Friday the 13^th is viewed as a day of jinx by many, but this September day started off filled with hope by professional golfer Ginger Howard.  In the end, the day belonged to both of the Howard sisters: Ginger, who executed consistent shot-making, and her little sister/caddy Robbi, who worked side-by-side with her elder sibling,  offering advice only when asked during the week of the second stage LPGA Tour Qualifying School

“We had a lot of fun out there,” Robbi Howard said. “I knew in my head something to say, but I’d only say something if she asked. Not to give her too much to think about.”

20-year-old Ginger, who trains at IMG Academy, had younger sister Robbi to caddy for her at the high-pressure tournament held at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, California.
Photo: (L-R) Robbi and Ginger Howard

Ginger (Bradenton, Florida), shot a 1-under 71 on Friday to earn medalist honors at the LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage II at Plantation Golf and Country Club.  Howard finished with a four-day total of 9-under 289, one stroke clear of Alison Lee (Valencia, California).

Older and wiser, the strategy worked as smooth as butter for Ginger, as she progressed to the final stage along with 85 other players who are scheduled to bout it out in early December in Daytona Beach.  Ginger, as beautiful as ever, came in at 9-under par for a 279 total for the 72-hole tournament.

“The thing that really got me going was my sister on the bag,” said Howard, whose 71 on Friday made her the first player to earn medalist twice in the event’s history after she accomplished the feat in 2011. “And she just kept feeding me great mental notes and just keeping my head in the game.”

Howard’s little sister, Robbi is an accomplished golfer in her own right and was a rising contender several years ago, hoping some big-time action herself.  Being on the bag this week for big sis Ginger, the Howards played at courses en route, carving up the Bobcat and Panthers courses during the trip.

Howard finished 78th on the LPGA Symetra Tour money list, with a little more than $8,400 in earnings. But, that was just not enough to gain her a place in the final stage.

After that experience, Ginger seems to have learned how to listen to her inner voice and better understands just how competitively tough professional golf can be.  “Now I understand all of the trials and tribulations of it, and I think … I’ve had so many years of just learning and just understanding and growing in this professional life,” Howard said.

The top 80 players and ties advanced, meaning the cut came at 7-over par 295.

(September 18, 2014)–Following 260 years of male-only membership at one of the oldest clubs in the world, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has voted overwhelmingly in favor of welcoming women members. This vote is significant as the historic development will pave the way for women to play a role in the sport’s governance.

The R&A’s 2,400 worldwide members voted in person and via proxy and postal votes, with 85 percent in favor of allowing women members. Peter Dawson, R&A chief executive, had previously called for a mixed membership and welcomed the result of the ballot. “We have voted overwhelmingly in favor of welcoming women members,” he said. “More than three quarters of the club’s global membership took part in the ballot, with a decisive 85 per cent voting for women to become members. This vote has immediate effect and I can confirm that the Royal and Ancient golf club of St Andrew’s is now a mixed membership club.”

PGA of America President Ted Bishop (pictured left) released a statement on the R & A Vote saying, “Women have played and will continue to play an integral role in the game of golf. In fact, women represent the biggest growth market in the sport, and every step to make golf more inclusive is good for the game. The PGA of America is thrilled that the R&A is welcoming women into its organization, and loudly applauds its decision.”

“The membership also acted to fast-track a significant initial number of women to become members in the coming months. This a is a very important and positive day in the history of the Royal and Ancient golf club. The R&A has served the sport of golf well for 260 years and I’m confident that the club will continue to do so in future, with the support of all of its members, both women and men.”

Helen Grant, Minister for Sport, hopes the R&A’s new stance will signal further change at the three remaining male-only clubs on the Open roster, Royal St George’s, Royal Troon and Muirfield. She said: “I am pleased that the members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews have voted in favour of admitting women members. This is positive news for the sport and I hope we will now see other golf clubs that still have outdated same sex policies follow suit. With golf in the next Olympics there is a huge opportunity for the sport to grow and this sends out the right inclusive message that golf is for everyone.”

Ken Schofield (pictured left) former executive director of the European Tour, suggested the issue had cast a ‘cloud’ over previous Open tournaments.  “Well clearly it’s very, very important,” said the R&A member after casting his vote. “A tremendous return and as you would have heard from Peter, a landslide in favour of admitting the ladies and a similar landslide to involve the fast-tracking of up to 15 of them, which I think will be welcome worldwide.

I think there is a time for everything. Certainly at Muirfield last year, in the build-up to actually getting the first tee operational on Thursday, we played under the cloud of politicians both at Edinburgh and London actually refusing to attend the Open golf championship on this issue.That is not conducive to having the type of week that we should have.”

Founded in 1944, The Knickerbocker Golf Club is one of the oldest African American Golf clubs in the United States. The Club has been a center for golf, social and recreational activities for its members and the community.

A grand 75^th Anniversary Gala was held on September 13th at the historic Knickerbocker Golf Club in New Haven, CT. The evening began at 4:00 p.m. with cocktails followed by a festive dinner.  The evening’s highlight was a presentation of the Knickerbocker’s history culminating with proclamations and awards.

This semi-formal event offered music lovers an opportunity to socialize to the wonderful sounds of an awesome DJ with some of the “Finest People In Golf” History.

The awards celebration was hosted by News Channel 8 Anchor Keith Kountz with resonation by Professor Leah Glaser of Connecticut Central State University.

Sponsorships were used to benefit the Club’s Book Scholarship Fund and Building Renovation Fund.  Proceeds from the program benefitted both Funds.