President Karen Ingram, Launice Sills, and members of The Links, Inc., Wilmington stood in unity at their annual Links on the Links golf tournament on June 4, 2011 at Rock Manor, Wilmington, Delaware. The Wilmington Chapter is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.
Dr. Clyde Henderson‘s group adventure spanned 2-weeks and treated golfers to exceptional courses throughout Ireland. Above, golfers and their wives pose for a group photo.
Enjoying their first trip to Ireland, Dr. Clyde Henderson (2nd from Rt) shares a spectacular view at Old Head GC with golfing buddies (L-R) Joe, Rich, and Jim.
Actress Kimberly Elise (center) with Alex Thomas (far right) at the Alex Thomas Celebrity Golf Classic, Mountain Gate Country Club, Bel Air, CA. July 9, 2013
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Chris Osborne (photos by Genie McElroy)
MARCH 11, 2014
By George Marcus
Chris Osborne was nicknamed “Little Oz” by his older brothers while growing up in the close-knit community of Morristown, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville. It got shortened to just “Oz” when his brothers went off to college. He first played golf at age 12 when he started tagging along with his father who was learning to play with some gentlemen from their church.
In July 2004, Chris lost his left leg above the knee in a hit-and-run accident while riding his motorcycle in Birmingham, Alabama. Chris was an on-air reporter and anchor with the ABC affiliate in Birmingham when the accident occurred, making his recovery a very public experience. He had to learn to play golf all over again and attributes his speedy rehab and “can-do” outlook to his faith in God, family and a strong support system of friends, as well as the thousands of viewers who showed concern.
“After learning to play again, I gained big drives. It was awesome… the first time I hit one more than 300 yards, I actually cried, because I knew despite all I had lost, golf was not in that category. I struggle with approach shots; the most challenging area of my game,” he says. Chris now visits patients on request, who are dealing with amputation in cooperation with the UAB Orthotics and Prosthetics Lab.
Chris Osborne
At 6’4” and 240 pounds (or 250 with prosthetic) the 41-year old avid golfer (and competitor) plays 2-to-3 times a week at courses all over Alabama and especially enjoys his home course Mountain View, with 27 holes in Graysville, just five minutes from his residence.
His first competitive stroke play tournament as an amputee was in 2010. He didn’t play as well as he hoped, but did complete the three rounds of championship golf. In May 2014, he won the Above-Knee Amputee Division at the ParaLong Drive Nationals, reaching 332 yards, a new personal best, up from 326. His favorite long driver (brand of club) is the Krank Formula 5 paired with the Dixon Golf Wind Ball. He carries a golf handicap of 18.
Chris Osborne strikes a shot.
Top 5 golf courses Chris has played: The Raven (Destin, FL); Wolf Creek and Falcon Ridge (Mesquite, NV). “I play affordable golf, so I haven’t played Sawgrass or Pebble Beach, yet,” he chuckles. Among major golf victories, he recounts: “My game is still emerging—so my first win was 2014 in the Para long drive. I typically beat up on my local foursomes and, because I wear shorts and talk trash, it can be a little humiliating for them.”
He’s been determined to succeed since college at Tennessee State University where he ran track: Open 400 indoor/outdoor, 400 hurdles outdoor; 55 high hurdles indoor. There he earned a BS degree in Communications with a minor in Law. “I’m a 3rd generation TSU attendee. My parents graduated and my grandfather attended, making high marks before having to return to the coal mines to support his family in the 30’s.” A scholarship athlete he received the Scholastic Achievement Award for GPA.
Chris has been honored to receive the City of Birmingham’s Distinguished Citizen Award and he has been nominated Minority Non-Profit Executive of the Year. He’s a member of the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) and is involved with the Birmingham African American Golf Networking Committee.
Chris Osborne “My late father, Willie P. Osborne was the most influential person in my life,” he says, “He paved the way in a number of venues: First African American County Commissioner in Hamblen County, TN; 2nd African American to receive a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee and the list goes on and on. He was my hero.”
The former news broadcaster with over 19-years of experience is currently Regional Communication Officer, Alabama Region at American Red Cross. “I hope to use my talents to help promote amputee golf and the amazing players who have overcome great obstacles in order to enjoy the game.”
Chris is married to his loving and supportive wife Tiffany Osborne and they have two children, William Jr. (age 4), and Olivia Grace (age 3). You can connect with Chris on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChrisOZMediaguy
Renee Powell and her brother Larry Powell accept their award at the podium.
The USGA Museum played host to the history of the Black Golf Experience on Friday, Feb. 20th, 2014 at its facility located in Far Hills, N.J. with an invitation only, private opening ceremony, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, a general public event enlightened guests from 10:00 a.m. -5:00 pm. In attendance we’re golfing legends Calvin Peete, Renee Powell, Larry Powell (Renee’s brother and superintendent for their Clearview golf course), Bill Bishop, Head Pro at Freeway Golf Course and Madelyn Turner, United Golfers Association champion.
On hand to welcome guests was USGA personnel Susan Wasser, Assistant Director, Museum Operations; Kim Gianetti, Manager, Museum Marketing and Outreach, Mike Trostel, Curator/Historian and President Mike Davis along with others. The USGA staff went all out in seeing to it that everyone was comfortably accommodated. They spared no expense it appeared. On Saturday, a distinguished five- person panel session was held inclusive of questions and answers with excellent knowledge imparted.
Photo (l-R) Calvin Peete with John Perry
Panelists included: 
Calvin Peete played in 8 Master’s tournaments, won 12 PGA tour events, including the prestigious “Player’s Tournament”, held at the famous TPC Sawgrass.
He didn’t take up the game until he was 28 years old. He got his PGA playing card at the age of 32. Considered somewhat of a late bloomer, his accuracy on tour was legendary, second to none.
He qualified for, and played o, 2 Ryder Cup Teams during his short career.
At the Black History Symposium he stated that he received his first sponsorship from a complete stranger, “A white businessman whose name I don’t remember,” said Peete. He also recalled that the “heaven sent” sponsor sent him a check for $500.00 a week, for 6 months.
He was more a savior than a stranger. 
Photo (L-R) Renee Powell with John Perry
Renee Powell and her brother Larry are the primary caretakers of the famous and historic Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio. Their father Bill Powell designed, built, and ran it for years, until his health declined. He passed away on December 31st, 2009, at the age of 93. Renee and Larry assured the audience that their father’s legacy and Clearview will continue, even after they’re gone. Renee was the second African American female to play on the LPGA tour. Along with Althea Gibson, who was better known for her tennis accomplishments than her golfing achievements. Renee said that she first met Althea in 1960 and remained friends up until her death on September 28, 2003, in East Orange, N .J. Renee and Larry both stated that running and operating a golf course today is no easy task. It has it’s share of challenges and demands, which they meet with genuine dedication and determination. 
Photo: Calvin Peete is jovial with the audience as Larry Powell observes.
Bill Bishop said to the audience that he, his grandfather, his uncle—and I think a cousin—were arrested when he was very young, for allegedly stealing chicken, when they were actually just hitting golf balls near a farmer’s house. He spent 4 days in jail for that misunderstanding. He added that his mother passed away when he was only 18-months old. Bishop is still the Head Pro at Freeway Golf Course in Sicklerville, N.J., outside of Philadelphia, which he also said is not always the city of “Brotherly Love”.
Madelyn Turner was also in attendance on the distinguished panel. Madelyn is a former United Golfer’s Association champion and Wake-Robin Golf Club member. She learned the game by caddying for her mother, who was an active golfer. Madeline says that she owes a lot to the game of golf and, is a big advocate in recruiting other women to take up the sport.
Story by: John H. Perry a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Vauxhall, NJ.