Help Mom play her best this season with performance-driven style. Women & Golf have selected top sunglasses perfect for summer rounds—including this sleek pair from PUMA. Designed for golfers, they feature a lightweight frame, adjustable nose pads for a custom fit, and a wide shield lens to protect against wind, water, and sun glare. She’ll stay focused and fashionable on the course. $175.99. Shop now at www.puma.com.
The 2025 John Deere Classic (July 2–6 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois) will feature the game’s rising stars and veteran players competing on one of the most fan-friendly venues on the PGA TOUR. Having given the opportunity in recent seasons to younger and junior players to make the best of, the tournament is proving to be an ever-more critical destination for those wanting to impact the sport’s highest echelon.
This season, African American golfers will be the headline-makers as they strive for a more prominent and successful place at the top of the game. We found three AA golfers who might just make a mark this year.
Kieron van Wyk: The South African Wonderboy
Kieron van Wyk is one of the most exciting young players on the up. Sawyer, who made history as the first Black golfer in 2022 to win the Individual Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championship and then won it again in 2023, became a household name. He also has the Adrian Stills Award for the best African American college golfer and the Harry Oppenheimer Trophy for his success in the amateurs.
Van Wyk, a current attendee at the College of Charleston, has exhibited poise beyond his years inside and outside the course. The John Deere meet in Illinois could be the turning point from collegiate star to professional contender. He possesses solid ball-striking and can be as mentally tough as they come, so don’t be surprised if he gives the fans and analysts a reason to notice him at TPC Deere Run. F1 betting enthusiasts in Illinois can check some of the top sportsbooks as reviewed by SportyTrader.
Marcus Byrd: Mr. Consistent
Marcus Byrd is familiar with the grind of the pro scene. Byrd, a Middle Tennessee State University graduate, has worked up the mini-Mini-Tours and other developmental events. He has earned the glory for his perseverance and consistency. Byrd has played in a number of PGA TOUR events due to sponsor exemptions, while also serving as a role model for young Black golfers aspiring to reach a higher level of play.
Byrd always plays well when needed, firing his iron shots with deadly precision and sporting a calm persona. This would be perfect for getting more momentum into the second half of the PGA TOUR season; the John Deere Classic would provide him with just the opportunity to show improvement. A few more rounds of decent golf could see Byrd put himself in a position to win the best prize of his career.
Chase Johnson: Power Game
Chase Johnson bursts with raw energy and integrates a mature strategy within course management. Johnson (a Kent State product) has spent time sharpening his playing game on the Korn Ferry Tour and other professional tours. With his distance off the tee and his better putting, he is a threat on a birdie and aggressiveness course like TPC Deere Run.
Johnson still has his big breakthrough to come but his steady progress suggests it may be just a question of time. He can be confident that his name is among golf’s next best, and a solid top ten at the John Deere Classic won’t hurt either.
Representation That Matters
The John Deere Classic has got to get more African American players into the pipeline if professional golf is ever to progress. These players compete at the top level and are pioneers of a more inclusive generation of kids growing up and playing the game. The narrative serves as a simple reminder, though– talent is not conditional, and just like any sport, golf is meant to be inclusive. During the 2025 tournament, fans of every background will be able to unite behind these inspirational players, following their journeys on one of the biggest stages the game has to offer.
A special segment formed by gaming innovation and cultural representation in casino establishments now features slot machines that designers create based on influential figures across multiple fields. Black golf pioneers receive special recognition through these game dedications because it honors figures who previously remained ignored in dominant historical documents. The video games entertain and teach their players about historical figures who fought segregation and introduced groundbreaking talents to professional golf through their determination to succeed.
Casinos have evolved from mechanical gadgets to digital systems that produce intricate and dynamic narrative experiences. Developers were able to investigate historical and cultural topics due to the shift in industry standards, which went beyond simple symbols to include significant narrative components. Because fishin frenzy combines engaging gameplay elements with gripping narratives that enthrall player experiences, it embodies the contemporary progression of video games.
The video game sector shows its commitment to proper representation by developing programs that emphasize underrecognized diversity. Players have an opportunity to learn from important Black golfing stories which emerge from an immersive gaming experience.
Back in the days before Tiger Woods’s fame, Black excellence in golf had already established itself across multiple decades. Charlie Sifford became the first African American PGA Tour member in 1961 while enduring death threats along with banishment from playing facilities. His determination triggered the PGA to eliminate its racial restrictions, thereby enabling upcoming black players to progress through the sport. Althea Gibson continued her athletic career after tennis by joining the LPGA Tour in 1964 to become the first Black woman in the history of the organization demonstrating both remarkable versatility and determination in overcoming discrimination..
The pioneers displayed remarkable skills when competing on unpracticed courses despite receiving both hostility from spectators and competitors during tournaments. Their accomplishments in sports advanced beyond athletic success to serve as significant figures throughout the civil rights movement, leading to permanent changes regarding who is allowed to play golf. These historical tales are used by slot machine designers to create engrossing themes that honor these individuals’ achievements while also speaking to audiences that are generally unaware of historical facts.
To develop a slot game that adequately celebrates the subjects it shows the designer needs to achieve entertainment value alongside respectful storytelling. Instead of producing surface-level representations, the most successful game design approaches include biographical details deeply into gameplay features and visual characteristics. Through innovative designs, developers have approached this challenge by developing gameplay systems which show historical facts to players during bonus round progression.
These games portray genuine historical elements, including period architectural features in segregated community facilities, together with golf equipment development history across different decades. Sound effects use jazz and blues music from the period to develop a fully immersive historical feeling that sends players through memorable golfing events. Through their design choices, these elements place the achievements as well as the obstacles faced by Black golfers into their correct historical context to deliver enhanced knowledge of their impact.
Such tribute games deliver an extensive educational impact along with their entertainment functions. Casual slot players encounter Black golf pioneers through their games before they decide to research further into this important legacy. Because the gaming industry recognizes this potential, bonus screens and informative pop-ups are used to include pertinent factual knowledge into gameplay.
Through such informal education approaches, these games successfully teach individuals who avoid watching documentaries or reading historical texts about key historical subjects. The casual platform provides an approachable environment that makes information more accessible to players who are enjoying themselves. The impact becomes substantial regarding younger generations of players since they often lack understanding about sports history during segregation times.
When developers try to depict historical characters in gaming worlds, several authenticity and respect difficulties arise. In addition to preventing exploitative character renderings, developers must manage complex aspects like historical authenticity and likeness authorizations. Thoughtful approaches for these representations depend on collaboration with historians or entities linked to the historical figures who work to ensure their legacies remain authentic.
The successful management of these issues typically requires extensive research funding followed by expert consultations between officials specializing in both golf history and the civil rights movement. Such devotion to fact-based presentations becomes the marker which separates genuine homages from shallow imitations to create content that pays tribute while avoiding the commercialization of vital historical personalities.
Casinos now offer slot games about Black golf pioneers who have elevated the gaming moments into educational experiences devoted to cultural education and historical learning.
These tributes provide the casino sector, which is always searching for fresh themes and material, with a solution that allows for both audience discovery and legacy preservation. The thoughtful design and authentic representation within these casino games help society recognize historical athletes whose athletic accomplishments were only part of their legacy of societal change and represent their courageous determination.
The new Pink Out Players 4 Stand Bag is a stylish and practical upgrade to a popular classic. Weighing just 3.8 pounds, it’s impressively lightweight without sacrificing durability. The premium heathered material gives it a sleek look, while thoughtful features like a magnetic accessories pocket, soft valuables, 7 pockets, and external water bottle holder enhance convenience. Its upgraded double strap system and stable aluminum legs make carrying and setting down the bag easy. A standout choice for golfers seeking both function and fashion. $220. Available at titleist.com
On April 11, 2025, the Atlanta Robert F. Greene 555 (Triple Nickles) Parachute Infantry Association in partnership with the Fairburn, Ga Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6449 held their 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in Honor of Dr. Eula Cohen who was a long-time Atlanta Educator.
The Tournament raised in excess of $8.000 which will be awarded to High School Seniors on their way to Colleges and Universities. The Co-Organizations to date have proudly raised over $20,000 in Scholarship funding.
The Tournament was held at Crystal Lake Golf Course located In Hampton, Ga. and it hosted 88 Players and 31 Volunteers. The day started with Army Band Retiree Clifton McKinney playing all the Military Branches Formal Theme Songs on his Soprano Saxophone to the delight of over 50 Veterans from various branches followed by the singing of the National Anthem from Air-Force Retiree Janice Ivey.
Off to the greens for 22 Teams- while chapter photographer, Army Retiree Sergeant Major Richard Lundy took first class photos the entire day. At the completion of the tournament guests enjoyed a dinner banquet and raffles where the first-place winners were, former NBA Player, Dale Ellis, who held the NBA 3-Point Record and teammates Tony Watkins, Rocky Shipes, and Robert Rutigliano. Their team was Sponsored by the Veterans Coalition Foundation Inc. Commander Joel Willis, The Coalition Foundation were our overall Tournament Sponsor.
Special Thanks goes out to all the Tournament Sponsors, Yvonne Marie Ministries, AUSA, Mi-Co Services Inc, City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, MyTrainerMyke, Sukari Spirits, Metro Flow Plumbers, Buffalo Soldiers Association-Leon McGee, Delta, Omega Foundation, Inc.
Additional thanks to Let’s Go With Miles, Harbor Frieght, SMGA, Spikekii Productions, Philip Smart Property Solutions, LLC, Excel Youth Academy, BBC-Big Boys Club, Chick-fil-a, Traveling Notary Services, Clayton County, VFW- Post Auxiliary 6449, DAV Chapter-1, Miya and Pamela Kreations, Events by AmarisJanelle, Sharpscape Solutions, National Montford Point Marine Association (NMPMA), KRT QRT Charlotte, PAC Events, Omegas Psi Phi, Face-up and Wounded Warrior Projet (WWP)-Atlanta.
On Behalf of the Atlanta Robert F. Greene 555 (Triple Nickles) Parachute Infantry Association-President Trooper Johnny Miller, VFW 6449 Commander – Craig Anderson, Tournament Chair Trooper Charles Turner, and the MVV-Most Valuable Volunteers it was a tournament to remember.
For more information on the Triple Nickles, their programs, events, and scholarship opportunities visit https://555thpia.wixsite.com/555th
Help mom to stay organized in style with the Golf Log Book for Mom, a practical and charming paperback published by PR Publications this handy book is designed to keep all of her golf outing details in one convenient place. The 120-page log book features pre-printed pages for tracking stats, notes, and game highlights. The sleek matte cover gives it a polished, professional feel—perfect for the golf-loving mom in your life. Makes a thoughtful and useful gift. Available now on Amazon at $6.99.
After a week behind the wheel of the 2025 Subaru WRX tS, I can confidently say this rally-bred sedan is more engaging than ever. Subaru has dialed up the aggression—in looks and performance—making this the most compelling WRX yet. With sharper handling, a more athletic stance, and tech upgrades, the tS trim proves that fun doesn’t always mean outright speed.
What’s New: Replacing last year’s WRX TR, the tS trim brings serious hardware upgrades:
Power/Performance: Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.4L Boxer engine carries over, delivering 271 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. The sprint to 60 mph takes just 5.0 seconds (automatic) or 5.2 seconds (manual)—quick, though not class-leading. But let’s be real: the WRX has always been about driver engagement, not just numbers.
Competition: The WRX tS faces stiff competition from the Toyota GR Corolla, Hyundai Elantra N, Honda Civic Type R, and VW Golf R. While some rivals offer more power or sharper track focus, the Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system gives it an edge in all-weather confidence.
New for 2025:
Trim Levels & Pricing: The WRX comes in four flavors:
The tS is the enthusiast’s pick, with its track-ready upgrades. But if you want a plush daily driver, the Limited or GT (with its adaptive dampers) might be better suited.
Fuel Economy: Not the WRX’s strong suit, but decent for a turbocharged AWD sedan:
Finally, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS isn’t the fastest or most refined sports sedan, but it’s one of the most engaging. If you love a raw mechanical feel and want AWD confidence, this is your car.
Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.
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The Black Women Golfers Tote Bag is a stylish and empowering accessory that celebrates Black women who love the game of golf. Featuring vibrant, golf-themed artwork that honors brown-skinned women on the course, this tote combines sport, culture, and fashion in a meaningful way. Made from 100% polyester with durable black cotton handles and roomy boxed corners, it’s perfect for carrying golf gear, books, groceries, or daily essentials.
Available in multiple sizes, the tote offers flexibility for light outings or heavy-duty use. The wide opening makes packing and accessing items easy, while the interior’s non-woven laminate helps protect contents. Whether you’re heading to the course, the office, or just running errands, this tote is both functional and inspiring. It’s a bold statement piece that reflects pride, passion, and excellence in every setting. Assembled in the USA with globally sourced parts, this bag is an ideal gift for the golfer in your life. Available for $18 and up at melanatedcultureclub.com
Tune in on Sunday, April 20 at 11 a.m. PT on CBS for Tiger 2000, a look back at arguably the greatest season one player has ever had in golf history. Tiger Woods’ greatest season is widely considered to be the year 2000, a stretch of dominance rarely seen in any sport. That year, Woods redefined excellence in golf, capturing three major championships and nine PGA Tour victories in total, a feat that cemented his place in history and elevated the game’s global profile.
It began with a commanding win at the US Open at Pebble Beach, where Woods finished at 12-under-par and won by a staggering 15 strokes. It remains the largest margin of victory in major championship history. “I had a clear game plan and stuck to it,” Tiger later said. “Everything was in rhythm, and I just kept firing.”
Woods followed that with a dramatic win at The Open Championship at St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. He completed the career Grand Slam at just 24 years old, the youngest to ever do so. “That was a special moment for me,” he reflected. “To win at St. Andrews meant everything.”
Next came the PGA Championship at Valhalla, where Woods went head-to-head with Bob May in one of the most memorable duels in golf history. After a thrilling playoff, Tiger emerged victorious, securing his third straight major. “We both played some incredible golf,” Woods said. “That kind of battle brings out the best in you.”
His consistency throughout the season was unmatched. He recorded 17 top-10 finishes in 20 events and led the PGA Tour in scoring average, driving accuracy, and greens in regulation. Woods was not only winning, but dominating fields week after week.
Perhaps most impressively, this run kicked off what would be known as the “Tiger Slam” — winning four consecutive majors between 2000 and 2001. No one had done that before, and Woods did it with an aura of invincibility. “I felt like I could shape shots any way I wanted,” he said. “It was just one of those stretches where everything clicked.”
His performance in 2000 remains the gold standard in professional golf. It was a season of precision, power, and mental toughness, showcasing Tiger at the absolute peak of his powers. For fans and players alike, 2000 wasn’t just about winning trophies. It was about witnessing greatness in its purest form.
Event to showcase how golf drives economic, societal and community impact across the country
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2025) — The American Golf Industry Coalition (AGIC) will unite representatives from across leading organizations and companies in golf for its 17th annual National Golf Day event in Washington, D.C. from April 30-May 2, 2025. The event brings together industry associations, partners and leaders to share the game’s significant economic, societal and community impact across the United States.
“Golf continues to be a powerful economic driver and social connector in communities across the United States,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of AGIC, a division of World Golf Foundation. “With more than 47 million Americans engaging with the sport, golf generates a direct economic impact of $102 billion and supports nearly 2 million jobs nationwide. Our industry’s total economic impact, including indirect and induced effects, reaches $226.5 billion. National Golf Day allows us to share this story with policymakers while advocating for issues important to the continued growth and accessibility of our industry.”
The AGIC will converge on Capitol Hill for more than 230 meetings with members of Congress to discuss key legislative and regulatory issues affecting the golf industry. The event will include a congressional reception, providing industry stakeholders opportunities to connect with members, including those who are part of the Congressional Golf Caucus. The Congressional Golf Caucus has more than 140 members and is co-chaired by Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Richard Hudson (R-NC), and Scott Peters (D-CA).
Jake Sherman, founder of Punchbowl News and regular contributor to NBC News, will speak to attendees during a keynote address. Sherman has been covering national politics for more than a decade, and has focused his reporting on Congress, the congressional leadership and the politics of legislating. He chronicled the major legislative battles of the Obama and Trump presidencies, and has traveled the country and the world, reporting on power and politics.
The event comes at a time when golf is experiencing historic growth and engagement. In 2024, Americans played 543 million rounds, marking five consecutive years with more than 500 million rounds played. Participation has grown significantly across key demographics, with notable increases among young players (3.7 million ages 6-17, up 6%), women (7.9 million, up 13%), and people of color (6.9 million, up 13%).
In addition to advocacy meetings, attendees will participate in community service projects led by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America at East Potomac Golf Course and Old Soldiers’ Home Golf Course. These efforts will continue the industry’s tradition of enhancing public spaces, with last year’s projects including the planting of more than 500 trees and plants and beautification efforts across the National Mall and Langston Golf Course.
The three-day event will feature networking opportunities and educational sessions highlighting the industry’s commitment to accessibility, community impact and responsible resource management.
For more information about National Golf Day and the American Golf Industry Coalition, please visit www.golfcoalition.org.
About the American Golf Industry Coalition
The American Golf Industry Coalition is a partnership among golf’s leading organizations working to collectively tell the story of golf’s contributions to the economy, health and wellness benefits, charitable giving, and environmental and sustainability initiatives. The coalition unites the industry in pursuit of goals designed to enhance the vitality of both the business and recreational levels of the sport.
Farrell Evans is a respected journalist and writer known for his work covering golf, race, and culture. He has written for major publications like Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest, and ESPN, and is recognized for his insightful storytelling that often blends sports with broader social and historical themes.
Farrell Evans’ recent story on Lee Elder, published April 9 in SportsIllustrated is a powerful, must-read tribute that goes far beyond golf. In “50 Years After Lee Elder Broke the Masters’ Color Barrier, His Legacy Lives On,” Evans weaves history, heart, and humanity into a piece that honors not only Elder’s groundbreaking appearance at Augusta in 1975 but the lifetime of courage it took to get there. With vivid storytelling and thoughtful insight, the article explores the challenges Elder faced as a Black golfer in a sport—and a world—dominated by exclusion and discrimination.
Evans captures Elder’s quiet strength, his impact on future generations, and the personal and professional cost of being a trailblazer. But this isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a reflection on progress, legacy, and the work that still remains. The writing is graceful, the details rich, and the message timely.
Whether you’re a longtime golf fan or simply someone who values powerful storytelling about real change-makers, this piece is absolutely worth your time. It’s not just about Lee Elder’s place in golf history—it’s about his place in American history. Do yourself a favor—read the full, moving, enlightening, and deeply inspiring story HERE.
In case you haven’t heard, Vanessa Trump referenced her fledgling romance with Tiger Woods for the first time by reposting her new boyfriend’s Instagram message ahead of the Masters.
Tiger was not in attendance at Augusta National as he continued to recover from a torn Achilles, but earlier in the week he announced a new partnership with the course focused on charitable opportunities. As Woods prepared to build a nine-hole golf course and expand educational and golf access in the community, Vanessa took the opportunity to show her pride. She shared Tiger’s Instagram post to her own account, quietly acknowledging their relationship for the first time since it was revealed by DailyMail.com in March.
A few days after the news broke, the 15-time Major winner posted affectionate photos with Vanessa on Instagram, which had been his only public nod to the relationship until now.
Now both have shared posts about each other, though the public has yet to see them together as a couple. They lived just 20 minutes apart in the upscale Palm Beach area of southern Florida and were spotted together at a golf tournament in February before their relationship was confirmed.
Tiger’s absence at Augusta National was noticeable, as he chose not to attend the traditional Champions Dinner before the tournament began.
He last won the Masters in 2019, completing a dramatic comeback after years of back injuries and personal scandals, including the widely publicized affairs during his marriage to Elin Nordegren.
He had typically been a regular presence at the tournament, missing it only once before in 2021 following a serious car accident in California. That crash caused major leg injuries that required multiple surgeries and left him with a metal rod in his leg along with screws and pins in his ankle.
This year, while not physically present, Woods still played a role by appearing in a video to announce the creation of a par-3 course in Augusta.
Some fans expressed concern over his health after the video surfaced, with one person on social media commenting that he did not look well. So far, Woods had not responded to the speculation and remained quiet as he recovered from surgery at his Florida home.
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