Page 483 – African American Golfer's Digest

Neck Bone Golf Tour

by Debert Cook August 5, 2015

written by Debert Cook

The 2015 Neck Bone Golf Tour had another exciting tournament this year. All players had a great time and many were returning players who regularly participate in the popular competition that gets raves around the country.

Yes, it’s called the Neck Bone (No, it’s not a bunch of chiropractors) and the fellows, and ladies, who come out are all about playing their best game. This year’s tournament was held February 6-14, 20-15 in Miami, Florida.

“We go to play 9 days of skin games–yes, 9 straight days. The tournament is just a climax to the Tour and another big Flighted Skin Game!,” says Tournament Director Tom Robinson. Playing at different courses, this year 134 golfers participated at least one of the nine days. For the Snow Bird Open Tournament, 133 golfers played at least one day. Of course, some players cannot stay for the whole 9-day duration, so they come, and go, as their schedules will allow.

The late Pete Ball founded The Neck Bone Tour back in 1978. Ball passed in 1992 and that’s when Tom Robinson took over directing in 1993, with the help of Mr. Ball’s son Roger Ball. Robinson, a former football, basketball and golf coach has keep it going for 37-years to date!

Photo: Back in the day Pete Ball (right) known as “The God Father” and his #1 man “Chando” (Tom Robinson) (left).

At the Neck Bone Tour, Robinson, age 82, a Nashville and Columbia, Tennessee native, is mostly called my his moniker “Chando”! This nickname was bestowed on him by his mother, who’s favorite radio show back in the 30’s featured “Chando The Magician,” a well-know actor in their area, where Robinson also taught and coached for ten successful years!

“Every year we lose some golfers and pick up new golfers. Some we never see again, and others latch on and come regularly, many have come over 20-years straight.”

This year 15 rookies participated in the tournament with two of them winning their flight. “Over the nine days we figure 85% of our golfers won something because, our motto is ‘give a little, to a lot’, thus, it’s not the A level players winning all the money! There were many, many winners in our daily skin game, men and women. Plus, Boobie prizes.”

One day the Tour paid the player with the most 8’s, or highest total score, on the par 5’s or par 3’s….sometimes the high handicapper can even win daily!

Courses played at this year’s tournament included: Palmetto GC, Killian Greens GC, Miccosukee GC, Trump National Doral, Silver Fox GC and the Golf Club Of Miami.

“There were many, many, winners in our daily skin game, men and women, plus exciting daily Boobie prize, or some other type of special prize.”

The Two Day Snow Bird Open Tournament Champion for the men was Dr. Eric Brown; For the women: Marilyn Cole.

Keep your calendar open for the 2016 Neck Bone Golf Tour Schedule. It will be released in September 2015.

For more information call Tom Robinson, Tournament Director at (814) 835-6901 or email [email protected].

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August 5, 2015 0 comment

Dorothy Johnson Wins Emerald Coast Amateur

by Debert Cook August 4, 2015

written by Debert Cook

The Emerald Coast Amateur was played August 1-2, 2015, in Sandestin, Florida, hosted by the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The 2nd annual Golf Channel Amateur tour was contested over 36-holes and participants were scheduled to play one (1) round at the Raven course and one (1) round at the private Burnt Pines Course. Dorothy-Johnson_Emerald-Coast-Win Winner Dorothy Johnson is a resident of Cantonment, Fla.

Round:	2
Position:	T42
Score:	+32
Strokes:	175

Johnson, age 65, known as “DOT” among her friends, is a consistent winner on The Golf Channel amateur tournaments and plays year-round. She has been playing the game since 1991 and on May 27, 2012, she received the Founder’s Award at the African American Golfers Hall Of Fame in West Palm Beach, Fla.

On Tuesday, “Champions Tuesday”, The Golf Channel streamed across the screen the winners names of the Emerald Coast Amateur along with winners names of the other tours such as the PGA, LPGA, European, and Web.com Tour. This is a real honor for Johnson, which she has truly earned.

View Dorothy Johnson’s full Scorecard and playing history HERE.

August 4, 2015 0 comment

News

World Golf Foundation has compiled a list of suppliers to the golf industry

by Debert Cook August 1, 2015

written by Debert Cook

The World Golf Foundation has compiled a list of suppliers to the golf industry, competitive golf events, recreational golf programs and entities offering careers in golf that support diversity in the golf industry. This list intends to create a resource that informs interested individuals of these programs. View this list HERE.

August 1, 2015 0 comment

Hotel Reviews

Bahamas, Grand Lucayan

by Debert Cook July 28, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Every golfer dreams of playing in the perfect setting. The beautiful backdrop of Grand Bahama Island makes Grand Lucayan one of the most spectacular places to tee off in the world. Ranked as one of the number one golf locations in the Bahamas, Grand Lucayan offers a beautiful 18-hole, par-72 championship course that caters to every level.

THE COURSE, designed by well-known golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., provides players with a competitive circuit and has hosted the PGA’s Bahamas, National Open, the Senior PGA’s Slam, among other national championship tours. The breezy Reef course has 6,930 yards of expansive greens and fairways, scattered with bunkers, water hazards and grassy rough. Grand Lucayan, situated along an expansive 7.5-acre beach with views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, is an award-winning resort located just 55-miles off the Florida coast.

THE RESORT offers guests a classic Bahamian experience and is an ideal destination for golfers, couples, families and groups due to its accessibility, affordability, and the range of soft adventure activities available on the island. This Bahamian gem provides spacious accommodations, world-class cuisine, three swimming pools, a 25,000 square-foot Senses Spa & Fitness Center, 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces and a Las Vegas-style casino. Guests who book their stay this fall can take advantage of room rates starting at $98 per night. Furthermore, families seeking fall accommodations are privy to the popular “kids stay & eat free” promotion where children 12 and under can enjoy complimentary stays. Learn more at http://www.grandlucayan.com.

July 28, 2015 0 comment

19th Hole

Remington iCoffee Opus RSS600

by AAGD Staff July 28, 2015

written by AAGD Staff

Have your coffee your way with the Remington iCoffee Opus (RSS600 model). This single serve brewer makes up the perfect cup every time using its special patented spin brewing technology. What does this mean? Well, it means that your K-cup will do more than just ‘sit there’, looking pretty– but just draining the water. It means that the K-cup will actually put forth some effort in producing your great beverage. Through the patented spin brewing technology, the K-cup will spin, receive steam, and stir—instead of just being pierced through, all the way down, simply mixing the coffee with water. The convenient window on the coffee maker even lets you watch the process while it’s happening.

Why is this brewing technology better?
Well, with this engagement of the K-cup your coffee will be reduced in the amount of acidity and bitterness. Unlike the results that our team received while using other competitive single serve brewing coffee machines.

The Remington iCoffee Opus (RSS600 model) is sleek and beautifully designed. At just 12”x10” it will fit nicely on your kitchen counter, rather than hidden away beneath your counter. Simple to operate, you just plug it into any standard 110 voltage outlet, touch the power button it automatically goes into “power saver” mode. From there, you just select your desired coffee strength. Then, you will notice that it will heat up, and the display will say “heating”. After less than a minute, the display changes to “ready”. And you simply remove your coffee cup and enjoy. Brew 4-12 ounces in 1/2 ounce increments. You can brew up to 12 ounces for use with larger mugs including travel mugs, by simply removing the drip tray—but the coffee will be weaker in strength.

The coffee maker also takes just about all types single serve cups including RealCup, OneCup, K-cup capsules, many private label brand as well as the reusable pods. With your Remington iCoffee Opus (RSS600 model) there is actually a starter pack of 6-count variety coffee pods included, so you can start enjoying the flavor of your coffee, tea or hot chocolate right away!

Specifications:
Weight: 10.75 pounds
Size: 13″ x 10″ x 13″ inches
Water reservoir: large 75 ounces

MSRP: $139.99

July 28, 2015 0 comment

News Slider Women's Round

Renee Powell Enjoys Honorary Membership at Royal And Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews

by Debert Cook July 28, 2015

written by Debert Cook

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews announced that Renee Powell has accepted their invitation to become an honorary member. Powell becomes the first of seven female members, and the first and only African American female member, of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, known as the home of golf.

Powell played in more than 250 events, having joined the LPGA Tour in 1967. In 1979, she became the first woman to be a head professional at a golf course in the United Kingdom, at Silvermere, near London. After leaving the LPGA Tour in 1980, she developed inner-city youth golf programs in the United States and in 1995 became the first African American female Class A member of The PGA of America and the LPGA. In 2003, Renée Powell received the Professional Golfers’ Association of America’s First Lady of Golf award and four years later the inaugural Rolex For the Love of the Game Award. In 2008 she was made an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) by the University of St Andrews.

Powell, now 69, joins several other notable women who accepted honorary membership in the R&A Golf Club including Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Dame Laura Davies, Belle Robertson MBE, Lally Segard, Annika Sorenstam and Louise Suggs. The surprise announcement came on February 10, 2015.

“This is an historic day for the Club and we could not be more proud also to welcome women who have distinguished themselves in golf over many years and have been great players and champions. They are extremely worthy additions to our roll of honorary members and will become ambassadors for the Club as they have been for the sport of golf throughout their careers,” said George Macgregor OBE, Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Above: Renee Powell overlooking the field while wearing a blue scarf
emblazoned with the Royal and Ancient club logo.

The unexpected letter of invitation, with a Scotland postmark, arrived in Powell’s mailbox last December at the public golf course that “Mr. P” (Powell’s late father William) had created out of an old dairy farm in East Canton, Ohio. The R&A letter was a pleasant surprise– and a long way from the many ‘unkind’ letters and death threats that once filled her mailbox while playing on the LPGA Tour (1967-1980). It was during those days that diversity on the golf course was not eagerly accepted. In fact, her father William, who had worked as a security guard for the bearing manufacturer Timken, was a scratch golfer. But, because of the PGA’s Caucasian Rule, he never had the opportunity to use his skills on the Tour. Those exclusionary rules existed until 1961. Mr. P’s Clearview Golf Course went on to become the first golf course to be designed, built, owned and operated by an African American and, is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Along with the surprise of honorary membership the R&A letter of invitation also invited Powell to be a lunch guest with the Club Captain, during the prestigious week of the British Open (July 16-20, 2015) at the Old Course. She selected Pro Football Hall of Fame, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Franco Harris to join her for the event.

Above (l-r) Dana and Franco Harris, Renee Powell, Rosey and Ray Park, friends of Franco

“I think back to the times that as a young black girl playing golf, there were many places I could not play or unpleasant situations when I was finally allowed to play, and now I belong to the most exclusive private golf club in the world,” Powell said to the New York Times. On the L.P.G.A. Tour her best finish was a tie for fourth at the 1972 Lady Errol Classic. As with many minority players who reach the Tour, Powell thinks back and wonders how much better she might have played if she had not encountered so many hazards off the course.

Above: (l-r) Dr. Louise Richardson, president of the University of St. Andrews with Renee Powell

“To see Renee take her rightful place as a distinguished honorary member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club has been a long time coming and, I am glad to have witnessed this in my lifetime,” said Debert Cook, publisher of the African American Golfer’s Digest. “Far too often our African American heroes, and sheroes, are laid to rest in their graves before receiving their just rewards from leaders in the golf sector. This honorary membership for Renee showcases the R&A’s commitment to diversity and it hope that it continues to grow and expand.” Powell has dedicated her life to fighting for equality and inclusion, and yet, the day that she sat to take her place at the Royal and Ancient clubhouse trophy room table, she truly felt the weight of the honor, realizing the distinction she now held.

Tiger Woods, who won his first British Open title 15 years ago at St. Andrews, said, “What Renee did in her pioneering efforts, people tend to forget it,” according to the New York Times. He added, “But those of us who are minorities in the game of golf, who grew up not really being able to play in all the places, we understand their sacrifice.” Woods expressed his happiness to see Powell become a part of a select group that includes Nicklaus, former President George H. W. Bush and Peter Alliss, a player turned commentator and architect, as honorary members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Woods, who is not a member told the New York Times, “I think she truly does deserve it, and it’s been a long time coming.”

July 28, 2015 0 comment

Clothing

The Martini Jacket

by AAGD Staff July 25, 2015

written by AAGD Staff

The Martini Jacket is an absolutely, delicious, wardrobe staple; Because, when you’re ready to go, you’re ready to go!

The Martini Jacket is season-less. Designed by Hema New York, wear it winter, spring, summer or fall for a convenient and comfortable alternative to bulky sweaters and jackets. The Martini Jacket is lightweight and classically covers you with the look and feel of genuine luxury. Heads will turn as you enter a room, showcasing your flash of style and sophistication that you will radiate while wearing the Martini Jacket.

Just toss this gorgeous, hand-sewn ,jacket over your shoulders and anything you have on underneath it combines to form a perfect look…from jeans, dresses, skirts, cords, cutoff pants or even shorts.

gold-martini-jacket In the Martini Jacket you will instantly look chic and all ‘pulled together’. Ditch the time and hassle of digging through your wardrobe for other outfits to complete your look and become a reflection of grandeur in this beautifully applied nylon sequin garment.

The Martini Jacket is perfect to wear from brunch to dinner, to casual or formal gatherings, for looking great without stressing yourself. The Martini Jacket is ideal to pack for travel and ‘on the go’ occasions.

You truly cannot go wrong with this item in your closet.

silver martini jacket MSRP: 145.00

Details

Open Front

Three Quarter Sleeves

Relaxed Fit

One Size Fits All

Length 28″

100% Nylon Sequin, 100% Lining Polyester
Dry Clean Only

Three Colors:

Black Sequin with Black Lining

Silver Sequin with Black Lining

Gold Sequin with Black Lining

July 25, 2015 0 comment

News Videos Women's Round

SADENA PARKS BEST BODY ENTRANCES FANS

by Debert Cook July 23, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Sadena Parks is making history as only the fifth African American professional golfer to play on LPGA Tour. Parks is as beautiful inside, with a calm and cool personality, as she is on the outside, with a highly toned and muscular physique which was featured in Golf Magazine’s 2015 Body Issue:

July 23, 2015 0 comment

Beverly Jhnson and Lee Elder at Original Tee Golf Classic

News Slider

Over 250 VIPs participate in the 16th Annual Original Tee Golf Classic, all-day event honored golf legend Lee Elder for breaking the color barrier at the Masters forty years ago.

by Debert Cook July 23, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Held at Wild Turkey Golf Club in Hamburg, N.J., on Sunday, July 19, the distinguished guests spanned various industries and included supermodel Beverly Johnson, radio/tv host Roland Martin, Wendell Haskins (founder, Original Tee Golf Classic), Iain Page (FOX29 Philadelphia anchor), Keith Clinkscales (CEO, REVOLT), Len Burnett (Publisher, UPTOWN), Sharon Harris (Microsoft), golf phenoms Amari “Tigress” Avery and Alona Avery, entertainment attorney Matt Middleton, Jeff Sanchez (NBA Senior Manager, Event Activation), designer Tony Shellman, Derrin Woodhouse (Samsung), Michael Davis (Philadelphia Eagles), Shante Bacon (founder, 135th Street Agency), Dres from Black Sheep, advertising exec Malcolm Gillian, Byron Kirkland (manager of Machine Gun Kelly), Kevin Peck (manager of Dru Hill), Lenny Singletary (BNY Mellon), Kainon Jasper (Bridge Intelligence Group), Latoya Finney (Asst. VP at Barclays Capital), Frank Fraley (Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce), Michael Vann (former owner of The Shark Bar) and Jim Kelly III.

Guests enjoyed on-site haircuts by Denny Moe’s Superstar Barbershop from Harlem; an all-day open bar courtesy of Zacapa Rum and Ciroc; a silent auction of sports memorabilia; and clinics hosted by PGA professionals who introduced 25 novice attendees to the game of golf. Golf coach Buddy Cooper led the Nine-Hole Youth Competition along with several PGA professionals including NFPGA Section Member Anthony G. Stepney (UMES DiversitiTee Golf & ProjectNext Tee), New Jersey Section Members Jim Famula (Raritan Golf Center), Bill Nightingale (Life Member) and Hal Myers (Life Member).

Later that evening at the Awards Dinner hosted by Iain Page, Beverly Johnson – last year’s True Original honoree – presented Lee Elder with this year’s True Original Award. Tournament winners included golfers Henry Lopez and Greg Lewis for the adult competition, and Khalid Page, Diana McCready and Alona Avery for the youth competition.

Special thanks to this year’s sponsors Chico’s, Mercedes-Benz, National Basketball Association (NBA), Zacapa Rum, Delta Airlines, Times Square Communications, Ciroc, Bai Water and GIII by Carl Banks.

Photos by Stephen Knight

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”19″ gal_title=”Original Tee 16th Annual Golf Classic”]

ABOUT ORIGINAL TEE, INC.

Original Tee, Inc. was founded by Wendell J. Haskins — director of sports and entertainment relations at PGA of America — with a vision of paying homage to African American pioneers in the sport of golf. The company name and first product – the “Original Tee-Shirt” – was inspired by Dr. George F. Grant, the African American inventor of the golf tee. Original Tee’s core objectives are preservation of the game of golf, education on African American accomplishments in golf and instructing and developing a pipeline of new golf enthusiasts – especially youth. Original Tee’s competitive advantage is grounded in its broad reaching relationships within the entertainment and sports industries. The growing popularity of golf among African Americans, coupled with market understanding, provides a broad platform of opportunities for Original Tee within the leisure sports and the lifestyle brand marketplace including apparel, merchandising, event management and promotional partnerships. The Original Tee Golf Classic (OTGC), our premier golf tournament, is one of the cornerstones of the company and enables us to contribute to causes and initiatives whose goals and commitments match our own.

July 23, 2015 0 comment

Heard & Scene News

Original Tee Golf Classic Strikes Another Hit

by Debert Cook July 22, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Held at the exclusive Wild Turkey Golf Club in Hamburg, N.J., on on Sunday, July 19, 2015 on one of six courses that make up the Crystal Springs Golf Resort, the Original Tee Golf Classic was a rousing success.

Wendell Haskins on laptop with green tie_500

The prestigious outing was the 16th annual tournament hosted by its founder Wendell Haskins. Haskins also serves as the Director of Sports & Entertainment Relations at the PGA of America.

This year’s event honoree was none other than 12-time PGA Champion Lee Elder. A “True Original” in every sense of the word.

Honoree Lee Elder_500 Above: 12-time PGA Champion Lee Elder

The outing recognized and celebrated Lee’s 40th anniversary as the first African American Golfer to play in the prestigious Master’s Golf Tournament, held every year in Augusta, Ga. The year was 1975. Lee qualified for the Master’s by winning the Monsanto Open in Milwaukee, Wis. on April 21st, 1974.

photo_500 Above L-R: Anthony Stephny, Anthony G. Stepney (UMES DiversitiTee Golf & ProjectNext Tee) with Lee Elder, Beverly Johnson, Amari Avery

In his acceptance speech at the Original Tee event Mr. Elder reminded the enthusiastic audience that also that same year Baseball Legend Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run, passing Babe Ruth on the all time home run list on April 8th, that same year. So the city of Milwaukee and the month of April, in 1974, was magical for two African American future Hall of Famers.

Amari & Alona Avery_500 I had the pleasure to share some small talk with Lee’s lovely wife Sharon Elder. She was walking the golf course, following the foursome consisting of Lee Elder, super model Beverly Johnson, t.v. talk show host Roland Martin, and 11-year old golf phenom Amari “Tigress” Avery. Also please do yourself a favor and remember that name, Amari, because I’m certain you’re gonna hear it again. Amari has all the skills to become one of the great ones. The it factor, she got it: Temperament, Talent and Charisma–I’ll get back to Amari later.

Left: golf sisters Amari and Alona Avery.

As for Mrs. Sharon Elder, I found out that other than being a golf historian, and wife of Lee Elder, she’s a licensed pilot. Sharon says, she flew mostly 6-seater Beach Debonaire aircrafts in the 70’s and 80’s, primarily all over the west coast.She and Lee attended Michael Irving’s Celebrity Golf Classic held in Dallas, Tx. a few years ago, plus many other professional and celebrity outings. The Elder’s reside in Pompano Beach, Fla.

Sharon Elder and John Perry_500 Above: Sharon Elder with reporter John Perry

Now back to little Miss Amari Avery. She’s from Riverside, Ca. Her father Andre got her involved in the game at the tender age of 3. Her first certified golf instructor was Kris Olsen. Her nickname is ” Tigress”, not really a surprise. She wears the name well, trust me.

Tiger himself can be very proud of her track record, too. She’s a two-time World Junior Amateur Champion, which is played every year at the famed Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. Around 1500 Junior golfers compete for the title annually.

She’s featured in a 90-minute long documentary sports movie called “The Short Game”. Directed by Josh Greenbaum in 2013. She’s played rounds with the late, great, Calvin Peete, t.v. celebrity LL Cool J and noted others. She has a younger sister, Alona Avery, 9-years old, who’s also a good junior golfer. Amari’s manager and advisor is Leland Hardy, a pretty good golfer in his own right. Amari’s lowest 18 hole score is 71.

Veda Page & Triplets Khalid, Dillon & Aidan

Also on hand was former Golf Channel Host Iain Page, who now works at Fox’s Channel 29 in Philadelphia. Iain was accompanied by his wife (photo left) Veda Page and their “triplet” boys Khalid, Dillon, & Aidan Page.

The triplets are eleven-and-a-half years old. Khalid is the oldest by one and a half minute, making him the big brother, so to speak.

Veda says her favorite golf course which she’s played is famed Torrey Pines in San Diego, Ca. The boys also competed in the “Fresh Classic Junior Golf Tournament”. This was the first year for the event. It consisted of a 9-hole competition on the Crystal Springs Golf Course. Sister course to Wild Turkey. The Page family now reside in Cherry Hills, N. J. They previously lived in Florida and Houston, Tx. Iain says he loves living back on the East Coast in South Jersey, but admits he prefers spending his winters in Florida.

Amari showing winning form with Roland_500 Above: Amari Avery shows her winning form off to Roland Martin

Another great story at the event I thought was one of Dianna Montague. CEO & founder of Iron Lady Enterprise Inc., Dianna was the first licensed black female Iron Worker Private Contractor in Philadelphia. She’s currently involved in the rebuilding of the Tapanzee Bridge in New York City. Some of her job tasks includes building ships, roads, rigging, welding, as well as bridges. Hats off to Dianna!

Photo left: Beverly Johnson

One other great experience was meeting event spectator Harry Thompson, President & CEO of Area Sport Development. Harry is a long time member of the National Minority Business Council (NMBC) located at 1633 Broadway & 50th Street in New York City.

He has been living in Paris, France for the last 30 years, although he’s currently working in Senegal, West Africa helping in the development of the country’s infrastructure. Kudos to Harry.

Well, let me just say, mark your calendars for the 2016 Original Tee golf Classic because it’s sure to be another fantastic tournament!

July 22, 2015 0 comment

News

Urban League of Central Carolinas Honors Dr. Charles L. Sifford at 2015 Golf Tournament

by Debert Cook July 22, 2015

written by Debert Cook

“The Road to Inclusion”

The Urban League of Central Carolinas honored the late Dr. Charles L. Sifford by renaming the 23rd Annual ULCC Guild golf tournament after the legendary hall of Fame golfer. The tournament was held on September 21, 2015 at Piper Glen Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

America is a different America today than Dr. Charles Sifford experienced 60 years ago. It’s an America of growing diversity still struggling with inclusion. Sifford was a visionary who understood this is the dawning days of the modern era.

He was a trail blazer who paved the way for golf pioneers Lee Elder, Calvin Pete, Jim Thorpe, Jim Dent and Tiger Woods. Sifford’s focused determination to hone his craft to compete with the best smashed open the doors to a racially segregated. He fought to abolish the PGA’s “Caucasian Only Clause” and forced the game to open the door to African Americans and others and ethnic and racial minorities. He was the first African American to receive a PGA card and play in an official PGA tour event.

Sifford was a self-taught golfer who, like many African American golfers of his day, began his life on the links as a caddy. The son of a factory worker, he caddied as a youngster at segregated country clubs in Charlotte, NC earning 60 cents per day. He fell in love with the game and became a prodigy, who by the age of 13, frequently broke par when caddies were allowed to play on Mondays at some clubs. By his mid-20s he was a well-known top flight player. Excluded from the prestige of PGA competition the vast majority of his career, his professional golf career developed on the Negro golf circuit, The United Golf Association (UGA), in the 1940s and 50s. He dominated the National Negro Open from 1952 to 1960, winning the event 6 times and winning 11 other UGA events as well.

Sifford met Jackie Robinson, baseball great and racial champion, shortly after breaking the color barrier in baseballwho encouraged Sifford with cautionary advice and insights about achieving his dreams against all odds. Never giving up and maintaining strong mental composure at all times in the face of physical and mental abuse was sage advice Sifford never forgot.

After more than a decade in 1960 at age 38, Sifford challenged and won his fight against the PGA’s Caucasian Only membership policy in the State of California. He joined the PGA Tour quickly becoming a standout among the biggest names ingolf including Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Sam Snead and even a young rising star named Jack Nicklaus. Despite incredible hostility, constant heckling on the course and death threats, he came in second in his first PGA tournament, the 1960 Orange County Open and went on to win 2 more PGA events and also won the PGA Seniors Championship. Sifford was an exceptional player and top 60 money winner throughout his entire time on the PGA tour. He was the first African American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2014 and he received an honorary Doctorate of Law degree from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland in 2006. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

Charlie Sifford overcame a lifetime of struggle to excel at the game that he loved to blaze a trail for other African Americans to follow. He faced harsh treatment and unspeakable indignities including the ultimate insult of never being invited to the Masters even though he was more than qualified to compete. Through it all he endured with character, dignity, and cool. He relentlessly pursued his dream and provided a door of inclusion through which professional golfers today can walk proudly standing on his shoulders.

“During a time when Charlotte struggles with economic mobility for impoverished people, the historical significance of the 2015 Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Tournament is a huge step for the Urban League and the Charlotte community,” said Dr. Patrick Graham, ULCC President and CEO. “Sifford’s legacy of breaking barriers in sports fits well with ULCC legacy of economic and social inclusion for all.”

Proceeds from the Dr. Charles L. Sifford Tournament will go directly to the Urban League of Central Carolina’s Youth and Adult Workforce Readiness Programs. Last year, ULCC provided more than 600 students in grades 3 – 12 with technology and workforce skills training. The adult workforce and Entrepreneurial programs served over 2600 Charlotte area residents by providing free national certification courses in HVAC, Fiber Optics/ Broadband, Premise Cabling, Customer Service, Microsoft and Entrepreneurship. ULCC program graduates earned over $12.1 million in salary income.

July 22, 2015 0 comment

News Slider

PGA of America Pulls 2023 Event From Donald Trump’s Southern California Course

by Debert Cook July 22, 2015

written by Debert Cook

After decades of waiting — and a year of careful negotiations — the U.S. Open is finally headed back to Los Angeles.

The U.S. Golf Assn. will announce early Wednesday morning that Los Angeles Country Club has agreed to host the 2023 national championship.

The deal culminates a long courtship in which the USGA wooed the revered — and traditionally aloof — club, hoping that membership would someday open its gates to the world.

“This is a wonderful thing for golf,” said Tom O’Toole, the association’s president. “Just a special opportunity.”

Officials said the arrangement required concessions from both sides, and a pivotal vote by LACC members.

“Our club may have been very private in the past,” said John Chulick, president of the board of directors. “But the world had changed.”

The U.S. Open is one of golf’s four major championships, along with the Masters, British Open and PGA Championship. Its last time in this city was 1948, when Ben Hogan won at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades.

Riviera tried on more than one occasion to lure the tournament back but ran into a stumbling block.

The modern Open had become an extravagant affair involving tens of thousands of spectators and acres of corporate hospitality tents. Its sheer size had outgrown a course with a relatively small footprint and limited street access.

“Riviera is a gem,” O’Toole said. “But it certainly doesn’t have the operational capabilities that a Los Angeles Country Club does.”

Several major surface streets feed into LACC, which is situated at the edge of Beverly Hills. The intersection of the 10 and 405 freeways is only a few miles away.

More important, the club stretches across 325 acres. The tournament will be played on its North Course, with the South Course devoted to all those tents and trailers.

The USGA had kept LACC in its sights for at least 26 years, dating to when O’Toole joined the association. But, he said, “at the end of the day, we needed an invitation.”

Club leadership kept rebuffing overtures, even though LACC had been amenable to professional tournaments in its early days.

The North Course hosted the Los Angeles Open five times from 1926 through 1940. When co-founder Joseph Sartori died in 1946, that tradition “seemed to languish,” Chulick said.

LACC became known as a cloistered enclave, its grounds hidden from view by thick foliage and trees. In a star-driven town, leadership was hesitant to accept Hollywood celebrities as members.

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