern Ireland, the home of Rory McIlroy; Jonathan Smith, CEO of the Golf Environment Organization, Henrique Duarte, Portuguese distributor for Toro, and Howard Swan, golf course architect at Swan Golf Designs and chairman of the Golf Consultants Association.
The Summit was well supported by many organizations in the commercial sector, both local and worldwide, with both Ransomes Jacobsen and Rainbird to the fore.
The presentational and panel sessions across the two-day programme were compiled by Kwakye Donkor, of the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA), and Swan, and organised by specialist event management company, Pure Grit.
A large part of the event focused on the state of the game, the provision of its facilities throughout sub-Saharan Africa and how the game could be grown and its base widened to involve many more people, particularly those from the disadvantaged communities as well as, specifically, young people who may be given the chance to join the game.
Career path and life and social skills development stemming from the game and the establishment of facilities was also high on the list in the hours of discussion and debate, as was seeing how more women and children could become golfers.
Donkor said: “It has been some time since I was responsible for the running of four consecutive South African Golf Summits, at the Fancourt Golf Estate, in the Cape. I always felt that the gathering together of experts from all over the continent as well as from Europe would greatly benefit the development of golf in Africa and I am simply delighted that the Summit went so well, and from it a real action plan is coming about.
“I have little doubt that autumn 2016 will see the second Summit and we will be able to review just how much progress we have made in moving golf forward from its embryonic state throughout the sub-Saharan countries.”
An enthusiastic accord was struck between all the delegates to explore ways of giving the game to more people who otherwise did not have the opportunity to experience it, and a declaration of intent was drafted to set out an action plan.
It was agreed by the interested parties attending the Summit that this intent is one which will need to meet certain aims and objectives and to meet with the stated objectives of national and provincial governments throughout the continent.
RELATED: Gary Player Endorces Africa Golf Summit
These include being a catalyst for economic development; a creator of job opportunities; employment and enterprise development; achieving transformation in communities; obtaining social cohesion and enhancing the natural environment, including resource allocation.
Other initiatives to emerge from the Summit agreement included a study investigating the value of golf throughout the continent; development of a strategy for golf tourism in Africa; the compilation of a golf development strategy document for Africa; and an action programme for marketing and promotion of the status of the golf industry in Africa.
Consequently, three initial Centres of Golf Excellence for Education and Vocational Training have been identified – one in South Africa, one in Nairobi, Kenya, and one in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
Swan added: “Those at the Summit were so enthusiastic about putting the game on the African map, with the Olympic year ahead, and seeing how building blocks could be put in for a solid future in place to achieve a real presence of the population in golf, just as the continent has achieved in providing talent on a true global scale in football. Optimism abounded!”
The Summit was accompanied by visits to local clubs including the Legend Golf Resort, in Limpopo, and the Soweto Country Club, in the famous township in Johannesburg itself.
In September 2013, the late, great Calvin Peete was the featured guest speaker for the Alabama A&M University Alumni Homecoming Golf Tournament banquet, and he served as Grand Marshal for the A&M homecoming parade. Because of my experience in the golf industry, Dr. Taylor Byrd, Alabama A&M Tournament Alumni Director, asked me to join him at the airport to welcome Calvin Peete to Huntsville, Alabama.
I can remember greeting and meeting Mr. Peete at the Huntsville International Airport. Surprisingly, he was a somewhat small man in stature. From watching him play golf on T.V., and enjoying his great success, i.e. beating the other golfers, making the Ryder Cup team twice, along with other accomplishments, I imagined him to be a physically big person. During and after my personal experience with Calvin (he insisted I call him Calvin), he was actually a bigger person in spirit than anyone can imagine.
Photo: (L-R) Howard Bankhead, founder of Youth Golf Development, the late, great Calvin Peete.
I remember Calvin sharing a story at the banquet. He said, “Being in the golfing environment, I met people that helped me achieve things that, as a youth, I never thought would happen”. His talk at the banquet was captivating, but the words that caught my ears the most is when Calvin said: “Just being in the golfing environment enabled him to meet people that helped him to be successful on, and off,the golf course”. In my quest to introduce youth to the game and intrinsic values of golf, I emphasize the benefits of JUST BEING in the golfing environment.
Calvin Peete’s success was inspirational to many people because he overcame obstacles which included: physical limitations; the lack of resources needed to play the highest level in golf; And the biggest obstacle, that of being a black man in a white (sport) world that did not want black people in their sport. Actually these obstacles were not Calvin’s, but the people who didn’t think he would succeed in the wonderful world of golf!
At that period of time, the world in general–and especially the golf world–a black man was not afforded the opportunities to be all he could be.
Additionally, the system fought against a black person having access to the offerings that the world of golf offered. However, it is obvious now that Calvin’s positive energy overcame all of those negative forces.
Photo: (L-R) The late, great Calvin Peete and Dr. Taylor Byrd, Alabama A&M Golf Tournament Director
Calvin Peete also shared with me that before The First Tee program was created (1998), he always talked with his good friend Deane Beman about creating some type of program for underserved youth to have access to golf.
Deane Beman the former PGA Tour commissioner was once called the Most Powerful Person in Golf, transformed the Tour into the success story it is today.
Calvin Peete’s visit to Alabama A & M University is a prime action of “Giving Back”!
Visit our website: www.golflifeskills.org
DONATION AND Sponsorship ARE NEEDED! In order to grow and continue the success of TVYGD, we ask for your love, support and donations!
“Anything positive is possible”
Howard Bankhead
Executive Director
Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development
604 Jordan Lane
Huntsville, AL 35816 USA
256-604-8172
NeverLost Golf Ball: Track Your Golf Balls with your Smartphone
Now there is a way to play smarter, play faster, score better and save balls. The Chip-ing NeverLost golf ball is here and it is the first major innovation brought to the game since the introduction of the graphite driver shaft in 1969.
The NeverLost golf ball looks, weighs, and behaves like a regular golf ball, but has an intelligent core built in that communicates with any smartphone. Golf balls can be tracked and found up to a distance of 150 yards. On average balls are found in less than one minute. NeverLost golf balls help golfers play faster, score better, and save balls.
“An average of 4.5 balls get lost per round during every game. With NeverLost golf balls, all you need is one or maybe two if you can‘t stay away from water!. If you play an average 10 rounds per year, you save at least 30-40 balls. That means a savings of at least $100-$150 depending on the brand you play with.” explains creator Thomas Sandel.
The Chip-ing NeverLost golf ball is only made possible due to the latest in technology that allows Bluetooth and battery technology to work seamlessly together inside a golf ball. In the past the battery was simply too big and too fragile to withstands the impact of a club. Due to the advances in technology we have been able to work with the worlds top technology companies to make this possible. This is a welcomed product in the Golf Industry. Golfers say “I was wondering when this would be available. Finally something new and exciting!” Unlike most future concepts that create a demand but takes years to develop, we have created a demand while carefully developing a truly remarkable product that is ready for production now! This is the next WOW item that will certainly revolutionize the golf industry. It is new, it is fresh and it works!
The company’s founders have over 25 years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, wireless communication and certification along with international sales, finance and risk management.
The team is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to mass produce the NeverLost golf ball, get the radio transmission technology certified by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).
Preorders for the NeverLost ball can be made starting September 18, 2015.
Indiegogo page: https://www.indiegogo.com/project/preview/1bfbb292#/story
For additional information about Chiping
NeverLost please visit our website, http://www.chip-ing.com
Maurice Jeffries II is a full-time professional golfer who knows the importance of time. Like many sportsmen, he is keenly aware of the fact that his age is a big factor in the lifespan and success of his career.
Jeffries started playing with The First Tee at John White Park in Atlanta, Georgia, and participated in the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club. Today, the 25-year old has a foundation in the game that he can be proud of while seeking even greater accomplishments.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Jeffries relocated with his parents to Peachtree City, Georgia, when he was 3-years old. He faired well in the Southern metropolis and he went on to complete his college education at Jackson State University on a full 4-year golf scholarship under the great NFL player Walter Payton’s brother, Golf Coach Eddie Payton. Jeffries was a stand out on the team and was a 2-year team captain where they won 3 years of conference titles. He earned in 4-years a B.A. Degree in Political Science (2012).
He has been a member of the White Water Country Club since 2002. And, as a father of a young child, Jeffries has already gotten his daughter Kyndall (age 4) involved with the sport of his dreams, purchasing her first set of golf clubs when she was only 2-years old.
The game of golf has been good for him and through it his eyes have seen some amazing sights.
Photo: Maurice Jeffries with Rory Mcilroy, Number 1 ranked golfer in the world, at the butch Harmon school of golf in Dubai (2014).
“I’ve had the unique opportunity to travel and experience the world. I have been fortunate to travel to some very nice places” says the 5’ 11” tall, 167-pound golfer who is highly motivated. “This has provided me with a perspective–not only my golf life but a worldwide perspective– of how the world lives, and what other cultures have to offer.”
“While most of the places I travel have fine amenities, and golf courses, one cannot help but notice the great amount of impoverished areas and the lack of stability in many of their surrounding regions. But at the end of the day, we are all the same; we all dream of better.”
Photo: Jeffries chats with award-winning actor Will Smith (right)
Jeffries admits that the experience reminds him of just how blessed he is. “It also serves as a motivation for me to continue the quest to fulfill my dreams.”
His monthly practice regimen varies and is primarily based on his tournament schedules. Some months when he is registered to play in tournaments he will play or practice daily. Most of those rounds are at his home course, the White Water Country Club in Fayetteville, Georgia.
“Unlike other sports I’ve played, golf is by far the most challenging. The constant pursuit of perfection keeps me in the right frame of mind, to always think positive and, to never give up my dream of being a success,” says Jeffries who also enjoys riding horses, traveling the world by air and sea and reading good books. “Every great person has a platform from which to build. I’ve learned from many teachable moments in my life; that it is better to give than to receive, and that someone should always see a light in you.”
Bringing Up The Future
A devoted and conscientious player, Jeffries does not let golf define him, and he admits to knowing that this game is not just about him. He absolutely loves giving back to the younger generation that is coming up from behind.
“My ultimate goal is to use golf as a vehicle, to be a role model to the younger generation, to encourage positive thinking and positive outcomes. All my life, my parents have used the mantra ‘Praise God, Never quit; it’s not over until it’s over.’”
Jeffries has volunteered with the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association annual tournament, serving as Assistant Tour Director, chaperone, and has worked to transport junior golfers during the series of events. Each year, he also volunteers with the Fayette County Youth Council NAACP Golf Tournament that he started while serving as Youth Council President. The funds made through this tournament help to provide attendance and participation in the National Convention where players can compete for scholarships. The tournament has had a successful run and is now in its 11th year.
“I am never too busy to stop to answer a question or show someone else on the golf course how to make their game better. I am always there to give a good word to a youngster who may be having a bad day, whether on the golf course or in the classroom,” says Jeffries.
Among his extensive scoreboard of achievements are the U.S. Open Local Qualifying, where he was Low Medalist (64); the Advocates Pro Tour, the MENA Pro Golf Tour (Middle East North Africa); the Asian Tour Qualifying School and the PGA Latin America Qualifying School.
A Reign of Success
Jeffries gives thanks to God and his family for their continued support and the golf training at the Butch Harmon School of Golf, Dubai (UAE) with Coach Justin Parsons. “I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Tiger Woods as one of my great, all time role models in the game of Golf. It is his play and success in the game that inspired me to pick up a club in the beginning along with my dad. Rory McIlroy is another golfer I admire for his game.”
It’s quite clear that Jeffries knows his strengths and weaknesses and is working hard to become an overall better golfer. “My biggest challenge is the same as what most professional golfers on my level struggle with. I can strike the ball with the best; chip and putt with the best of them; however, my objective is to become more consistent. Being able to learn alongside some of the best players and teachers in the game has afforded me great potential for advancement, and a clear understanding of how to better my game.”
With over 20 years invested in playing golf, Jeffries’ passion for the game has become his significant purpose in life. “I continue my pursuit to play golf on the PGA Tour because I feel that I have a God-given talent to play the game and the work ethic to be successful.
On August 16, 2015 a street dedication ceremony was held for the recently rename 120th Street, to the now Charlie Sifford Drive, which is located in the unincorporated Athens area in Los Angeles, and at the entrance to Chester Washington Golf Course, honoring the great golf pioneer Mr. Charlie Sifford.
The dedication ceremony was held at the Chester Washington Golf Course, Sifford’s long time home course, which is known for the place to golf among, and with some of the Black Great Golf Pioneers.
This is the place where black golf greats, such as Charlie Sifford, Alton Duhon, Charlie Lee, Bill Wright, Frank Snow, Jerry Bruner, and many other great pioneers, would traditionally meet to play golf, discuss their trials and tribulations of a black man trying to gain entry into the professional golf association, and naturally trash talk on who’s the best player.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley -Thomas, convener of the event and master of ceremony, expressed his excitement and gratitude to Steve Bradford, former 2012-2014, Assembly Member of the 62nd District, for spearheading and convincing him that the Chester Washington Golf Course holds historical significance, and needs to be a star in the 62nd District. It was Bradford who convinced Ridley-Thomas that the golf course needs his attention.
In his speech, Supervisor Mark- Ridley Thomas said that he paid attention and has made every effort to make sure that the historical Chester Washington golf course has–and will continue to get–the same amenities that every other upscale golf course in the county system has. Me: Barbara Taylor, this blogger, I applaud Steven Bradford for his vision and passion for this project, and L.A County Supervisor, Mark Ridley-Thomas for his due diligence in making it happen.
Photo: Sifford at 2012 Southern California Golf association (SCGA) induction breakfast with (l-r) blogger Barbra Taylor and Sifford fan Helen Caraway.
“It’s important that we honor Mr. Sifford’s tremendous accomplishments so that all may be inspired by his courage and perseverance,” Ridley-Thomas said.
Sifford’s son, Charlie Sifford Jr. and his caddy, Jimmy Green, were both in attendance. Mark Ridley-Thomas presented the street sign to Charlie Jr. and gave him the opportunity to speak on what the occasion meant to him.
Sifford Jr. shyly expressed his gratitude for the honor and stated that his father would have loved having the street named for him, particularly given the stress he endured during his entire professional golf career.
Steve Bradford, pictured left, former Assemblyman 62nd District, was introduced and told of his experience in meeting Charlie Sifford and of having the chance to play golf with him at Los Verdes Golf course in a tournament. Bradford’s captivating story went like this: “I was a standby at the tournament and didn’t think I had a chance to get to play, so I took my time getting to the tournament location. When I finally got there, arriving late of course–knowing that I ain’t got a chance in hell to play– to my chagrin, I was paired to play with Sifford”. Shortly after I recovered from my self-imposed embarrassment of being late, Charlie Sifford, and I played a great game, bonded, and developed a lifelong friendship.
Rumor has it that Mark-Ridley- Thomas has joined Supervisor Don Knabe in authoring a motion, scheduled for June 2916, to also rename the portion of West 120th Street, behind the golf course (between Western and Van Ness Avenue). Not “if” but when this motion is approved it will add an addition 1/4 mile, that will bare the name Charlie Sifford Avenue. Hooray for L.A !!!
After the street renaming ceremony, I spoke with Tee Diva, Rose Mary Spriggs, member, treasurer, and editor of the club’s newsletter, and she shared with me that “The street renaming just happened to have coincided with the conclusion of the two-day Advocates Pro Tour Golf Tournament, at Chester Washington Golf Course. After the tournament, members of the Advocates, as well as the players and most of the attending crowd, there to watch the tournament, quickly diverted their attention from the golf tournament, to swiftly walking from the golf course down to 120th street to watch the unveiling and the renaming ceremony.
(Photo: Charlie Sifford (center) with friends during the 2012 breakfast inducting him into the Southern California Golf association (SCGA) Hall of Fame.
Rose Mary also added that “When Kenneth Bentley, Executive Director of the Advocates, was introduced he stated that “he was extremely happy, and honored that the street renaming coincided with the conclusion of the Advocated successful Golf Pro Tournament. Bentley also stated that by breaking the color barrier, Sifford made it possible for other minority golfers to play and compete in the world of golf. Sifford had a tremendous impact on the sport, by breaking the barrier for other golfers.”
The cord was pulled and the street sign was unveiled to a thundering round of applauds at 3:30 PM!! And so it is….
Until next time!
Barbara Taylor is a freelance writer who enjoys golf and is living the golf lifestyle! She is based in Los Angeles, California. | Email
(BY KEVIN PRISE) –NORTH PLAINS, Ore. – Throughout the week at the WinCo Foods Portland Open presented by Kraft Heinz, Harold Varner III talked about the need to play his best while also accepting the fact that his fate might ultimately end up out of his hands.
Varner entered the week No. 25 on the Web.com Tour money list, squarely on the bubble in his attempt to earn his PGA TOUR card for the first time. He played his first seven holes Thursday in 4 over, yet battled back to make the cut. When he finished his final round Sunday just as the leaders were teeing off, 2-under total for the week at Pumpkin Ridge GC (Witch Hollow), he knew that anything could still happen.
“I think I can go into the (Web.com Tour) Finals and make some hay,” said Varner upon the conclusion of his final round, well aware that he could be knocked outside the top 25 by afternoon’s end. “I played 21 events, and this round isn’t what it’s going to come down to in my eyes. That’s just how it is, and I’m going to have to accept that.
“Whatever happens, I’m going to get better from it. It’s not going to be easy, but I gave myself a chance. That’s what we want.”
Four hours before his fate would be determined, Varner spoke as a man well aware that he could lose his place in the top 25 quite easily. The most clear-cut scenario fell with the final group of Dicky Pride and Tim Herron: If Herron won and Pride finished solo second, Varner would be surpassed by both on the money list and subsequently lose his top-25 spot.
In between various off-course obligations – and responding to the dozens of text messages and calls that flooded his phone – Varner stationed himself in the Witch Hollow clubhouse, watching the telecast alongside fellow Web.com Tour pros. As the afternoon progressed, it became clear that the tournament would come down to Pride and Herron.
Varner, not a Southeastern Conference fan, even uttered a couple of “Roll Tides” along the way, in reference to Pride’s alma mater. Hardcore fist pumps were in order when Pride rolled in a mid-range par putt midway through the back nine. Dawie van der Walt sat nearby, offering his take on the scenarios, along with fellow Web.com Tour graduates Patton Kizzire, Kelly Kraft and Andrew Landry.
Read more at PGA Tour.com
Harold Varner Becomes First African American To Earn PGA Tour Card Through Web.com
At 6’1” tall and a lean 190 pounds, Jacques Leandre could compete in just about any sport he chooses. But Haitian-born lawyer fancies an attraction to golf.
The Queens, New York resident credits his older brother for introducing him to the game. It all began when his brother would take him along to a summer job that he worked at high school for a local golf course. The pair would spend time together swinging, hitting balls, and playing around.
Today, Leandre carries a 23 handicap and relishes every moment that he can get out on the green. As a member and Co-Founder of the United Black Golfers Association, Inc. (UBGA).
Leandre attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned a B.A. in finance before completing law school at the City University of New York Law School at Queens College. As Principal of his firm, Law Offices of Jacques M. Leandre, PLLC, located on Broadway in Manhattan and specializing in civil rights and community empowerment law, he is known as “The Community Attorney”. When he’s not in the office you can find him spending quality time with his wife of 17 years, Chrissy, and their two children, Asia and Jacques III. Golf is important to him but not more than family.
Evening meal time brings about a daily opportunity to bond and to catch-up on what’s been happening for the Leandre clan, especially when his favorite dishes of red snapper and navy bean soup are being served.
To keep a decent handicap you have to practice.
Although work takes it’s toll, Leandre tries to play at least four times a month, and, usually with his best golf buddy Vernel Bennett, UBGA President/Founder. Their favorite spot? The Douglaston Golf Course in Queens.
In his specialized career, Leandre is always seeking “justice” and out on the course is no different, where—in this sport, each player is the judge and jury of their own game.
“It is extremely relaxing and always challenging,” say the well postured and clean-shaven Leandre about his enjoyment of golf. But he is also a fierce competitor and plays in several tournaments annually. For this, he credits the invaluable lessons of having a professional golf instructor who can help you with, “…playing a consistent game in various weather conditions.”
Leandre especially enjoys playing with the “old-timers” and listening to the “war stories”. A most admired golfer for Leandre? Well, that woud be none other than the late Calvin Peete. “The man was self-taught….Amazing,” says Leandre. “May he rest in peace.”
Other than being involved in golf, Leandre participates with coaching little league football for the Rosedale Jets Football Association and conducting legal workshops for at-risk youth.