News

Statement by the President on the Passing of Charlie Sifford

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2015

 

Statement by the President on the Passing of Charlie Sifford

Michelle and I offer our condolences on the passing of golf legend Charlie Sifford. Charlie was the first African American to earn a PGA tour card – often facing indignity and injustice even as he faced the competition. Though his best golf was already behind him, he proved that he belonged, winning twice on tour and blazing a trail for future generations of athletes in America. I was honored to award Charlie the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year – for altering the course of the sport and the country he loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, and his fans.

 

 

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Blog

A Tribute To The Late Dr. Charlie Sifford

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

By Edward S. Wanambwa

On February 3, 2015 the game of golf and the world lost a beacon of hope, inspiration and courage in the passing of Dr. Charlie L. Sifford.  Rising for humble beginnings in Charlotte, NC, he endured unspeakable prejudice and abuse to swing open the doors of professional golf for players of all ethnicities and backgrounds to follow. Often with angst, anger and resentment Dr. Sifford would express the fact that he refused to quit even in the face of overwhelming prejudice and hate.   “I toughed it out.  I’m proud of it. All those people were against me, and I’m looking down on them now,” said Sifford

charlie-sifford-pga I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Charlie L. Sifford on numerous occasions and I was always amazed by the manner in which he spoke, of the struggles and tremendous obstacles he faced, as he fought the golf establishment to gain a place to play the game he loved. In 2004, I was granted an exclusive thirty minute interview with Dr. Sifford and we spoke about a myriad of things concerning life, golf and the obstacles he faced and overcame.  “I just wanted to play and I wasn’t a quitter. Today a poor little caddie from NC is going into the Hall of Fame. That’s what it’s all about,” said Dr. Sifford.

In May of 2004, I caddied for Lee Elder at Liberty Mutual Legends of golf and during that week it was announced that Charlie L. Sifford was going to be inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame. During a practice session on the driving range, I had the pleasure of meeting golf legend Gary Player and when asked about Charlie Sifford Player said “Can you imagine being a world class athlete and not being allowed to compete?”  Not having a chance to play and having to endure the hate and discrimination he faced?”  “Both Charlie, and his late wife Rose, are extraordinary people and they are both heroes in my opinion.”

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Today we lost a lot more than just Dr. Charlie L. Sifford. We lost a connection to our past and we lost an enduring symbol of strength, courage and perseverance.  “We continue to lose our legends and pioneers and when they go such a part of history is gone,” said Renee Powell to this publication.  Dr. Charlie L. Sifford was golfs Nelson Mandela.  He suffered and endured the slings and arrows of hate, and prejudice, so that we could play. Without his tremendous sacrifice the chapters of Lee Elder, Calvin Peete, Tiger Woods and other black golfers would have never been written.

Rest In Peace Dr. Charlie Sifford. Today you get to look down on all of those people who looked down on you from a place or peace, honor and glory. Thank You and you will be missed.

 

edwanambwa_22
Edward. S. Wanambwa
Senior Editor
African American Golfers Digest

Edward S. Wanambwa is a journalist, TV and radio personality and highly sought after as one of America’s most notable speakers and expert commentators on golf. He hosts a weekly TGX Golf Radio Show and is a frequent guest on The Golf Channel and ESPN networks. 

Let him know your thoughts on this topic. Find him on Facebook.

 

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News

Hall Of Famer Charlie Sifford Passes Away

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Charles “Charlie” Luther Sifford, 92,  a professional golfer who was the first African American to play on the PGA Tour, passed away earlier this evening.  Sifford was admitted to South Pointe Hospital in Cleveland , Ohio, last week and was said to be battling a bacterial infection after also suffering a stroke.  Details of the funeral service and arrangements will be forthcoming, said a close friend of the family who spoke with this publication tonight.

Sifford was the first Black golfer to receive a PGA Tour card after the PGA desegregated in 1961. He twice proved himself on the Tour, winning the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969.  The legendary golfer added two more senior title wins to his accomplishments at the 1975 PGA Seniors’ Championship and the 1980 Suntree Classic.

In 2001, Sifford became the first Black golfer inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and this past November, he became just the third golfer to be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, joining Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.  At the evening program, held at the White House, Sifford arrived smiling in a wheelchair.  He enjoyed chatting with friends, taking photos and admiring the more than 100 guests who attended the celebration.  At the festive event, Sifford looked strong despite receiving ongoing dialysis treatments several times a week.

“I’ve lost a great friend and the world has lost a great man,” said Debert Cook, publisher of African American Golfer’s Digest where  Sifford served as its World Golf Ambassador.

Tiger Woods fondly refers to Sifford as his “grandfather” and often cites Sifford as an inspiration.  In a congratulatory tweet in November, upon learning about Sifford’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, Woods wrote: “the grandpa I never had,” and added, “Your past sacrifices allow me to play golf today. I’m so happy for you Charlie.”

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News

Woods, Mickelson Headline the Field at Farmers Insurance Open

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2015) – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson highlight the field at the Farmers Insurance Open after missing the cut in the same event for only the second time as professionals last week. Dustin Johnson is scheduled to make his return to PGA TOUR competition after a six month layoff, according to The Golf Channel.

PGA TOUR

Farmers Insurance Open

Dates: Feb. 5-8

Venue: Torrey Pines Golf Course (North Course, South Course), La Jolla, Calif.

 

Tournament Airtimes On Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         3-7 p.m. (Live) / 8 p.m.-Midnight (Replay)

Friday              3-7 p.m. (Live) / 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (Replay)

Saturday         1-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (Replay)

Sunday            1-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (Replay)

 

 

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InterviewsNews

A Barclays Moment

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

By John Perry Bar_06_COL_POS_rgb

Barclays Interview - Hannibal Lantigua-1_A Barclays Moment_500Hannibal Lantigua (pictured left) was hanging out at the Barclays, August 18-24, 2014 in Paramus, New Jersey for the final two rounds at Ridgewood Country Club.  Hannibal, a computer engineer and software developer by trade resides in the Bronx (NY) and owns a transportation company, Blackcar Base.  He has provided area shuttle services for the last four years.

Married with two kids, he’s played golf 12 years and is pretty good in his own right—playing to a 5 handicap—which most of us recreational warriors wish we could stake claim to.   Hannibal relishes the idea of being self-employed and is a big fan of Tiger Woods.  “I was somewhat disappointed that he wasn’t competing in this year’s Barclays,” he says.

He frequents Pelham Bay Golf Course and Split Rock (both in The Bronx), and also Van Cortland Park, New York’s oldest golf course.  His all-time favorite: Bethpage Black on Long Island. Favorite golf destinations: Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. John Perry_Barclays 2014-3a_500

Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, pictured left with writer John Perry, was also in the crowd. We talked about being ‘under the radar’–meaning, going seemingly unnoticed in the crowd.

Smith was scheduled to play in the foursome with PGA Professional Ian Poulter and amateur Zack Amin and Dan Mullaly. We chatted a bit about that 1964 St. Louis Cardinal’s squad with legendary African American Pitcher Bob Gibson and Catcher Tim McCarver.

Ozzie reminded me, Gibson pitched 21 complete games—a lost art form for today’s Major League pitchers. Guys today rarely throw over 100 pitches a game.  Gibson even had a couple of back-to-back double-hitters that he threw.  Gibson, McCarver, and Ozzie are all in Copperstown “Baseball’s Hall of Fame”, and they earned their way there. View slideshow below for more great photos![Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”7″ gal_title=”The Barclays 2014″]

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Bookshelf

Black Soldiers Tell Their Vietnam Stories

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Edited by Bobby White VFW Post 8195 Commander

VFW Post 8195 in West Park, Florida, through the Stone of Hope Program, organized services and programs to help Vietnam and other military veterans and their families who had special needs.  In this 226-page, enlightening book, readers will be riveted by their narratives as 23 veterans reminisce of the racism, hostile battlefields, ambush zones, fire fights, land mines, flashbacks, search-and-destroy missions, military police operations, working with K-9s, and finally addressing and putting the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) issues at ease.

ISBN 978-0-9848243-5-9

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News

Jim Beatty’s Rare Museum Find

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

A 1st edition of a 161-year old book, ‘Twelve Years a Slave,’ has surfaced in Omaha, Neb., and James R. Beatty, Chairman of the Board and President of the Great Plains Black History Museum, is making sure it stays put.  Just 27,000 copies were printed of the rare find that is among the newest gifts to the museum.  Beatty sits on the Editorial Advisory Board of the African American Golfer’s Digest and is President of his firm NCS International.

Beatty-400

A tattered cover and yellowed pages, the story became a movie and, won an Oscar for best picture. Suddenly everyone was talking about author Solomon Northup’s book and this incredible, horrific memoir. Printed in 1853, the truthful account relives Northup’s regained freedom that had been lost to kidnappers, slave traders/owners in central Louisiana.  Northup lived in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., until he followed a job offer that led to his enslavement.

GPBHM-color-logo (1)

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Golf Tips

Squat & Row

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

For daily training you will want to include a workout that helps you to improve a particular part of your golf game.  This is a great exercise and integrates all of the muscles at the rear of the body, from the traps at the top of the shoulders to the hamstrings at the back of the legs.  It particularly helps with balance, to build control over you body, and helps to improve your swing by decreasing your reaction time to changes in your center of gravity while you swing.

Squat and Row_400 FIRST:  Place an exercise band around a sturdy object.

A: Squat while reaching your arms forward with tension on the band.

B: As you stand up straight, pull the band so the handles are close to your torso.

PERFORM: 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.

 

 

 

 

Tony Avilez_2_400

Tony Books Avilez, CSCS, MES has been a fitness professional for two decades. He is a certified Golf Fitness Specialist and owner/operator of The Body House personal training studio in Staten Island, New York. TheBodyHouse.com

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NewsSliderWomen's Round

COLORADO CADDIES MAKING HISTORY

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

 

First African-American Women to Attend the University of Colorado as Evans Scholars

 

Layout 1Meet Andrea Pickford and Asni Solomon.  Both from Denver, Colo.  Both freshmen in college.  Both united by the game of golf, making history as the first two African American women to receive Evans Scholarships at the University of Colorado (CU).

(Left: Andrea Pickford, Evans Scholar at the University of Colorado)

The Evans Scholarship program, established by famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., provides full housing and tuition scholarships to deserving caddies across the country.  Currently, 840 caddies are attending college on scholarship; and there are more than 9,800 Evans Alumni across the country.  Most Scholars attend one of the 14 universities, like CU, where the Foundation owns and operates a Scholarship House.  Coincidentally, this year Asni and Andrea’s hometown of Denver has the honor of hosting the BMW Championship, whose net proceeds benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation.  The BMW Championship has raised nearly $17 million for the Foundation since 2007.

To earn the title of Evans Scholars, Andrea and Asni had to meet specific and rigorous academic requirements, demonstrate financial need and have significant experience as caddies.  While each worked as a caddie for years at courses in and around Denver, their paths to becoming Evans Scholars are not the same.




For Andrea, it was a case of “Father Knows Best.”  Andrea was signed up by her father, Kevin, for The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch program at age 11. The then-fledgling golf organization was growing in size and Kevin Pickford wanted Andrea and her younger sister to be involved.

 

“He was really eager to enroll us in a program so we could learn to play a sport that few minorities, especially African American women, were interested in playing,” Andrea said. “Whether my father knew that joining the First Tee of Green Valley Ranch would open so many doors for me, I am not sure, but the experiences I’ve gained through the game have been invaluable.”

Unlike Andrea, Asni Solomon (pictured left), a second-generation Ethiopian American, had “never picked up a putter” and knew little about the game of golf when she first showed up to work at CommonGround Golf Course.  Unfamiliar with the game’s jargon at first, terms like “provisional,” “par” or “slice” were as foreign to her as the Amharic spoken by her family would be to her fellow caddies.  But she persisted and worked hard with her eye on an Evans Scholarship.  Asni knew that through caddying, this game, once alien to her entire family, could change her life.

“Initially, it was all a bit intimidating and could have easily prevented me from sticking with it,” Asni said. “I am thankful I embarked on this journey … Golf truly has a place in my heart for helping me learn perseverance, dedication and hard work and has helped make me who I am today.”

Layout 1Likewise, Andrea said that her caddying experience helped confirm what she wanted to study and pursue as a career; both women have dreams of becoming doctors.

“Even with the ups and downs that come along with caddying, the skills I have learned have reassured me that helping people is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Andrea said.

Both agree that being Evans Scholars has given them distinct advantages as freshmen at CU.  “The program is designed to help you succeed in academics,” Asni says.  “There is a sense of community with 40 other people (Evans Scholars) to help you and make sure you are doing well.”




Andrea adds that she expects the Evans Scholarship to open a lot of doors for her, academically and socially.  “Making lifelong friends and having connections with other Evan Scholars and students at the university will benefit me not only in college but long after,” she said. “All in all, the most important thing I would like to get from my college experience is to discover how exactly I can contribute to the world.”

Layout 1Andrea Pickford and Asni Solomon.  Both trailblazers on and off the golf course.  Both incredible young women.  Both breaking par in the game of life.

To learn more about the Evans Scholars Foundation, go to www.wgaesf.org.

 

Photo left:  Asni Solomon caddying for George Solich, Evans Scholar Alumnus, energy entrepreneur, and 2014 BMW Championship General Chairman



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News

An 82 For Tiger?

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Who would have ever believed this would happen.  But on Friday, the world’s former #1, Tiger Woods, shot 44-38 for the worst single round he’s ever had as a pro. And maybe ever.  An 82 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open

Perhaps it was one of the recent ailing that he’s had– from previous back surgery, to the flu, to a knocked out tooth a few weeks ago. But whatever it is, it’s unfathomable that the incredible Tiger Woods, bad luck or not, would ever shoot north of 80 in a professional golf tournament.

The crowd was left wondering as Woods, with 44 on the back nine of the course (his front nine) tied his worst nine holes ever in the history of his rounds.

There was a slight upsweep on the back nine of 34, Woods made six bogeys, two double bogeys and a triple bogey as a loom of embarrassment spread-out at TPC Scottsdale.

This type of scoring comes from  what you’d expect someone shooting 82 to do: hit it in the water, hit it out of bounds, missed short putts and hit a bucket of bad chip shots, and more. Throughout the day Woods’ face showcased his self-disappointment.

With 82, the result stands that Woods will miss the cut by 12-13 strokes, something this publication never, ever, thought we’d be publishing about our ‘rock star’ of golf.

At the press conference held afterwards, Woods made a Super Bowl-related joke to start things off, saying, “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”, citing the recent words of Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.

“I’ve got to keep things in perspective, sometimes it’s difficult to do that,” said Woods. “I’ve got to continue with the process. I’ve been here before. It wasn’t too long ago that I changed my swing with Sean (Foley).”


“It’s golf. We all have days like this. Unfortunately, mine was in a public forum.”

The 82 leads Woods’ previous worst score ever of 81 at the 2002 British Open.

As unthinkable as the numbers are for Woods’ fans (and foes), they’re perhaps most trying to understand when viewed on his scorecard.

At the finish, Woods was in last place in the 132-man field and just behind a club pro named Michael Hopper.

In his departure, Woods said his jet was being fueled up. “Practice each and every day,” said Woods. “I’m going home right now.”

Get some much-needed rest Tiger.  We believe in you.

 

 

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NewsSlider

Registration Available For 2015 PGA/USGA Rules Of Golf Workshops

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

As part of a longstanding cooperative effort to provide service to the game and enhance understanding about the Rules of Golf, the USGA and the PGA of America will again conduct Rules of Golf workshops around the United States in 2015. These workshops are open to the public and bring together several of the foremost Rules of Golf educators in the game, with the goal of making the Rules accessible to anyone who wishes to learn more about them or sharpen their existing knowledge.

In 2015, 21 workshops, in 3 ½-day and 2-day formats, will be offered throughout the country from January through March. These programs are led by two instructors, one affiliated with the United States Golf Association and one with the PGA of America.

3½-Day Workshops

• Rules of Golf Workshop: Covers all 34 Rules of Golf, unabridged and in detail.

• 85+ Rules of Golf Workshop: Covers all 34 Rules of Golf, unabridged and in detail for individuals who have demonstrated a very high level of Rules knowledge by scoring 85 or   higher in the past six years on the 100-question Rules of Golf exam given in conjunction with the 3½-day workshops.

• Officiating and Tournament Administration Workshop: Covers officiating techniques, golf course setup, golf course marking and tournament administration. Approximately half of each of the first three days will be held outdoors at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., immediately prior to the tournament week of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic. The other portions of the program will be conducted in a nearby classroom.

Classroom presentations for 3½-day workshops are done utilizing PowerPoint with photographs, illustrations, animations and videos. All attendees will receive the current editions of 1) The Rules of Golf, 2) The Decisions on the Rules of Golf, 3) The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf by Richard S. Tufts and 4) online access to USGA University, where there are a variety of study materials and practice exams.

The cost to register is $350*. The registration fee covers the cost of the workshop sessions, study materials (detailed above), a continental breakfast each morning starting at 7:15 a.m. that includes at least one hot item, complimentary coffee, tea, water and soft drinks during scheduled breaks and a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception at the conclusion of the workshop’s first day. The registration fee does not include the cost of transportation, lodging, incidental expenses or other food and beverage expenses not otherwise specified.

* At most workshops, participants are responsible for lunch and convenient choices are available. Because off-site lunch options at the workshops to be held in Far Hills, N.J., and Atlanta, Ga., are not conducive to keeping those programs on schedule, an on-site buffet lunch will be provided during the first three days for all participants. The registration fee for those workshops is $385 and will include the cost of lunch during the first three days.

2-Day Workshop

• Fundamentals of the Rules of Golf: Covers an overview of the 34 Rules of Golf, presentations on how the Rules of Golf and the Decisions on the Rules of Golf books are organized, the defined terms used in the Rules of Golf and their importance in fully understanding the Rules, the philosophical principles upon which the Rules of Golf are based, and in-depth presentations on the fundamental Rules governing match and stroke play, playing the ball as it lies, playing the course as it is found and those dealing with relief situations (water hazards, ground under repair, obstructions, balls lost or out of bounds and balls which are unplayable).

Classroom presentations for the 2-day workshop are done utilizing PowerPoint with photographs, illustrations, animations and videos. All attendees will receive the current editions of 1) The Rules of Golf, 2) Golf Rules Illustrated, 3) Decisions on the Rules of Golf, 4) The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf by Richard S. Tufts and 5) online access to USGA University, where there are a variety of study materials.

The cost to register is $175†. The registration fee covers the cost of the workshop sessions, study materials (detailed above), a continental breakfast each morning starting at 7:15 a.m. that includes at least one hot item, complimentary coffee, tea, water and soft drinks during scheduled breaks and a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception at the conclusion of the workshop’s first day. The registration fee does not include the cost of transportation, lodging, incidental expenses or other food and beverage expenses not otherwise specified.

† At most workshops, participants are responsible for lunch and convenient choices are available. Because off-site lunch options at the workshop to be held in Far Hills, N.J., are not conducive to keeping that program on schedule, an on-site buffet lunch will be provided during each day for all participants. The registration fee for this workshop is $200 and will include the cost of lunch both days.

Click Here For The 2015 Schedule And Additional Information 

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