Page 485 – African American Golfer's Digest

Omaha NAACP Father’s Day Tee

by Debert Cook July 1, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Omaha NAACP held its first Golf Outing on Sunday, June 21^st at Shoreline Golf Course in Carter Lake, Iowa. The outing was intended to serve a dual purpose, a fun gathering for fathers and their families and a fundraiser for the Omaha NAACP Youth Council. The event included a 9 hole course, buffet dinner, hole prizes and a awards ceremony.

Omaha’s very own Judy Rhodes, LPGA was in attendance and focused on assisting the new talent within the Youth Council. The successful event hosted Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Rodgers and his daughter, Jewel, and Nia Station, Metro Conference Girls Golf Tournament Champion.

Sponsors for the event included Holy Name Housing, Burchfiel Dental, Nebraska State Board of Education – John Witzel, District 4, Toney’s Commercial Roofing, 95.7 The Boss and the NAACP Executive Council. Photographs provided by Dark Moon Photography.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”18″ gal_title=”NAACP Fathers Day Tee”]

July 1, 2015 0 comment

Featured Blog

Urban Golfer by Michael Cooper

by Debert Cook July 1, 2015

written by Debert Cook

The urban golfer is a phrase I use to describe the golfing community I best identify with. Urban does not imply race or ethnicity. Instead, it refers to a cultural experience that is more inner city than suburbia. More diverse, open and inclusive than elite and standoffish. More fun and festive, as opposed to quiet solitude.

In the past month I’ve been privileged to immerse myself in the urban golfer community. June began with the National Black Golf Hall of Fame ceremony in St Augustine, FL. Staff members of the World Golf Hall of Fame were gracious hosts, and guests enjoyed the permanent exhibit honoring “golf’s black history,” created by famous sculptor Mario Chiodo. Honorees included Ethel Funches and Robert ‘Pat’ Ball, both legends from the United Golfers Association (UGA), Jimmy DeVoe, the first African American member of the PGA of America, civil rights activist Gerard Peterson, and the Royal Golf Club. Approximately 150 people attended the celebration, including representatives from the World Golf Foundation, PGA Tour, USGA, and The First Tee. I had the honor of being the emcee for the occasion, and Mr. Chiodo was the keynote speaker.

Mario Chiodo is best known for studying the lives of great humanitarians and turning their inspirational stories into artwork. He’s most famous for creating Remember Them: Champions for Humanity, a series of sculptures that visually depicts the stories of human rights champions past and present. He delivered an inspiring talk, complete with video from his prior work. During the speech he revealed that a traveling exhibit will soon accompany and compliment the permanent one he created in St Augustine. This will give more people an opportunity to learn and enjoy our history, which has been untold and nearly invisible in the elite, suburbia world of golf. Once complete, the traveling exhibit will help educate and preserve an important piece of American history. It will give new life, honor and dignity to our pioneers and trailblazers, and provide widespread exposure for our deserving champions. Chiodo also announced that the National Black Golf Hall of Fame will have custody of the traveling exhibit, and be responsible for scheduling times, dates and locations.

A ready-made partnership for displaying the exhibit, in my opinion, is with the existing clubs throughout the country who’ve catered to the urban golfer for decades. I recently visited two of these communities while conducting the Advocates Pro Tour. The first was in New Orleans, where we partnered with the Friends of Joseph Bartholomew and the newly renovated Joseph Bartholomew Golf Club.

The golf course is named after its designer and architect, a black man who began caddying around 1890, and through sheer grit and determination worked his way up to greenskeeper, golf professional, golf club maker, and eventually golf course architect. He actually designed golf courses he was not allowed to play, just because he was black. The weekend began with an unveiling of a statue in honor of the late Joseph Bartholomew, and the Mayor, remaining family members, and local dignitaries welcomed all participants and community members.The statue unveiled, along with members of the Friends of Joe Bartholomew Golf Club

The culture of the urban golfer was in full-swing in New Orleans, and our hosts treated us to a memorable weekend. ‘Nawlins’ is known for its food, and the tournament sponsors did not disappoint! There were tents on the golf course during play with red beans and rice. Another one had muffulettas. We visited the sponsoring restaurant later that evening and had gumbo (of course), and I tried char-broiled oysters for the first time. Delicious!!!

Inside the clubhouse there were trays of homemade pralines, soft music featuring urban artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross and others, cheese grits plus sausage and biscuits during prayer breakfast on Sunday morning. There was plenty of trash talk and friendly competitive banter, too, and the atmosphere was festive and welcoming.

There was great play on the golf course, too, and Willie Mack won the Advocates Pro Tour event by defeating Jerel Whiting with a birdie three on the first hole of a playoff. Both had tied with 10-under par 134 after 36 holes. Mack is originally from Flint, MI. His resume includes a state title and student/athlete at Bethune Cookman University. The victory in New Orleans was his 17th as a professional, and you can bet the house that he’ll earn his way to the PGA Tour in the near future.

The atmosphere in Pensacola the following weekend was very similar. This time the Advocates Pro Tour partnered with Par Four Charities, who celebrated their 40th anniversary with an inspiring banquet, and annual two-day golf tournament at Osceola GC. About 100 amateurs competed, and the pro event had to split play over two area golf courses to assure speedy play and completion. Christian Heavens, a young, talented pro from St. Louis, won the event with a superlative eight-under par total of 134.

Players battled wind, rain, and lightning delays each day, making the golf courses play longer and tougher than normal. On the final hole, Heavens was tied with Kumaiu Johnson, a 22-year old from Tallahassee. Johnson hit the tough finishing hole in regulation, while Heavens missed the green far left, down the slope and in the hazard. His ball was still playable, though, and Heavens pitched it in for birdie three, to win by one shot. It’s was a great finish to a great weekend!

A group of Advocates Pro Tour members pose following play in Pensacola, Florida

Finally, I coordinated and participated in two weeklong teen golf camps in June. Both were held at Rogers Park GC in Tampa, a shrine for the urban golfer. Rogers Park is named after GD Rogers, a highly successful black businessman and humanitarian from the late 1930s through the 1950s. Opened in 1952, the golf course was once the only place in Central Florida available to golfers of color, and today it still has the reputation as the place to play and celebrate the traditions of the urban golfer. We host the Mid-Winter Golf Classic each March, which has been a customary destination for our folks since the early 1960s.

The June camps averaged 15 teens each week, and special guests included representatives from the Hillsborough County Public School District, the eighth largest in America, physical fitness experts, sports psychologists, and a motivational speaker. In addition to golf skills and daily play, we discussed leadership principles, goal setting, and planning for the future. On one afternoon a couple of our older participants met the golf coach from Bethune Cookman University, and he signed one of our best young men to start classes/golf this August. On another occasion, TJ Heidel, the Head Pro at Rogers Park who grew up in our youth programs, gave an informative tour of the facilities and explained what it takes to run golf operations, and (possibly) find a job within the industry. One camp participant, entering his senior year of high school, was hired on the spot, and his life could well be changed as a result.

All in all, June was a great month, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the urban golfer community. I always do!

I’ll continue to expound on this concept in future blogs. Please connect and share your stories as an urban golfer. I’m convinced that we are the future of the game of golf and its industry.

Send Michael a Comment!

ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D. Dr. Michael W. Cooper is the former Director of Diversity for the World Golf Foundation/The First Tee and past Assistant Dean/Campus Director for Springfield College-Tampa Bay campus. Contact him at [email protected].

July 1, 2015 0 comment

News

Urban League of Central Carolinas (ULCC) Makes History, Renames 23rd Annual Golf Tournament after Dr. Charles L. Sifford

by Debert Cook July 1, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Charlotte NC, June 8, 2015 – Today the Urban League of Central Carolinas (ULCC) makes history by announcing the renaming of the 23 Annual ULCC annual golf tournament after Dr. Charles L. Sifford. This year’s tournament will be held on September 21, 2015 at the beautiful Piper Glen Country Club, in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a Shotgun Start at 7 a.m.

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 this community,” Said ULCC President and CEO Dr. Patrick Graham. “ Sifford’s legacy for breaking barriers in sports marries well with the League’s legacy of economic and social inclusion for all.”

After a decade of attempting to break through racial barriers, Sifford, a native Charlottean, was the first African American to join the PGA Tour in 1961. During his career he had 22 professional wins. In 2004, Sifford became the first African American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2014. Tiger Woods referred to Sifford as “the Grandpa I never had,” and without Sifford, “I probably wouldn’t be here. My dad would have never have picked up the game. Who knows if the clause would still exist or not? But he broke it down”.

Proceeds from the tournament go directly to support ULCC Youth and Adult Workforce Programs. Last year, ULCC provided over 600 students (grades 3-12) technology and workforce skills training. Adult workforce and entrepreneurial programs served over 2,600 Charlotte residents by providing free national certification courses in HVAC, Fiber Optics/Broadband, Premise Cabling, Customer Service, Microsoft and Entrepreneurship. ULCC program graduates earned $12.1 million in income.

July 1, 2015 0 comment

News

29th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship Highlight Show Debuts on Golf Channel on Wednesday, July 1

by Debert Cook June 30, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Features Include Tribute to Pioneers Charlie Sifford, Calvin Peete and Pete Brown;
Record Setting Bethune-Cookman University Coach Loritz ‘Scooter’ Libby, PGA
Among those Showcased

What: 29^th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship Highlight Show
When: July 1 at 7 p.m. ET July 7 at 3 p.m. ET July 21 at 2 p.m. ET
Where: Golf Channel

Golf Channel will air the 29^th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship Highlight Show beginning tomorrow, Wed., July 1 at 7 p.m. ET. Re-airs will occur on Tues., July 7 at 3 p.m. ET and Tues., July 21 at 2 p.m. The show will feature the champions and compelling stories that arose out of the competition, which was recently conducted at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The Championship featured 220 players representing 50 colleges and universities, 12 countries and two U.S. territories. The Champions highlighted include:

NCAA Women’s Division I: Bethune Cookman, which won its fourth consecutive title and 12^th overall under the guidance of Head Coach Loritz “Scooter” Clark, PGA, who is featured prominently.
NCAA Men’s Division I: Alabama State, which captured its first crown
NCAA Men’s Division II: University of Texas at Brownsville
Men’s NAIA: Cal State-Dominguez Hills
Men’s Individual Champion: Branson Ferrier of Alabama State
Women’s Individual Division Champion: Tiana Jones, of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore PGA Professional Golf Management Program, won for the second-consecutive year.
Overall Medalists: As the women’s overall medalist, Heather Shake of the University of Houston-Victoria earned an exemption into the Symetra Tour’s Mission Health Wellness Classic with her win. The Men’s overall medalist was Branson Ferrier of Alabama State.

Other special features shown in the 29^th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship Highlight Show include:

A Special Tribute to Golf Pioneers Charlie Sifford, PGA; Calvin Peete, PGA; and Pete Brown, PGA: A special feature honoring the memories of these three trailblazers in golf, who passed away in 2015 will be shown. Peete coached in the Championship previously for Edwin Waters College. His two daughters, Elaine and Ireanna competed in the 2015 Championship just days after their father’s passing.
Earl Cooper, PGA, one of the featured speakers in the event got his start at the host PGA Golf Club and has gone on to be a PGA Professional at Detroit Golf Club and now at Wilimington Country Club in Delaware. Cooper has written children’s books about his alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta.
Chua Sisters: Cheri, Cheryl, and Grace Chua competed in the Championship for Texas Southern, Hampton University and the University of Delaware, respectively. Seniors Cheri and Cheryl are identical twins, while Grace is a sophomore.
William White: The 53-year old military veteran is a sophomore at Elizabeth City State University and competed in the Championship as a Conference Champion.

June 30, 2015 0 comment

Blog Slider

Urban Golfer

by Debert Cook June 30, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Mario Chiodo is best known for studying the lives of great humanitarians and turning their inspirational stories into artwork. He’s most famous for creating Remember Them: Champions for Humanity, a series of sculptures that visually depicts the stories of human rights champions past and present. He delivered an inspiring talk, complete with video from his prior work.
During the speech he revealed that a traveling exhibit will soon accompany and compliment the permanent one he created in St Augustine. This will give more people an opportunity to learn and enjoy our history, which has been untold and nearly invisible in the elite, suburbia world of golf. Once complete, the traveling exhibit will help educate and preserve an important piece of American history. It will give new life, honor and dignity to our pioneers and trailblazers, and provide widespread exposure for our deserving champions. Chiodo also announced that the National Black Golf Hall of Fame will have custody of the traveling exhibit, and be responsible for scheduling times, dates and locations.

The golf course is named after its designer and architect, a black man who began caddying around 1890, and through sheer grit and determination worked his way up to greenskeeper, golf professional, golf club maker, and eventually golf course architect. He actually designed golf courses he was not allowed to play, just because he was black.
The weekend began with an unveiling of a statue in honor of the late Joseph Bartholomew, and the Mayor, remaining family members, and local dignitaries welcomed all participants and community members.
The statue unveiled, along with members of the Friends of Joe Bartholomew Golf Club

A group of Advocates Pro Tour members pose following play in Pensacola, Florida
Front row starting with crouched down in red t-shirt and golf club is Jarred Garcia, Wesley Yates with Oakley cap and golf club, Kumaiu Johnson, Justin Still (kneeling) and Adrian Stills. Second row left-to-right is Shepard Archie, Maurice Jeffries, Denis Minefee (amateur who plays at FAMU), Christian Heavens, Montrele Wells, Clay Myers, Jerel Whiting, Jesse Allen, Joey Stills (hugging Adrian). He’a also an amateur attending West Florida University. Third and final row is Kyle Sapp (head shot between Maurice and Denis) and Ben Bates (head shot between Jesse and Justin).

The June camps averaged 15 teens each week, and special guests included representatives from the Hillsborough County Public School District, the eighth largest in America, physical fitness experts, sports psychologists, and a motivational speaker. In addition to golf skills and daily play, we discussed leadership principles, goal setting, and planning for the future.
On one afternoon a couple of our older participants met the golf coach from Bethune Cookman University, and he signed one of our best young men to start classes/golf this August. On another occasion, TJ Heidel, the Head Pro at Rogers Park who grew up in our youth programs, gave an informative tour of the facilities and explained what it takes to run golf operations, and (possibly) find a job within the industry. One camp participant, entering his senior year of high school, was hired on the spot, and his life could well be changed as a result.

All in all, June was a great month, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the urban golfer community. I always do!

I’ll continue to expound on this concept in future blogs. Please connect and share your stories as an urban golfer. I’m convinced that we are the future of the game of golf and its industry.

Send Michael a Comment!

ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D.
Dr. Michael W. Cooper is the former Director of Diversity for the World Golf Foundation/The First Tee and past Assistant Dean/Campus Director for Springfield College-Tampa Bay campus. Contact him at [email protected].

June 30, 2015 0 comment

Blog

Drive, Chip & Putt Championship Held at the Jim McClean Center in Ft . Worth, TX

by Debert Cook June 30, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Coach Gladys Lee and team

Congrats to everyone who participated this weekend in the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship held at the Jim McClean Center in Ft . Worth, TX.

Kudos to our very own Kennedi Lee, Kylie Vaughan and New member Kaila McAbee for winning awards and advancing to the next round in the USGA, Masters, PGA Drive, Chip, & Putt Championship. And good luck to everyone who will compete at other sites: July 11 at Hawks Creek and July 12 at The Colony.

zpfile002 A coaches dream is to come across phenomenal young golfers that one day will be recognized around the world for their golfing skills, academic intelligence, outstanding personality, excellent communication skills, articulate; spiritual awareness; charm; and are coachable…. all attributes that are keys to succeed, not only in the wonderful world of golf but in the world period.

Photo left: Kaila McAbee (drives 186 yds)

As a golf coach, I’v been blessed to coach and instruct many young people in my 30 year tenure, to watch many of them matriculate into college. I’ve learned to recognize exceptional talent and can truthfully claim–without boasting–identifying future stars is one of my best attributes.

zpfile001 Photo left: Kennedi Lee (chipping)

Hello my college coach and LPGA /PGA friends. Keep an eye out for the following young girls who are some of the best junior golfers in the nation and possess all the keys to success! They are a coaches dream!!!

Future NCAA and LPGA Super Star’s

Symran Shah (age 11)
Kaila McAbee (age 13)
Serena Shah (age 15 )

These Girls Rock!

In an effort to promote interest and participation in the game of golf, the Masters Tournament Foundation, United States Golf Association (USGA) and The PGA of America will host the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship for the third consecutive year. This event is a FREE, nationwide junior skills competition that will conclude at Augusta National Golf Club in 2016.

Throughout the summer, the NTPGA will conduct local qualifiers across the East, West and Metro Areas. See more details HERE

Kennedi Lee, 11 years old (winner in chipping and putting)

As many of you already know, I am Credentialed, (Class “A” Ladies Professional Golf Association), golf professional with years of youth and adult coaching experience. Skill set includes coaching, recruiting, a broad range of program development, tournament operations, inventory control, procurement, and quality control with peripheral involvement in human resources and social services.

I have always been an active member of the golf community, contributing commentary and consulting to numerous publications, boards, and committees.

zpfile000 Photo left: Kaila McAbee, 13 years old, and Kennedi Lee (Kaila, overall champion – drive , chip and putt )

Players who are 19 years old will compete in the 15-18 age division in all NTPGA Junior Tour sanctioned tournaments.

Many blessings and please to all who read my blogs.
Please share your thoughts on this with me.

Until next time,

Coach Gladys M. Lee
LPGA Professional Teacher & Coach
Founder/Executive Director, Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy

www.roaringlambsjrgolf.com
[email protected]
214-212-9475
Send Gladys A Comment!

June 30, 2015 0 comment

Heard & Scene

Advocates Pro Tour Members Share A Moment With Barbara Holloway in Pensacola, Florida

by Debert Cook June 30, 2015

written by Debert Cook

It was a great weekend for the Advocates Pro Tour (APT) during their Championship in Pensacola, Florida.

Pictured from left to right is Winner Christian Heavens along with players Wesley Yates, Clay Myers, and Shepard Archie. All Advocate Pro Tour members and young up and coming champions. Barbara Holloway played in the ladies round with the Par Four Golf Club’s 40th Annual Tournament.

June 30, 2015 0 comment

News

13th Annual Pioneer Golf Tournament

by Debert Cook June 26, 2015

written by Debert Cook

The 13^th annual pioneer golf tournament was held June 26-28, 2015 at the historic Cleearview Golf Course in East Canton, Ohio, where legendary Renee Powell (PGA/LPGA) is owner and Head Golf Professional. Due to heavy rain on Saturday the tournament was cancelled, but despite that, guests enjoyed a terrific time socializing and getting to know each other better at the Hampton Inn, the host hotel, where the staff provided us with excellent service and comfort.

Above, l-r: Gloria and Ellis Mack enjoy lunch at Clearview with Renee Powell center and Ike Smith

Above, l-r: John Stevens with his sister-n-law Valerie Stephens and his brother Charles Stevens with Tournament Director Jessie Brooks (standing).

I heard a comment from a person that played Clearview for the first time; he thought it would be an easy course. The yardage is 6140 yds from the white tees with a 66.2/104 slope/rating. The course plays longer than the scorecard says, especially on the back side, because of the hills. The best part about Clearview is its greens. They can be fast and hard to read. Walking on the greens at Clearview is like walking on carpet. Larry Powell, course superintendent (and Renee’s brother) does a magnificent job of maintaining the course, especially the greens. Ohio winters can be harsh but Larry always finds a solution to keep the course in pristine shape. Kodos to you Larry!
Pioneer Celebration Cake made by Foltz Center

A delicious Pioneer Celebration Cake was made by the Foltz Center

Sunday morning was misty and things outdoors improved as time passed. We enjoyed the one day of golfing. Lowest scores went to Dana Shoulders for the men and to Cheryl James for the ladies. We had players from CA to NC, FL to NY and states in between. 92 players registered from 13 different states. NY and MI had the most players; OH was not far behind this year.

Thanks go out to everyone who attended and to those who sent money to support the tournament. thank you again for helping spread the word about the Historic Clearview Golf Course. There’s still several great golfing weeks left up here in Ohio, so come on out and play and support this great course. www.clearview-gc.com. –Much Love, Jessie Brooks, Tournament Director.

Left: Gail Brooks and Gloria Reynolds

June 26, 2015 0 comment

News Women's Round

Micaa’ Thomas, African American Golf Hall of Fame Inductee, Wins Optimist International Qualifying Tournament

by Debert Cook June 25, 2015

written by Debert Cook

In intermittent rain and sunny skies on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the newly managed Marlton Golf Club, Upper Marlboro, Micaa’ Thomas, a recent African American Golf Hall of Fame Inductee, from Bowie, Maryland (May 2015 West Palm Beach, Florida), won the Maryland-South Delaware District of Optimist International tournament. Micaa’s, qualifying win affords her an opportunity to compete in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the PGA National Resort and Spa Golf Course, among top world-wide junior golf talent. Her profile shows she has experience playing on the big courses in golf.

In 2013-14, Micaa’ was the National and International AAU Golf Champion in her age group, starred on the Golf Channel at Pebble Beach with the “Shot of the Day”, nearly scoring an eagle on a pitch shot and as a former member of Tiger Wood’s National Junior Golf Team competed in the Callaway World Junior Golf Championship at Torrey Pines, in California.

Micaa’, a recent 2015 graduate and three-time high school golf champion from Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Maryland), will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta, Georgia, in the Fall.

Photo left: Micaa’ Thomas, May 2015, African American Hall of Fame Inductee, West Palm Beach, FL.

At Marlton, Micaa’ had a slow start in the first 7 holes and was 6 strokes behind the leader. It was at the 8th hole where she began to make an impressive run by scoring an eagle, (2 on a par 4), with a chip shot which found its way to the green and in the cup.

Micaa’s realizing the urgency of the moment and that this was her last chance to qualify for this great event a second time, found her swing and putting stroke after scoring a 40 on the front 9, in which, only a under par score could secure a chance to win.

A 1 under par of 34 is exactly what she delivered on the back 9 holes which included 3 birdies and a host of pars for a resilient win. Micaa’ won the tournament by 4 stokes and was the only junior male or female to score under par on the Back 9.

You can all support Micaa’ to compete in high level tournaments as she prepares for college golf by making a tax deductible contribution to the “Sisters Who Swing Golf Association” at www.swsgolfassoc.com/about.html, in Micaa’s name on their site.

The tax identification number will be provided upon making a contribution.

Please e-mail Michael Thomas at
[email protected]
or at 240-432-2997 for contribution credit and questions.

Micaa Thomas nearly holes eagle approach at Nature Valley First Tee Open Open

June 25, 2015 0 comment

News Slider

Pennsylvania’s Lauren Waller; Arizona’s Noel Sims Take Top Honors At 16th Annual Bill Dickey Invitational Hosted by Ibis Golf & Country Club

by Debert Cook June 24, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 – The 16^th Annual Bill Dickey Invitational, hosted by Ibis Golf & Country Club, wrapped up its 36-hole competition today in West Palm Beach, Florida. Penn State commit, Lauren Waller from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, took home top honors in the Girls Division with a two day total of 149. Alex Wright, originally from Midlothian, Virginia, who now attends the IMG Academy, finished in 2^nd place with a total of 155.

Sahara Washington from Universal City, Texas, rounded out the top three with a total of 158. First Round leader, Noel Sims, who shot a 2-under par 70, fired a 75 today. Noel’s two day total of 145 was enough to win the Boys Division. Three players finished tied for second place with a score of 147. This trio included local standout Jeffrey Cunningham from West Palm Beach; Battle Creek, Michigan-native Andrew Walker; and Troy Taylor II from Westerville, Ohio. Congratulations to all the winners and participants in this year’s event.

On Tuesday, June 23, Lauren Waller from Canonsburg, PA fired the low round of the day in the Girls Division with a 73. Lauren has accepted a full scholarship to attend and play golf at Penn State University.

Alex Wright , originally from Midlothian, VA who now attends the IMG Academy, scored a 75. A pair of 77s rounded out the top three coming from Jordyn Sims of Berkley Lake, GA and Sahara Washington from Universal City, TX.

The Boys Division low round of the day came from Noel Sims with a 2-under par round of 70. Noel, from Phoenix, AZ fired a 3-under par 33 on the back nine to take the overnight lead from Westerville, OH native Troy Taylor II.

Taylor birdied his final hole to finish with an even par round of 72. Defending Champion, Kendel Hodges from Temecula, CA recorded a 76 to round out the top three in the Boys Division.

The final round on Wednesday started with tee times at 7:30 a.m.

By: Ben Bauer, PGA Director of Golf
Photos by Ted Hollins

Girls Division

Winner – (73-76) Lauren Waller, Canonsburg, PA +5

2^nd – (75-80) Alex Wright, Midlothian, VA +11

3^rd – (77-81) Sahara Washington, Universal City, TX +14

4^th – (77-82) Jordyn Sims, Berkley Lake, GA +15

5^th – (79-81) Erica Han, Mt. Laurel, NJ +16

Photo left: Jeffrey Cunningham from West Palm Beach, FL, 2nd Place Boys Champion Winner.

Boys Division

Winner – (70-75) Noel Sims, Phoenix, AZ +1

T-2^nd – (77-70) Jeffrey Cunningham, West Palm Beach, FL +3

(72-75) Troy Taylor II, Westerville, OH +3

(77-70) Andrew Walker, Battle Creek, MI +3

5^th – (76-74) Kendel Hodges, Temecula, CA +6

Alex Wright & Martin Hall Girls Division 2nd Place

The mission of The Bill Dickey Scholarship Association is to increase the participation of minority youngsters in the sport of golf as well as provide financial assistance in support of their efforts to experience the extraordinary advantage of education and opportunity.

William “Bill” Dickey Invitational Junior Golf Championship is named in honor of the late William “Bill” Dickey, Founder of the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association (BDSA) who, in August 1999, became the first African American to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the Professional Golf Association of America. An ambassador for youth around the country, he was uniquely positioned to both promote the game of golf and assist students in pursuit of academic excellence.

The 16th Annual Bill Dickey Invitational (BDI) is a premier 36-hole junior golf championship that also features a Junior-Am/Corporate Challenge. Champions of both the boy’s and girl’s divisions will receive exemptions into the prestigious PGA Junior Championship.

In accordance with the mission of the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association, the purpose of the BDI is to identify college scholarship candidates and to provide an internationally recognized and highly competitive venue for the country’s top minority junior golf talent. Junior golfers will participate in plenary sessions and leadership workshops that will expose them to a variety of personal and professional mentoring, networking opportunities and life skills training to help them succeed in school and beyond. They will meet with current BDSA scholars and alumni, golf industry professionals and corporate executives.

Proceeds from the Bill Dickey Invitational will fund minority student scholarships. The Bill Dickey Scholarship Association was established in 1984 to introduce youth of color to the game of golf, at all levels, and to provide financial assistance to college bound students. To date, over 1,000 students have been empowered to pursue their higher education aspirations with the aid of $3.4 million in scholarships.

For more information about the Bill Dickey Invitational and the national programming efforts of the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association, please contact: Andrea Bourdeaux, Executive Director Bill Dickey Scholarship Association 1301 East Washington Street. Suite 200 Phoenix, Arizona 85034

Telephone: 602.258.7851
Fax: 602.258-3412
[email protected]
www.billdickey.org

June 24, 2015 0 comment

Health & Wellness

Godors

by Debert Cook June 24, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Godors, an athletic gear spray, is the perfect item for your locker, golf bag, home, car and more. The odor eliminator kills 99.9% of bacteria in less than five minutes. That like, “Now you smell it; Now you don’t!” It is exactly what you need, when you need it.

godors pen Godors is unique from other odor eliminators, because it does not just mask a smell, it goes to the root of the chemical makeup of the odor and kills the compounds. What makes this spray unique, however, is that most deodorizers just mask a smell, Godors gets to the root of the problem: it kills 46% of the fungi within five minutes of use. Your nose will tell you the difference right away.

Ideal for using on Ugg boots, Tom’s shoes, even for the trunk of your car or garage. Items can be wet or dry. Just spray with Godors and let the product do its work. Used weekly, or as needed, you’ll be glad you discovered Godors and say goodbye to ‘locker room’ smells. Coaches, you’ll love this item.

Green product lovers will be happy to use Godors. It is all natural and non-toxic, containing 99% isopropyl alcohol, tea tree oil, olive leaf extract and cinnamon. Available is large 12 oz spray bottle ($14.95), a small 2 oz pocket/purse spray bottle and a convenient 1.7 ml purse size that is great for treating smells on-the-go!

June 24, 2015 0 comment

News

Pensacola’s Par Four Club Hits 40 Years

by Debert Cook June 23, 2015

written by Debert Cook

By Bill Vilona

One important element of local golf history began in such a serendipitous way.

Raymond Griff was in his car one day in 1968, just thinking about golf when an idea entered his mind.

Hey, why not form our own club, he thought? One where black golfers, the guys he played with back then at the old par-3 course at Saufley Field, could get together and bring some unity and fellowship.

“Some of the guys were already playing when I came out of the (U.S. military) service,” said Giff, 70, who founded the club. “So I just decided to send out letters and arrange a meeting.”

And just like that, after a meeting of nine men at a friend’s home, The Par Four Golf Club was formed.

“Everybody just started throwing out names and Par Four stuck,” Griff said.

And also?

“Well, because we couldn’t make many birdies so we couldn’t call in the Under-Par Club,” said Charlton Charles, 70, laughing, who is another one of the original members.

From the first Par Four Club tournament in 1975 at Perdido Bay Golf Club, all these years later, a celebration awaits.

This week, the 40th anniversary Par Four Charities Tournament will be at Osceola Municipal Golf Course with a field that includes Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. The tournament is now one of the few amateur, open-to-public, two-day stroke play golf tournaments remaining in the entire region.

“It’s special, because I have seen the good things we have done in this community,” said Walter Wallace, 68, president of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Escambia and Santa Rosa County, located on North Devillers Street, who has been involved in the tournament since its inception.

“I have seen the kids we have affected,” Wallace said. “I have seen the growth in us. And the main thing is being a good example to other folks. To know that you can thrive and you can survive. You can move things forward and be here for 40 years.”

To think how it all began. At a time when black golfers had few options to play tournament golf. Not just in Pensacola, but many places throughout the country.

Now, the Par Four Tournament is one of the few options for weekend, amateur golfers seeking fun competition.

“That is what is so awesome about it,” said Debert Coletta Cook, publisher of the African American Golfer’s Digest, located in New York City. She is also coming to Pensacola to play in next weekend’s Par Four Charities Tournament.

“All these men have been through generations of change and changes in golf throughout the country. They’ve gone through times when there were two (separate) clubhouses and no place to play, and now to see Augusta National (Golf Club) has African American members. It is very special.”

Among those who can relate is Adrian Stills, general manager of Osceola Golf Course and former professional tour player. He won the second Par Four Tournament in 1976 at Perdido. After winning his second one in 1979 he turned pro the next week.

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