Page 502 – African American Golfer's Digest

WORX XTD Extended Reach Driver

by Debert Cook September 11, 2014

written by Debert Cook

Forget about twisting and turning to reach over, under and around small spaces. You’ll not have to bother with all that, using the WORK XTD Extended Reach Driver. It’s appeal is in being an ideal screwdriver with its adjustable drive shaft. There are nine set positions from 0 to 2 inches that are able to handle a variety of jobs.

I has the added length you need and it improves control and visibility. How? By aligning the bit and screw together! What an awesome concept. This is what reduces stripped screw heads and worn out bits. This awesome driver’s chuck is offset to provide better access in tight corners. But, best of all, you’re not ‘locked in’ here, because the XTD’s auto spindle lock allows you to use the tool as a manual screwdriver as well.

The compact driver weighs only 1.1 lbs. and fits easily into kitchen drawers, glove boxes or toolbox.

You’ll love using The XTD driver for installing mini-blind brackets; curtain hardware; electrical boxes; cabinet hardware; outlet plates; air vent covers; coat hooks; drawer assemblies; kitchen and bath accessories, and more.

The WORX XTD Extended Reach Driver is powered by a 4V Lithium-ion, built-in 1.5 Ah battery. Lithium-ion batteries can hold a charge for up to 18 months. The plug-in charger recharges the driver in 5 hours. The XTD housing is constructed of nylon composite with a comfortable, smooth rubber handle grip. It has a two-finger trigger, an LED light to illuminate the work area, plus a forward/reverse button to change direction. The driver has a ¼-in. chuck, no-load speed of 230 rpm and maximum torque rating of 36 in.-lbs.

The XTD kit includes the driver, 6 screwdriving bits: Phillips #0, 1, 2; Slotted #6, Square recess #2 and T15 and T20 Torx bits, plus a plug-in charger. The drive tool has a 3-year warranty.

Available at Menards and Lowe’s, as well as regional hardware and home centers nationwide

The WORX 4V XTD Extended Reach Driver (WX252L,)

MSRP:$34.99

September 11, 2014 0 comment

Accessories

Multi-Charging Station

by Debert Cook September 11, 2014

written by Debert Cook

Multi-Charging Station

This is one item every home needs. It will help you to keep all your portable gadgets charged and well-organized. This brand new Multi-Charging Station by GreatUsefulStuff.com is light, easy to move around from room-to-room and spacious enough to hold all of your great gadgets like a laptop, tablet and up to 3 other devices. You’ll not have to worry where you item is (and if it’s charged up), because this sturdy stand holds—and neatly hides—unsightly cords, adapters, and the like.

What’s the secret? Ah-ha! A magnetic base conveniently flips open to reveal a snugly hidden storage compartment. Here is where all of those ‘ugly’ wires and adapters is stowed. This item is trendy, and tasteful, for the electronics you use and their accessories that otherwise would clutter up your table or desk space.

The best part, you’ll always have what you need! This is one essential accessory that will keep your items charged and ready to go!

Measures 10” L x 9” H x 5.22” D.

Multi-Charging_Unit_back

Vertical slots measure 1.25″ wide and accommodate most laptops and tablets. Available colors include: Cherry, Bamboo, Black or Silver

MSRP: 34.99

September 11, 2014 0 comment

Blog Featured Blog

Facts = Opportunities = Possibilities

by Debert Cook September 6, 2014

written by Debert Cook

(September 2014 Blog)– One of the most important things we have to do as a nation is to develop young minds and character.

Facts

As the golf world is looking forward to the Ryder Cup and the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup, it reminds me of the many youth who are not exposed to golf and have not had the opportunity to experience the intrinsic values that the game offers. I am one person that is dedicated to help change and positively influence the academics and social lives of our youth through the game of golf.

There are numerous published studies that prove golf has an impact on youth including TrueSport; Science Daily and The First Tee Impact Report. And with all of the data that validates the impact, you will be surprised that many educators, professors, businesspersons, coaches and parents still do not know the intrinsic value of golf. I have encountered fellow golfers (recently) who were not aware of the positive influences that golf can stimulate student’s academics. This is why Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development’s (TVYGD) goal is to encourage youth to improve their math, reading, science and character skills using the sport of golf as the context.

With partnerships and substantial financial commitments from the golf industry; educational institutions; various governmental entities; businesses; faith community; youth serving agencies; families and individuals, TVYGD will positively impact the lives of youth, families and communities.

Opportunities

In Huntsville, Alabama ABC News affiliate WAAY-TV Channel 31 will profile TVYGD this Sunday, September 7th, 2014 during their 10 p.m. newscast. Sports Anchor Ryan Marshall will focus on Emari Marshall, who is a Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development (TVYGD) program participant. Ryan says he was touched when he recently read a TVYGD press release about the organization developing a golf league and how the program reaches out to youth unable to join the sport teams, students with marginal grades…and students with special needs. However, TVYGD Director Howard Bankhead believes that ALL kids are special and have needs in some way; some just need more than others. Mainly love and time…Love the most of all.

Because of the character component, the program will also benefit the “star athlete” and the “A” and “B” students” as well!

Please tune into WAAY-TV 31 on Sunday, September 7th, 2014 at 10 p.m. and enjoy a good news story.

This broadcast will give TVYGD some good exposure and an opportunity for us to get the word out about the work and services that we do to empower our youth, bring more youth and families to the game of golf.

NOTE: For those of you who may have missed it,
see how Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Youth Golf
Development program (TVYGD) told its story to WAAY-TV
(Channel 31) this past Sunday
with Sports Anchor Ryan Marshall and TVYGD’s Director Howard Bankhead.
To see the VIDEO click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH4AtGcqi5Q

Possibilities

The possibility of someone seeing the newscast and appreciating the work that TVYGD has done and is doing and support the program financially is enormous. The possibilities of helping students to improve their character and academic skills through golf are dreams coming true. And developing the golf league and teams are the pinnacle.

Howard Bankhead
Executive Director
Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development
604 Jordan Lane
Huntsville, AL 35816 USA
256-604-8172
Email: [email protected]

http://www.golflifeskills.org/

September 6, 2014 0 comment

Blog Featured Blog

Kidding Around

by Debert Cook September 2, 2014

written by Debert Cook

(September 2014)–This past year I ventured into unknown territory in terms of the game of golf. I completed my first season as a Middle School Golf Coach while I also further introduced my 5-year-old son to the game. I had no idea what I was in for during my first season of coaching golf, so I kept an open mind and decided that I would try to learn as much about the season long process as possible.

It has been a few decades since I’ve been in middle school and I was guessing that a few things had changed in that time. Meeting and getting to know my team was an eye-opening experience—to say the least. I was immediately transported back in time and even though the technology of the day has changed, most things have pretty much stayed the same. Middle school kids are still trying to find their way not only in school but in life and count on adults to help as well as to know when to get out of the way. Life on the golf course is no different. Knowing when to instruct and knowing when to pull back and let a player experience something on their own was something that I learned quickly.

I learned that as long as each player is told what is expected of them then they have a better understanding of how to get it done or seek help when they cannot. Whether I want to admit it or not, I am a role model for all of the lives that I touch on or around the golf course. The kids that I coach along with my son count on me not only for golf wisdom and advice but they also look to me for cues and lessons about how to deal with life as a whole.

Now the other side of this coin is that they are still middle school kids and their attention span is even shorter today than it was when I was in middle school. Smart phones, social networking and so many outside forces are fighting for what little attention each golfer is paying toward their game. Maintaining focus for as long as possible has and will continue to be an uphill battle but one that you can at least earn a draw because winning sometimes seems like a long shot. It all starts with keeping the game fun at ALL times.

Now my son is a vastly different ballgame but not completely. In his eyes daddy can do no wrong and as long as he sees how important golf is to me then he will at least always have a passing interest in playing. Getting him beyond a passing fancy is a challenge that I feel most parents/coaches fail miserably at, simply because they do not listen. While at the driving range one day my son once told me that he no longer wanted to hit the ball and was happy just watching me hit the ball far. That was when the light bulb went off and I knew that if I pushed him harder he may possibly never want to golf again. So I practiced, he watched and when we were done we both went inside for his favorite drink…sweet tea.

Golf unfortunately is often a solitary game where it is more often than not just you and the ball. You may have a coach/instructor with you from time to time but repeating a golf swing continuously for 20-40 minutes of just practice is a daunting task to ask any child to complete. ALL kids need instant feedback to know that what they are doing is correct and even worth doing at all. In golf that is a little harder to do but not impossible as you just need to find the right triggers to reach your audience. My son loves to putt the ball simply because it goes into the hole giving him the feeling that he did it right and that feeling alone will make him want to do it over and over again. As kids get older their level of feedback needs to grow right along with them. It can range from them hitting the ball really far to chipping the ball into a small net that is 15 yards away.

Every junior golfer has something that will make them keep working at golf but it is a coach’s job to find it. Keeping each golfer engaged while maintaining a constant level of authority has been a challenging and incredibly rewarding journey even after just one season. I cannot wait for season #2!

Talk to you again, soon.

Anthony

Anthony L. Wilkins is a national Academy of Sports Medicine & Titleist Performance Institute Certified Personal Trainer an avid golfer from New Jersey who currently resides in the metro Atlanta area with his wife and son. His book, Foundation to Fairways: The Everyman’s Guide to Golf Through Fitness & Strategic Performance can be purchased HERE
Send Anthony an Email Message!
[email protected]

September 2, 2014 0 comment

Golfer Of The Week Golfer of the Week Featured Youth Tee

Hope and Alana Hall

by Debert Cook August 29, 2014

written by Debert Cook

Hope and Alana Hall have been adorable little darlings since birth and they share a sisterly bond and love for one another that goes beyond measure. The two have traveled with their parents to more countries in their short lives than most people have in a lifetime.

They have visited eight countries in the past year and a half alone. Not bad, for a 9 and 7 year old. They’re now based in Nigeria, where their parents work for a private firm that does health systems development. It’s an adjustment—learning to cope with an entirely new culture always is—but Hope and Alana are open to the experience, and make new friends easily. Golf helps.
Hope and Alana Hall-5_500 When Hope (pictured left) was two, her father placed a plastic club in her hand and taught her how to swing. He patiently taught her and her little sister, Alana (when she was old enough) coordination, concentration, and the rules of the game. Over time, through instruction from their dad and other coaches, Hope and Alana each developed their natural talent along with a genuine love of the game.

Hope possesses an uncanny knack for making consistent contact with the ball. Alana’s strength is a powerful, lightning-fast swing. When the girls each reached age 4, they moved to the driving range. For the past three years, they’ve been playing with US Kids Golf in Northern Virginia, not far from their home state of Maryland.

They’ve both won tournaments as well: Hope placed in the top 2 in tournament play with the US Kids tour, #1 in the 2013 Kids Golf International of Nigeria (KGI) and within the top 10 in the European 2013 Tour in Scotland.

Alana (pictured below) placed in the top 3 of Abuja (Nigeria) KGI 2013 and US Kids Golfing Virginia. They did very well at this year’s US Kids World Championships in Pinehurst, NC, earning 33^rd in the world in their respective age groups! Terrific accomplishments for them both—and they have fun balancing it all!

Hope and Alana Hall-2_500 The success is nice, but competition isn’t what drives these girls. It is a true appreciation for the sport. They genuinely love the game. They play nine holes once or twice a week throughout the month, including in their (temporary) home of Nigeria, where they play at the IBB Golf and Country Club.

When in Maryland, they play at the Tom Mitchell Golf Course in Reisterstown, where their first driving coach, Nancy Row, is based. Now they spend most of their instruction time with Coach Holly Anderson at Woodholme Country Club. When in Nigeria they play with the excellent pros at the IBB Golf Club in Abuja, Nigeria, to sustain their skills.

Golf’s always been a part of their lives, and an inherent part of what’s fun to them. That’s a testament to their ongoing coach, their dad, who has always used golf to bond as a family. He creates games based around putting contests and fun excursions while the whole family is at the golf course.

Hope and Alana Hall-7_500

When they’re not playing golf, which is rare, Hope and Alana of course attend school, where they both excel in their studies. They also play other sports: Hope is a tennis player and cheerleader, and Alana is a fan of soccer and a member of the swim club.

While they’re often with each other and love being with their family, Hope and Alana have different personalities. Alana is a social child, happy and cheerful with many friends. Hope is a happy, giving child and an avid reader. She is a particular fan of the Percy Jackson series.

Both girls are focused champions who have a strong future ahead of them, whatever they choose to do. We’re looking forward to watching them grow.

August 29, 2014 0 comment

Clothing

Lululemon Rival Polo

by AAGD Staff August 29, 2014

written by AAGD Staff

Fellas, we know you have worn may a tee shirt during your days, but here is one that you’ll always reach for. Put it on when you want to a comfortable and classy look, without the structured feel of other tees. It’s perfect just after the gym, when you want to look good while colling down.

The Lululemon Rival Polo is lightweight and stylish. The unique cut of the design and unique special touches are what makes all the difference in this garment. Wear it for casual work-days or on the green, you’ll be in style wherever you are.

Naturally breathable with high-stretch Vitasea ™ fabric it is this that gives this awesome tee great recovery and shape retention. You can bend, twist, reach, pull, stretch, any-which-way, and maintains its shapely good look: because it’s engineered that way.

The functional and technical design keeps sweat in check so you can be both comfortable and confident while wearing a slim, hip-length fit.
Also, there’s no irritation from buttons rubbing up close to your neck, on your skin. Rival Polo has craftily hidden their two collar buttons under the collar. What an ingenious way to keep things looking tight, without you feeling that way.

Best of all, the Polo has set Chafe-resistant flat seams inside the garment that won’t rub you the wrong way and a preshrunk material prevents laundry day mayhem.

Colors: Heather or Black

Sizes: S,M,L,XL, XXL

MSRP:$78

August 29, 2014 0 comment

Accessories

Tuis Ultra Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones

by Debert Cook August 29, 2014

written by Debert Cook

We’ve found them! One of the best classy wireless headphones on the market. The Tuis Ultra Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones are lightweight, but come loaded with terrific features you’ve been seeking, like a 3.5mm AUX jack, integrated hinges for easy folding and Bluetooth 4.0.

These are not your “dad’s” headphone, rather, super-premium headphones that will give you better sound and enjoyment that you can probably imagine.

What a name, too. Tuis is actually the name of the flashiest bird in New Zealand; this bird is known for its rich-looking, iridescent plumage along with its two voice boxes and a bit of an attitude. The Tuis name for this product fits it well.

Here (“hear” is what you’ll get: Big bass, clear highs, clean sound from this streamline unit that fits nicely along your head. The Tuis also comes equipped with some of the best Hi-Fi sound in the business while giving you a comfortable fit with a wide range of fit adjustment. Turis_Outdoor_Headphones-2

Great little extra features include: A 3.5mm auxiliary jack allows you to use them in situations that don’t allow for Bluetooth connectivity, like on an airplane or with a device that lacks wireless capability. A built-in fuel gauge lets you monitor how much power you have left. Integrated hinges allow the Tuis to fold up for compact portability, and—our favorite feature—they tuck away into the included hard case whenever you’re not using them.

More great details:

– Two 40mm drivers deliver the full range of clear sound, wirelessly

– Connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device with easy one-touch pairing

– External controls allow you to adjust volume, change tracks, play/pause and answer calls

– Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

-Built-in microphone and 3.5mm AUX jack

– Reconnects automatically to previously paired device

-Integrated hinges to easy folding and compact portability

– Play time: 16 hours

– Standby time: 400 hours

– Bluetooth profiles: A2DP V1.2 for high quality stereo sound streaming & AVRCP V1.4 to control track and volume remotely

– Wireless range: Up to 30 feet

– Size: 6.9″ x 6.5″ x 1.26″

– Weight: 6.1 oz

– Package includes: USB charging cable, 3.5mm cable, carry case, user manual

MSRP:$149.95

Color:Black or gray

August 29, 2014 0 comment

Equipment Review

HEX Warbird Golf Balls

by Debert Cook August 26, 2014

written by Debert Cook

Callaway really hit the mark here. The larger, softer core of this ball results in faster ball speeds for maximum distance. Golfers will also love that the HEX Warbird has a thinner cover that enhances feel without sacrificing speed and distance off the tee.

HEX Aerodynamics – the proprietary surface pattern has been re-engineered to produce even better low-speed lift for more distance while maintaining the stable, penetrating ball flight that’s been a trademark of HEX Aerodynamics

CALAWAY_HEXWAR-500x500 Two Color Options – HEX Warbird is available in traditional White or Optical Yellow for additional visibility in the air or on the ground

www.callawaygolf.com

MSRP: $16.99

August 26, 2014 0 comment

Training Aids

Perchmount Fit

by AAGD Staff August 26, 2014

written by AAGD Staff

View yourself and the world around you in an exciting new way with the Perchmount Fit. This new phone mount allows you to take video or rapid fire photos of your golf swing, stance, and more. With the Perchmount Fit you’re able to capture invaluable data to get you in better form, and boost your results and share with others.

This impressive item is small and neatly fits on almost any metal surface and easily can be placed on the ground or other flat surface. It has a simple design and fits easily in your pocket for portability. With a very strong magnet on the bottom on the unit the mount is durable and can go with you almost anywhere.

Try it out on your golf cart (front and back) for views of yourself and others during rounds. Use it with your automatic timer to capture images—that you’ve probably never seen of yourself before, out on the green.

The Perchmount Fit Magnetic Phone Mount will fit any Smartphone. Just keep in mind, that it may have difficult in stretching to fit around some of the many phone cases that many prople tend to use these days to protect their phone. We found that the Perchmount fits a smartphone best without a phone case.

The Smartphone mount is simple, inventive and virtually universal. It is now effortless to record your swings, set-up, putts and other movements through hands free smart phone video capture. Perchmount Fit is designed to effortlessly clamp most smart phones securely and can either mount to a metal lifting rack or can be used as a kickstand atop a table or a box.

Whether you are an experienced athlete who wants to make sure you are performing the essential movements properly or a virtual coach who wants to help clients make the most gains; Perchmount Fit is a perfect tool for taking your athletic performance to the next level.

Compatible with all smartphones from these manufacturers: Alcatel, Apple, Blackberry, HP, HTC, Huawei, LG, Meizu, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Samsung, Sony & Toshiba.

MSRP: $25.00

August 26, 2014 0 comment

Equipment Review

GolfBuddy VS4

by Debert Cook August 23, 2014

written by Debert Cook

GolfBuddy has officially launched the latest device in the speaking golf GPS category, the VS4.

This is the GPS that you want with you on your next round of play. The VS4 is sleek, accurate and leading the way for the next generation of Voice devices.

You’ll benefit from all the technical developments that GolfBuddy has put into this product. They’ve clearly established themselves as the global leader in the development of innovative measuring devices.

The success of the VS4 is in its speaking of accurate distances to the front, center and back of the green. It’s water-resistant, features a 10-hour battery life and the shot distance measurement also tells the time via a digital clock within the device.

With just one click of a button, you can hear the distance (front, center and back of green). And it’s designed to wear as a clip (on your cap or belt) or wear it on your wrist with optional accessories. There is even an option to attach it to your bag or other gear with a retractable clip. It’s truly easy to use, talking GPS with versatility.

The VS4 comes with these features:

Simple audio distance measuring device
Detachable unit to provide versatility
Water Resistant
Distance to front/center/back of the green
Dynamic Green View
Preloaded with 37,000+ global courses
Automatic course & hole recognition
Shot distance measurement
10 hour battery life

MSRP: 179.99

www.golfbuddyglobal.com

August 23, 2014 0 comment

Clothing

Zumba Flex High Women’s Sneaker

by Debert Cook August 23, 2014

written by Debert Cook

You’re working out to look good and be healthy. Well, Zumba® wear collection will get you the good look right off the bat. The new line of active wear includes the beautiful Zumba Flex High women’s sneaker.

Global lifestyle brand Zumba announced today its Fall/Winter 2014 (FW’14) active wear collection available on Zumba.com. The line, which includes five deliveries from now through November, reinforces the brand as a pioneer in the dance-fitness space—focusing on styles that mirror every type of dancer. The designs encourage expressive individuality with a range of silhouettes that are both functional and flattering, as well as a line of bottoms that incorporate performance driven Z-Dri™ technology and top quality construction; all dancer approved. Specifically new to the collection is the ―Perfect Legging,‖ featuring a contoured waistband, and four-way stretch compression fabric that hugs curves in all the right places providing a long, lean look. And fan favorite ―So Bootyful Capri‖ is back and available in new bold colors, with a design that accentuates the backside while providing lifting and smoothing effects. For a looser fit, the fashion-savvy will appreciate the brand’s dance-inspired harems in soft fabrics and funky prints. All looks and styles easily transition to any occasion, seamlessly turning activewear into daywear.

To round out its collection, Zumba also offers it’s highly anticipated hooded bra top as well as classic layering pieces including the popular v-bra, crop-tops, tanks, bubble-racer backs, football tees and a variety of hoodies. As a complement to its mantra of ―embracing women,‖ Zumba differentiates itself from other athletic brands by offering such signature body-affirming ― XS(picy), (S)picy, (M)arvelous, (L)ovely, XL(ovely) and XXL(ovely)‖ sizing structure and energetic color palette.
The new collection is available at zumba.com/shop, with prices ranging from $19 – $72. This launch is the first of the five-part FW’14 collection, which will be released in the coming months.

http://www.zumba.com/

August 23, 2014 0 comment

Golfer Of The Week Golfer of the Week Featured Youth Tee

Kendel Abrams

by Debert Cook August 22, 2014

written by Debert Cook

Playing golf for three years, eleven-year-old Kendel Abrams of New Freedom, Pennsylvania has made her mark on and off the golf course. She practices one or two days a week of golf year round. Kendel developed an interest in golf while watching her older brother Khalil play.

Kendel developed an interest in golf while watching her older brother Khalil play. Playing on his high school golf and tennis team, Khalil recently participated in the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head, SC. He was one of 51 students selected around the country out of 200 First Tee chapters. This really inspired his sister Kendel.

Kendel won first place in the Jimmy Flattery Jr. Golf Tournaments in 2010 and 2011. This year, she also took the Girls 11 title with a 40 at the US Kids Golf Tournament at Kimberton Golf in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. For her accomplishments and skills in golf she was awarded Player of the Year for the US Kids Philadelphia North Spring Tour.

Active and involved in being her best in the game, Kendel is a 21 handicap and participates in several organizations in her area while belonging to The First Tee Baltimore and Clifton Park Junior Golf Program in Baltimore, Maryland. She knows that being involved in programs and events gains her access to others who have the same drive that she does. She also looks to connect with opportunities for scholarships and other academic assistance. She’s got a college future squarely in her sights and she is not taking her eyes off of it.

Kendel_Abrams-PlayeroftheYear_400 The Abrams family is glad that golf is a part of their children’s lives and they do all they can to keep them involved. In fact, both Kendel and her brother Khalil were selected as Junior Course Reporters for the PGA’s Champions Tour at TPC Potomac in 2010. She is devoted to putting herself in the right circles, and, has even interviewed Fred Couples, Tom Watson and PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem. Kendel has a streak of journalism running through her veins and provided blogs for two days on the PGA website. http://together.pgatour.com/stories/out-of-school-inside-the.html

Besides golf, she enjoys playing basketball and soccer. She also uses music to balance out her life and plays the cello for her school’s orchestra brilliantly.

Kendel excels academically and she is consistently on the honor roll and was selected as a 2012 Carson Scholar–one of 114 students selected throughout the Mid-Atlantic. In addition, Kendel was honored by the Southern York County School District Board of Directors in May.

Kendel_Abrams_BenCarson-400

She is dedicated to serving the community and is a positive role model to younger students.

Kendel is a true scholar-athlete. She is in all accelerated classes. She received a scholarship toward college from Johns Hopkins Hospital pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson and his wife Candy this past spring.

Photo Left: Kendel Abrams with American columnist and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson chat during a function honoring her.

August 22, 2014 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts

Stay in the loop!