Announcing
A Pathway To Success TV Show!

Life is always bringing forth new challenges, and as a result, I see my foundation growing, changing and evolving. As an individual committed to helping others, especially our youth, I am always looking for new and innovative ways to meet these challenges head on. I look to turn my life experiences into a template for success, a blueprint for others to follow. I have met many people along the way, and also tap into their knowledge generating a complete experience for anyone who participates in my foundation’s programs.

I am extremely excited to announce my latest endeavor –“A Pathway to Success” Television Show. My co-host, Alicia Evans and I will examine various aspects of success, break them down and deliver them in digestible manner where the principals demonstrated can be easily duplicated. I selected the concept of success because I look to convey the intangibles – the things that are often overlooked but are essential in fulfilling ones potential. The Darby Foundation promotes the book ends of literacy, education and of course golf, but there is that gray area that is often overlooked, things that are not necessarily taught at home or in a classroom. This is what I wish to emphasize.

My partner, Alicia, brings a world of experience in the field of communication. Where do I start? She is an adjunct Professor at City College, New York, where she is the one of the pioneer educators in developing and teaching social media curriculums. She is the CEO and Facilitator at The Living Room Experience(R) Talk Forum, where she is a developer and facilitator of national corporate talk forums targeting consumers, executives, trade groups, etc. Her vast knowledge and expertise coupled with my own drive, experience, and determination will make for excellent television.

L-R: Chris Arceneaux, Derrick Dingle and Lionel Harris

The opening show will be taped at Roosevelt High School in Long Island. I plan to have a live audience for this show. Each successive episode of the show will be taped at a different Long Island location highlighting a different guest. We will be interviewing individuals who have exhibited varying levels of what is generally deemed achievement and accomplishment in their respective fields. Each guest will share their personal recipe for success. The hope is by the end of last episode, an outline of sorts will be created, one that can be referenced and used as a guide by the viewers. I want the viewers to ultimately feel like they can accomplish anything after watching an episode of my show. Alicia expressed to me that people may think of success as the celebrity or athlete or unreachable entertainer. But success is right in our own backyards. She said when we look right within our midst; the stories of success are fascinating. The show will open the audiences eyes to what success can look like every day.

I decided to create a television show because I felt it would be the most effective way to expand my audience. I have hosted workshops and seminars in the past, and I believe this is just an evolution of that concept. A Pathway to Success television show is just another piece in my foundation’s tool box. My aim is always to educate, entertain and enlighten. I think a show like this is essential nowadays with all the social media, videos texting, and other “empty” forms of communication. The reality is that we are living in the future and that these forms of communication are here to stay. I think my show is vital in balancing out the empty and negative images. My show will actually leave the viewer with something tangible; something they can actually use.

I can see the show being picked up by a major network in the near future. I also see this show being showed in schools, libraries and other institutions of learning. I see this show streaming on computers tablets and smart phones. The potential for this show is limitless and this adds to my excitement. Updates will be posted to the foundation website as well as the foundation’s social media pages. I will keep you abreast of the progress and maybe you can be a part of a Pathway to Success TV. Visit our website: www.darbyfoundation.org

Share your thoughts and comments with me at
[email protected] 

“Character, Academics, and Golf”

I write this blog with deep emotions and frustrations. For the new readers, 90% of my writings are about how Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development, use the sport of golf and its intrinsic values to introduce and develop youth ages 6-18 academics, athletic and life skills using golf as the context. But for our regular and new readers, I ask that you endeavor with me into something that has everything to do with golf and youth development, but not in the traditional way. Read my blog on Family Structure and Historical Norms

https://www.africanamericangolfersdigest.com/howardbankheadblogFeb2012
Let me share a brief story with you. I remember a few years ago, I had a meeting with several individuals… a diverse group of men and women that I assume was knowledgeable about a variety subjects. Well, I made a comment on how we use golf to help students understand and develop their math, academic and character skills. This one individual that always talked about how he was going to whip me on the golf course said what does math have to do with golf in a sarcastic way! The nine other individuals looked at me as if they agreed with the question or how I was going to respond.

I respected this man and still do. And thanks to God, at that time I had a life lesson and a teachable moment. First, never judge a book by its cover (which is one of the oldest saying ever) and always smile and think before you respond to an unexpected situation. Of course, I used the opportunity to explain and/or make aware (educate) that our program is not junior golf, but a developmental program that uses golf in nontraditional ways. I went on to share that golf terms such as par, birdie and bogey are scoring math words in golf, like addition, subtraction and fractions…0, -1, +1, angles and distances is arithmetic.

Of course, I have been told that people in this southern community think that I am crazy doing what I do. What I do is use the art form of jazz music and the sport of golf in a non-profit program to help develop the lives of young people and entertain adults. And of course being crazy is a relative thing. But I must admit I am driven by an extraordinary urge to be relevant yet unassuming in this beautiful world that God created. “Space is the place” is a jazz album by Sun Ra, one of my jazz favorites. For years of my life, even as a youth, I would find myself alone in spaces and places…with God!
These deep emotions and frustrating awareness that I am writing about has several dimensions. And when I cannot explain where these feelings come from, I put them on God…God is my only answer when I can and cannot explain things in life.

I have much to write about including the failure of some of our communities, our schools, families and individuals…self-included! But again thanks to God, we have more successes than failures.

Certain emotions start to flow when I see a kid, teenager or young adult walking around with their pants not sagging, but barely hanging on around their knees, with tattoos all over their backs, arms, necks, etc. and most of the music they are listening to, has negative lyrics such as, kill the n****r, f##k the bitch…I hope you know where I am coming from!

On the other hand which seems rare, other emotions arise when I hear or see a younger individual carrying themselves in a more civil and/or decent way. A matter of fact, the other day as I was leaving the market (Kroger), I stopped and spoke to a young man that I thought was in my classroom when I was a high school at-risk instructor a few years ago. He was employed by the store and I asked his where did I know him from and he said with a smile, hey Mr. Bankhead I was in your class at Sparkman High.

I remember when we talked about his goals after high school; he was adamant about not going to college and getting into the bling-bling world. His reasoning baffled me because he was a respectful and pleasant student. We laughed because of seeing each other again, and I asked what was happening with him? He said that he was headed to the navy in a few weeks and was looking forward to his venture. I asked him about going to college and traveling the world through the military, his reply was YES SIR, Mr. Bankhead Yes Sir I am! We embraced and I encouraged him to keep God in his life. For me that was a good experience, but they seem few and to wide.

In 2011, 2012 and 2013, the great State of Alabama is number one in Football and number one in Golf in 2013 and 2014, but last in 8th graders math scores. Something is wrong here!
Alabama eighth graders ranked dead last in national math scores! Where is the outcry from our community leaders and educators…or as a “so called” civilized society, do we really care? Today, public schools are more segregated than they have been at any other point over the past 40 years and students of color are still trapped in the poorest performing schools. 60 years after the Brown decision, four out of five African American fourth graders read below grade level and they are twice as likely as their white peers to drop out of high school.

I know for the State of Alabama, our nation and humanity as a whole, if a high percentage of our youth are not proficient at math, more than lately they have issues with reading. I believe that these academic inefficiencies lead to character flaws, meaning that some students act out for attentions. Some of our students and adults (parents) do not know how to say help me, I need help or I don’t understand this math concept and word question.
We know that thousands of our youth are not receiving and do not have access to various educational and training resources that will benefit their academic development. However, given needed and adequate support, together we can turn this negative statistic around in a few years! Through our program, we emphasize the math, science, reading and character in the art form of jazz music and the sport of golf.

My concern is for the 8th grade students that are having a difficult time understanding 6 grade math concepts. This is not meant to be a negative indictment on the educational systems that our students attend. The educational systems produce more successes that failures. But we cannot afford to leave no child behind! As it is known, education and government officials and certain business entities, project how many prisons to build is based on 3rd grades reading levels. I dare say that poor reading score is not the only indicator that can predict the outcome of a person’s life. I believe the influences that the negative side of pop-culture, truly negatively affects the psyche of our young people’s brain.

I am not anti-rap music and against some of today style of clothing. But there is a sub-culture that seems to feed on self-hate music (kill the n****r, f**k that bitch). I stand for positive music because the mind and brain operates in the affirmative…the I-can and I-will attitude. Positive attitudes help to foster and produces good values and strong work ethic. In today fast moving world of technology, science and 24 hours news coverage, I estimate that 85% of media coverage is attracted to blood and guts. It is said that the negative news drive up ratings, and the higher the rating numbers, the more money is made. It’s all about money.

Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development, Summer Youth Enrichment Experience (SYEE) will tee off in July 2014 and carry on throughout the school year with afterschool programs. Qualified staff members, and volunteers will deliver the academic and golf & life skills curriculum. What makes this program an experience is the material the participants learn in the classroom will be carried and applied on the golf course and eventually in other areas of their lives. This includes understanding and working with word problems, fraction, whole number, negative and positive integers. Geometry and the science of golf will also reinforce our participant’s academic skills. The sport of golf offers life intrinsic values such as, perseverance, respect, integrity, honesty, and judgment, just to name a few.

Let me be clear, Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development, Summer Youth Enrichment Experience is not an athletic sport program like basketball, baseball or football. This program is an academic exercise designed to develop youth math, reading, science, writing and character skills using golf as the context.

“Anything positive is possible”

* * *

In order to grow and continue the success of TVYGD and TVJS, we ask for your love, support and donations!

Howard Bankhead
Executive Director
Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development
604 Jordan Lane
Huntsville, AL 35816 USA
256-604-8172

Send Howard A Comment!

 
CHARLES SCHWAB CUP CHAMPIONSHIP AT HARDING PARK, SAN FRANCISCO

“A Golfer’s Love Story”
by Glennon E. Bazzle

(San Francisco)–November, 2013

The Charles Schwab Cup, which ends the season for the PGA Champions Tour, was held at the historic Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco, California, October 31 to November 3, 2013. Similar to the FEDEX Cup on the PGA Tour, the Schwab Cup is held for the Top 30 money winners over the season, and only those 30 Players for that period are eligible to compete in this event.

The top 2 leaders in points going into the event were Kenny Perry and Bernhard Langer respectively. All Perry had to do was to finish in 5th place or better to win the Cup. Langer had to win the tournament (the Championship) and Perry had to finish worse than 5th place for Langer to win the Cup.

As it happened, Perry shot10 under par for the tournament to finish tied for 5th place, and Langer finished 11 under par to tie for 2nd place. So, Kenny Perry wins the Charles Schwab Cup and the big money.

But the player who played the best that week was Freddie Couples, taking 1st place with a winning score of 17 under par and bringing home a cool $440,000. He won the tournament, the Charles Schwab Championship.

Tony Perry 
On Wednesday, October 30th while attending the Pro-Am tournament of the Cup Championship and observing the pros and their caddies, I noticed the only African American who was included as a part of the Cup event. It was Tony Perry. Tony was on the bag for Duffy Waldorf. When I asked him how long he had been a caddy, he said, “22 years, 20 with Duffy.” But he had also looped with other pro golfers such as David Toms and Tom Lehman, over a two-year period before forming a lasting relationship with Waldorf.

Above: Tony Perry (L) chats with reporter Glennon E. Bazzle.

Tony, who is 53-years old, says that his older brother, Ron Perry (63 years old) played for a while on the regular PGA tour. Tony, is a scratch golfer, has played on the Fairville State Golf Team in North Carolina and on the Mini-Tour. After four days of work at the Cup, Tony and his Pro player Duffy came in at five under par to finish tied for ninth place.

Above: Tony Perry on bag with Pro player Duffy Waldorf

I enjoyed meeting and interviewing Tony. He’s good people. To my knowledge, Tony is a rarity on the Pro Golf circuit. There are only a few African American caddies left on the PGA tours. That’s a shame.

Roving Reporter/Thursday and Friday, the 1st and 2nd rounds of the Charles Schwab

Aware of a golden opportunity, I did my usual tournament routine, watching players putting strokes, observing swing mechanics on the driving range, and walking a few holes around the course. Being held in San Francisco, this tournament was a little more unique than others, simply because of the diversity of nationalities in the Bay area.

Keith “Fig” Newton

The third round, on Saturday, started out pretty much the same as the previous rounds. But, instead of walking, I decided to go over to the merchandise tents and browse, have my golf swing analyzed, and try to win a vacation by participating in a promotion. And, by the way, introduce as many people as possible to yours truly, ‘the King of Swing,’ and to my book “Anatomy of the Perfect Golf Swing.”

Eventually, I made my way back to the first tee in time to catch the last four two-somes (golf pairings) go off. It was there that the most astounding, interesting and definitely one of the most pleasing experiences I’ve ever witnessed in over 50 years of being in, and around, golf happened. What was it that blew my mind?

Well, I’ll tell you. When the players of the last 4 groups would walk up to the first tee box, they all greeted one man with big smiles, warm handshakes, knuckle bumps, a pat on the back, and even a few hugs. Not only did ALL the players do this, but ALL the caddies, too; And then many tournament staffers. What made this so special was not that he was so unassuming, but that he is an African American.

Above: Keith “Fig” Newton, Director of Tournament Operations (R) with Schwab Cup Championship winner Freddie Couples (L)

I didn’t take my eyes off of him for the next 45 minutes. Who is this man? Why is he so respected? The questions were rolling in my head. You know I had to meet him, right? So, I walked over to the side of the tee box and got on the rope next to the tent where players had to pick up their score cards. I got his attention, introduced myself as “The King of Swing,” asked his name, and he said, “Fig.” I asked him another question that cracked him up. He said that we could talk after the last group teed off.

Above: (L) Keith “Fig” Newton, Director of Tournament Operations with Glennon E. Bazzle

When they left, we talked a few minutes and he said, “Let’s walk over toward the 18th green,” where his first group was finishing in half an hour. This is when I got to know who HE is and what HE does. He is Keith “Fig” Newton, Director of Tournament Operations for the PGA Champions Tour.

Keith joined the Champions Tour as a member of the Operations staff in 1991. His primary responsibilities centered around scoring the tournament which included training volunteers, supplying equipment, and processing and transferring all players scores and statistics to all media and affiliated media outlets. He also worked on sponsor related promotions.

Above: Keith “Fig” Newton at work inside the scoring tent

In 1995 Keith was promoted to Manager, and then, in 2005, to Director of Tournament Operations. Now, that I’ve learned who he is, another question followed: How did he get there? Of course, I wanted to know how he’d gotten involved in golf that enabled him to get to this position.

Come to find out, his journey began after he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1982. From 1982 to 1988 he worked in radio and television in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was producing and delivering daily sportscasts and covering all levels of local sports. In 1988 he became Assistant Director of Public Relations for the Indianapolis Colts prior to joining the PGA Tour/Champions Tour (1991).

When not working 26 of the 29 events on the Champions Tour, Keith and his wife, Barbara, live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Keith “Fig” Newton is the Alpha and the Omega of Operations on the Champions Tour. “Fig” is a BAAAAAAD Man!!! So, when the Champions Tour is in your area, make sure you go, say hi to “Fig” and tell him the “King of Swing” sent you.

Charles Schwab Cup Championship
Sunday/ the 4th and final round

Michael Carr

And unexpectedly, at the first tee box, I met another African American who plays a major role in the Cup Championship—even though he was behind the scenes.

Above: Michael Carr, Volunteer Division Chairman

He is Michael Carr. His title with the Schwab Cup is Host Committee Member, Division Chairman and Committee Chairman for Golf Events. We did not get a chance to talk very much but it was another pleasurable, eye-opening experience to meet an African American who was prominent in the success of the golf tournament.

Above: Schwab Cup Championship winner Freddie Couples and Schwab Cup winner Kenny Perry

Moral of the story?

The moral of the story is that when you go to a PGA, LPGA or Champions Tour event, you might see only one ‘acknowledged’ African American player, i.e. Jim Thorpe, if he is playing. However, there are many more of us contributing “big time” to the success of these events. REMEMBER: In Golf as in Life, failure to hit the Mark is never fault of the Target. To improve your Aim, improve your “Self”.

* * * *

ABOUT GLENNON E. BAZZLE

Glennon E. Bazzle 
aka “The King of Swing,” is author of Anatomy of the Perfect Golf Swing, founder and CEO of Global Golf Institute, LLC. He may be contacted at email [email protected]
cell phone: 504-583-6842
TheGolfSwingKing.com 

Photos by contributing photographer:
Myrna Moline, Global Golf Institute, LLC

My high school class reunion draws near as I greet you readers. The Westminster Schools of Atlanta is where I claim matriculation for the vast part of my junior high and high school years—it’s where I was captain of both the JV and later the Varsity golf teams—it’s where I became proficient in speaking and interpreting German—it’s where I dabbled in playing the flute, volunteered a very short stint with the yearbook committee, and was voted class treasurer in my senior year.

The fondest of memories consume my thoughts of Westminster as well as the years that have separated me from that time.

Those years were spent chasing my aspirations, transferring funds from one account to the next to avoid overdraft fees, figuring out ‘my next step’, and making about a zillion ‘mistakes’ that would later prove to be the best decisions I would ever make. Can you relate?

I remember my first year as a professional golfer and the gratitude I felt towards Will and Jada Smith for sponsoring me. But before then, I remember Alan Bennett (dec.) and Mr. Gus Robinson and the WSGA—they went to great lengths to help me whenever I was in California.

I remember Dennis Morgan and so many other nameless faces that propelled my efforts in golf, before golf became so ‘organized,’ that is. I remember how me and my golf clubs were the same height when I started learning golf.

And I remember my first tournament when I was 7 or so– I shot 92 for 9 holes and thought I had won because I beat everyone in my group:-) Yes, many years separate me from those times but there is a common thread between then and now—I have been continuously showered with good things and great joy. And more importantly, my path has always led back to happiness and the comfort that comes with soaring to new heights.

These are truly exciting times for me and my staff and I look forward to keeping you updated each month!

Find me at www.DaraBroadusGolf.com or friend me on Facebook.

Dara Broadus
DaraBroadusGolf.com
or friend me on Facebook

Former Mini-Tour Player

Who Are You?

Over the last few months I have been approached with an alarming number of conversations on the subject of what are people like in other parts of the world, How were you treated overseas? How’s Australia? What are you trying to accomplish? When is your next trip and where do you play? The frequency of these conversations left me with self analysis questions of my own.

80% of these brain picking intrusions were thrust upon me while I practiced my golf game. An additional oddity was each person, male and female, stood 5 to 20 feet away watching me chip and pitch balls and I could feel them waiting for the moment to stop me and engage with a statement or question. Here are a few additional opening lines… “Do you mind if I watch?”(Polite).”You must practice a lot”(Stupid). “How do you do that?”(Flattering).

“If I could chip like that I’d be a Pro” (Insult).”Are you working on something?” (Stupid). “Who taught you that?” (Insult–had to be there.) “There’s another chipping green in the back you can use if you get in your car and drive to the other side of the course. (Helpful, maybe). And the all time frequent favorite: “Who are you? (Priceless)”.

Not all of these “ice breakers” are meant to be unkind though you can see that they can be. They have been preludes to a wanting to know. This is an inquisitive nature of golfers, fans of the game, and people in general. A curiosity for many and a territorial trespass check for others.

The more you improve in this game, the more you understand that the mental aspect is paramount. Consequently people must inquire to find out if you are intelligent, approachable, and are willing to share a tip or two. Or, they wish to impose upon you what they think to be correct about a golf shot and ultimately screw with your thought process, and yes that’s the same person who will purposely try and get in your head on the course in order to beat you.

The obvious truth is he or she, simply wants your story, your mentality, your personality, first hand. For reasons of security, comfort, trust, association, or to simply find a friend or share a laugh. They want to know who you are!! This inquisition is not just for the professional golfer, though that can be a pretty reliable source for information about the swing and the mental aspect of the game, it applies to interactions with all people, it applies to life.
Many people today practice, putt, and chip with an IPod in their ears and ignore whom they want without being rude or so the excuse, “I didn’t hear you” cancels the rudeness. Many people purposely place a scowl on their face to avoid others and when asked about it they retort, “This is how I look.” –I’ve never doubted that one simply because a true smile is never mistaken.

Are we that fearful as a people, that we must frown at others to avoid conversation, literally hide in public with headphones or straight ignore a person because of our own bias yet open our arms when we learn that we have a mutual friend? Is your life really that important and busy, forcing you to judge a person you don’t know? Or are the secrets you and your family consistently hide, stuff, ignore or think is impervious to you, choking you and shutting down the wonderful gifts of being human and human interaction?

Is your life seriously “All That” to the degree you acquire a pet dog, nurture it, feed it, clothe it, take it to the vet, walk it and pick up its excrement with your hand and a bag yet, you have trouble saying hello with a smile to your neighbor another human being?

SERIOUSLY? There is a saying that states “You are as sick as your secrets.” So again I ask, “Who are you?”
When it comes to life and golf, I tell on myself, I tell who I am. Not just for the person looking on or asking questions, I tell for my health, truths and peace of mind….TRY IT!!
I recently decided to return to Australia and play competitively and many people of that country, some of whom I met in 2009, and my wonderful recent family there, left me with no false sense of being. What I mean by that is there were few motives, hidden agendas and smokescreens when initially meeting an individual.

One can argue that all people of the world have motives and agendas and are the same. I will argue, NOT TRUE. Certainly I am not pitting the differences of the countries together with a debate of comparison, I’m simply telling my experiences and there is a difference that will make you smile.

Hopefully you will find the time to visit and experience a different joy. From the weather year-round to the wonderful golf courses that will challenge you. Marvelous food in abundance and costal views that will calm your soul. The beaches actually brought joyous tears to my eyes with their powerful calm. Contact me when you arrive in Australia and I’ll promise a round of golf, a hello, and a smile no matter WHO you are!!!

Be good to you so that you can be good to others.

I am truly grateful to share with you my thoughts and my experiences. And I’m grateful that you take the time to read my Blogs.

To my readers:

Be good to you!!!

All the best,

Vern Burns

Send Vern A Comment!

May 2014
“Hall of Fame”

On Friday, May 2, 2014, I visited the World Golf Hall of Fame, located in St Augustine, FL. The reason for the visit was to participate in the opening ceremony for “Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African Americans in Golf,” a story and exhibit capturing some of the significant accomplishments of African Americans in the game. The stories were gathered and written by Pete McDaniel, author of Uneven Lies, arguably the most recognized and accepted research/book on the topic of Black golf.

I guess there were about 100 people in attendance, including a representative from the offices of the Mayor of Jacksonville. Representatives from the three sponsoring organizations also spoke. The sponsoring organizations for the exhibit were the PGA Tour, PGA of America, and the USGA.

Pete spoke, as did Renee Powell and the great Charlie Sifford. There were several ambassadors for our cause in the audience, too, including Dr. Calvin Sinnette, Jim Dent, Earnie Ellison, Debert Cook, Wendell Haskins, Joe Barrow, Paula Tucker, Pepper Peete, Susan Wasser, Rhonda Glenn, Craig Bowen, Jeff Dunovant, Kennie Sims, Rodney Green and many more.
Photo Left: The centerpiece of the exhibit is an original sculpture, “The DNA of the Golf Swing,” designed by renowned sculptor Mario Chiodo and features 13 African-American golf legends.

The most influential person to make this happen, in my opinion, was Steve Mona. Steve Mona is the CEO for the World Golf Foundation, the umbrella organization over the World Golf Hall of Fame, Golf 20/20, and The First Tee. At the ceremony he spoke to the significance of the exhibit/story, and briefly provided the assembled audience details on how the idea became reality.

In 2010 John Merchant was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (NBGHOF), along with the late Barbara Douglas, and Winston Lakes Golf Course.

A few weeks prior to the ceremony, which took place in Tampa, FL, John Merchant had an interview with Adam Schupak, who is a journalist/ writer for Golf Week Magazine. In the interview for the article John challenged the leaders in golf to mimic other major sports (i.e. Major League Baseball and the NBA) by creating a place for African American golf pioneers at the World Golf Hall of Fame. John delivered the same message during his acceptance speech on-stage in Tampa.
One year later, March 2011, Steve Mona (pictured left) was the keynote speaker at the NBGHOF dinner and induction ceremony. He delivered a moving speech, and towards the end publicly announced that he accepted the challenge from John Merchant, and that he would spearhead the effort to have the story of our Black golfing heroes proudly and PERMANENTLY displayed at the highest level…the World Golf Hall of Fame. It took several key meetings and three years to bring it to reality, but thanks to Steve Mona it finally is.

So what does that mean? To me, it is very significant. It means the leading golf agencies respect the contributions from our people enough to display it at the highest level. It means those visiting the Hall of Fame will know that Charlie Sifford and Tiger Woods weren’t the only people of color to contribute to golf. And please don’t take that to diminish the contributions from Charlie and Tiger. I would never do that.
It means that generations from now, young people will better understand how a community of people persevered to compete in a sport/industry infamously known for not welcoming their contributions, or even their mere presence. Yet they did it anyway. Stories like these rekindle the human spirit. They embody the American dream that hard work, diligence, and faith always, always, always win in the end. These stories are not just a part of golf and/or African American history. They are a part of American history.

Photo left: John Merchant

I grew up in Chicago, IL, and began playing golf in 1969 at Pipe O’ Peace GC. I watched television, of course, and knew about Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and other stars at that time. My heroes and role models, though, were the professional golfers I saw live and close up at Pipe O’ Peace. Cliff Brown, my early mentor, Pete Brown, James Black, Rufus “Big Daddy” James. Agnus Williams, Selma Barbour, and the Chicago Women’s Golf Club were heroes, too. In a sense, they were like surrogate parents; as were Rueben and Louise Horne. It does my heart good to know we now have a location to house these stories and recognize individuals like these.

Photo above: Charlie Sifford’s 1960 PGA Player Card. The document that officially broke golf’s color barrier, is one of many items on display.

Thank you John Merchant for making the challenge. Thank you Pete McDaniel for authoring this important story. Thanks to everyone who played a part; both past and present. And I especially thank my friend Steve Mona for championing the cause, and for seeing it through.

* * * *

What are you doing to help bring diversity to golf? Are there things we can do together to accelerate the process? Please contact me to share your thoughts and opinions.

 Send Michael a Comment!

ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D.
Dr. Michael W. Cooper is the Campus Director for Springfield College-Tampa Bay campus. Contact him at [email protected]. 

KEVIN HALL
Blog: February 2014

After a long and grueling 2013 that ended with a disappointing performance at the Web.com Tour Qualifying School where I missed advancing to the second stage by one shot, I went to Orlando to play in the NGA Tour Winter Series.

I finished 3rd in the first event then went on to miss three cuts in a row. I had to make the difficult decision to cancel the rest of the winter tournaments and go home for the winter. Little did I know that I would benefit from the long break.

I started attending church every Sunday and the first message I got spoke volumes to what I was preparing to go through during the winter: renewing myself. Going to church and listening to all the messages have brought a certain peace to myself. In golf and in life, there are a lot of things I worry about but I’ve come to realize that all I can control is how I think and how I prepare. Everything else is up to God. As long as I do my part and give each and every day my very best, I will be fine.

I had a chance to visit with kids over the winter. One thing that stands out was my trip to Columbus, Ohio. I visited the Dominican Middle School and spent time talking with hundreds of kids. I spoke about my life growing up, what it was like to be deaf and how important school was to their futures. I shared with them how there was no shortcuts in life and that they had to work very hard to accomplish whatever it is they wanted to accomplish. I had a great time and it warmed my heart to see that I brought a smile to their faces and that the message got across to them. That’s what it’s all about.
I decided to spend the winter working on my body. I met with Dr. Todd Elwert, of Elwert Chiropractic, and we put together a weekly workout program.

Let me tell you that the first couple weeks were not fun at all. I was as stiff as a board. I could hardly move at all.

Slowly and surely, the program became a daily routine and I started to get better and better. I am getting into the best shape of my life and it feels great.

Not only did the program help me get stronger and flexible, it also helped me with my discipline. It takes a lot of discipline to get up at 7:00 in the morning when it’s 5 degrees outside and there’s snow all over the place. But I got it done.

I have put in a lot of work during the winter and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have prepared myself 100 percent mentally, physically and spiritually. It took a lot of patience, perseverance and discipline to do what I needed to do to get ready for this year but I’m glad I did it. I will be starting my season at the Advocates Tour March 16-17 in Tampa, Fl. Then I will be playing on the NGA Tour as well as a few State Opens and Web.com Monday Qualifiers. At the end of the schedule, I will play the Web.com Tour Qualifying School. I am very excited about this year and I will give it my all.

I look forward to keeping you guys updated on my progress throughout the year.

Hit them long and straight.

Kevin

Blog: December 2012
A Special Message From My Dad, Robert Howard

Hello All:

I took the last 10 days off from blogging due to my caddying duties amongst other things in preparation for LPGA Q-School. The week in itself is filled with much anticipation as to who will get their chance to play on the LPGA tour next season. Each day leading up to the first round was getting your game sharp enough for the five grueling days in hopes it all comes together at the right moment.

If you didn’t hear yet I’ll tell you that Ginger missed the cut line for priority status on the LPGA but all is not lost, at all! The positive energy I witnessed from Ginger each and everyday tells me with relief that her days of playing on the LPGA full time is approaching. Those of you who know Ginger understand what I mean. The girls got it all together and nothing will stand in her way. It just wasn’t her time, yet. We all know that it’s not when WE want it but when God says it’s time. We are all at peace since our faith is imbedded in our hearts. (Photo: Robert and Ginger Howard at 2012 Brooklyn Golf Show-NYC)

I was very proud to be caddying for Ginger last week. I got to witness greatness from close up during competition. Typically I’m walking the course with my Giulian, 4 year old son, so this was one heck of a treat. Keep in mind that this form of greatness is 18 years old and lots of years ahead of her.

So, I take this time to give thanks to all of her fans and supporters who have stuck beside us in time of need. We’ll take a few weeks off and begin getting prepared for some SunCoast Series events in January 2013. Ginger is eagerly looking forward to the start of the Symetra Tour season since she does have full status for 2013! Nothing to sneeze at because you must have all the pieces together to compete at this level also.

She is living her dream one day at a time and with prayer, our faith, family and God watching over all of us you can best believe we’re going to give it our best shot at making her dream come true!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter!

Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer 

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