Le Roy Bates made a hole-in-one at the Bella Verda Golf Course in Montebello, Calif. The feat was accomplished on a par 3 course, 6 hole, at 85 yards, using a 58 degree Taylor made putter, and Titleist Pro V red 6 ball, on Saturday at 2:00pm. The show was witnessed by Keion Witherspoon, the SCGA staff youth group. Bates operates the GolfJunkyz youth program in Montebello. Watch on Facebook
Tiger Woods has announced his return to competitive golf following the passing of his mother, Kultida. The 15-time Major champion had withdrawn from the event at Torrey Pines to grieve, but he now plans to resume play during the upcoming block of TGL matches. His mother, who was 80 years old, passed away on February 4, just over a week after watching him compete in the tech-driven competition he helped launch earlier this year.
On January 27, ahead of the Jupiter Links vs. Boston Common match, Woods shared a lighthearted moment with his mother, joking that he was “not gonna suck tonight,” to which she smiled. He delivered on his promise, helping Jupiter Links secure a 4-3 overtime victory. Now, after taking time to mourn and reflect, the 82-time PGA Tour champion will make his competitive return on February 18 at SoFi Center, where Jupiter Links will face New York Golf Club.
Grieving is a deeply personal and complex process, often marked by waves of emotions ranging from sadness to moments of reflection and gratitude. For Woods, returning to golf may serve as a way to honor his mother’s memory, finding solace in the game they shared for decades.
The upcoming schedule features three matches on Presidents Day, followed by a solo contest in TGL’s usual Tuesday slot. Woods will team up with Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim to compete against Cameron Young, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Fitzpatrick. Initially, Woods was set to play at the Genesis Invitational—a tournament he also hosts—but ultimately withdrew, explaining that he was “just not ready” to compete so soon after his loss.
In a statement, Woods expressed his gratitude for the support he has received, saying, “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss. Thanks to everyone who has reached out.” In tribute to Kultida, the Genesis Invitational displayed an all-white pin flag on the seventh hole at Torrey Pines, honoring her Buddhist faith, where white symbolizes purity, wisdom, and longevity.
Woods has not played a PGA Tour event since The Open Championship at Royal Troon in July 2024, where he missed the cut. After undergoing his sixth back surgery, he returned to competition in December, finishing as the runner-up alongside his son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship. Now, as he takes another step forward, fans will watch closely to see how Woods navigates both his personal loss and his return to professional golf.
Primetime Golf’s Free Junior Golf Clinics provide young golfers with an exciting opportunity to learn and improve their game in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. These clinics are designed for all skill levels, whether a child is picking up a club for the first time or looking to refine their technique. Led by professional instructors, the sessions focus on the fundamentals of golf, including swing mechanics, putting, and overall course strategy.
The clinics will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM PST at 306 12th St, Oakland, CA 94607. In addition to this session, there are 12 more scheduled dates, allowing participants to continue developing their skills throughout the year.
One of the key aspects of these clinics is their emphasis on making golf accessible and fun for young players. The laid-back atmosphere ensures that children feel comfortable learning at their own pace without the pressure of competition. The goal is to build confidence while fostering a love for the game.
Participants will receive personalized instruction from experienced golf professionals who are dedicated to helping young golfers develop proper techniques and habits. From grip and stance to swing alignment and follow-through, each aspect of the game is covered in an engaging and interactive way. The clinics also provide a great opportunity for kids to meet other young golfers, practice teamwork, and enjoy the social aspects of the sport.
These free sessions reflect Primetime Golf’s commitment to growing the game and making it more inclusive for the next generation. Whether a child is interested in golf as a casual hobby or has aspirations of playing competitively, these clinics provide a strong foundation to build upon.
For more information about the Free Junior Golf Clinics, including future dates and registration details, interested individuals can email [email protected] or visit Primetime Golf HERE
Golf has long been a sport of tradition, prestige, and exclusivity, but Jewel Love is working to change that narrative for minority junior golfers. As the founder of The Golf Fund, Love is on a mission to create a community where African American and other minority junior golfers can compete, thrive, and support one another.
A Vision for Minority Golfers
The idea for The Golf Fund came from Love’s deep understanding of the challenges young minority golfers face. “I believe it’s important for minority junior golfers who play competitively to have a sense of community,” Love explains. “This provides the opportunity to be with peers who look like them and have the same lived experiences, which strengthens their confidence and carries onto the golf course.”
In 2023, Love hosted the first tournament to assess the number of competitive minority junior golfers in the Charlotte (NC) area. What started as a single event quickly expanded into ten tournaments across 2023 (four) and 2024 (six), proving the demand for such an initiative. To date, competitions have been held in Charlotte, NC; Shelby, NC; Thomasville, NC; and Lancaster, SC.
Growing Impact and Community Support
Initially, Love estimated about 30 competitive minority junior golfers in the Charlotte region. By the end of the first year, 24 players had participated, and by the start of the second year, that number grew to 28. The program has become more than just a series of tournaments—it’s a platform for young golfers to develop skills, gain exposure, and pursue collegiate opportunities.
The Golf Fund is based in Rock Hill, SC, about twenty minutes from Charlotte and operates under SoulStirring, LLC, Love’s personal company. Funding comes from her own investment, along with support from the Black golf community and individual donors. “In addition to my personal funds, the Black golf community has been supportive, and certainly dear friends who see the importance of this work and want to help,” Love shares.
Beyond tournaments, The Golf Fund supports its junior golfers in numerous ways, including:
• Connecting students with college coaches
• Ensuring national minority junior tournament directors recognize their scores and achievements
• Introducing young golfers to golf brand representatives for potential sponsorships
• Recommending professional coaching and proper club fittings
• Hosting information sessions for parents and juniors navigating the golf world
These efforts have already yielded tangible results. “Last year, we had four juniors who played with The Golf Fund go off to college on scholarships to play golf,” Love proudly shares.
Expanding Opportunities and Fundraising
As The Golf Fund enters its third year, Love is focused on securing sustainable funding and potentially expanding to new markets. One of the biggest fundraising initiatives for 2025 is the Captain’s Choice tournament at Cowan’s Ford Golf Club on March 12. The proceeds will provide crucial financial support for junior golfers.
Additionally, The Golf Fund offers multiple ways for supporters to contribute, including:
1. Covering registration fees for junior tournaments
2. Sponsoring professional coaching sessions
3. Providing travel support for competitions
4. Funding clothing and accessories for young golfers
For instance, a $5,000 contribution can cover 30 tournament registration fees, 15 coaching sessions, and travel expenses for three tournaments, making a significant impact on a young golfer’s career.
Looking Ahead
As The Golf Fund continues to grow, Love remains committed to her mission. “When I decided to implement the first tournament, it was about assessing the minority talent in the area,” she says. “After the juniors played and had a great experience, they said, ‘Ms. Jewel, can we do this again?’ That’s what you want to hear—kids letting you know they enjoyed the experience.”
Love envisions a future where The Golf Fund’s model could be expanded beyond Charlotte, providing even more young golfers with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Through her dedication, The Golf Fund is not only breaking barriers in golf but also creating a lasting impact on the next generation of minority golfers—one tournament at a time. For more information on the program contact Jewel Love at [email protected] and follow on Instagram at @TheGolfFund.
The Oakland-Based Charity Showcases Innovative ‘Whole Child, Whole School’ Approach to Transforming the School Experience for a Generation of Oakland Students
Oakland, CA (February 15, 2025) — Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play.partnered with the NBA, NBA Players Association (NBPA), the Golden State Warriors and donors including Kaiser Permanente, to host a 2025 NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service at East Oakland Pride Elementary. This marks the 17th and largest schoolyard transformation for Eat. Learn. Play. to-date, and the first of seven the foundation has planned for 2025, as well as one of the projects the NBA is conducting as part of its 17th NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service.
This impactful event brought together more than 300 volunteers to outfit the school with a new schoolyard featuring a nature exploration area, a new and improved library stocked as part of the NBA Cares State Farm Assist Tracker program, with culturally affirming books and a refreshed cafeteria to provide joyful, high-quality environments where kids eat, learn and play every day. Revitalizing and transforming the school’s campus, while also providing students with nutritious food and tutoring support, demonstrates Eat. Learn. Play.’s innovative ‘Whole Child, Whole School’ approach, designed to foster student success by addressing both their individual well-being and the environments where they learn and grow.
“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in an environment that nurtures their well-being and fuels their academic success,” said Stephen and Ayesha Curry. “We are amazed at the work that our village of volunteers completed in order to make this our largest schoolyard build. We’re committed to a ‘Whole Child, Whole School’ approach that helps us best support the needs of Oakland’s students and ensure they have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.”
Eat. Learn. Play. collaborated with leadership and students at East Oakland Pride Elementary and focused on revitalizing key areas. Volunteers planted trees, shrubs and garden beds; created a nature exploration area; painted murals; and built tree benches in the schoolyard. Additionally, the cafeteria underwent a transformation with fresh paint, murals and new furnishings to create a welcoming multi-purpose space for students; the library was enhanced with new furniture, shelving, lighting, fresh paint and additional books to inspire a love of reading; and the gym and multi-purpose room were upgraded with new flooring, murals, improved lighting, sound systems and new sports equipment to promote physical activity and teamwork.
“This 2025 NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service is an incredible example of what can be achieved when strong partnerships come together with a shared vision,” said Chris Helfrich, CEO of Eat. Learn. Play. “By transforming schools into vibrant, supportive spaces and addressing the fundamental needs of every child, we are working to break down barriers to success and build a brighter future for Oakland’s youth.”
Kaiser Permanente has been a longtime partner of Eat. Learn. Play. since its inception in 2019. The non-profit healthcare organization has been a vital supporter of the many schoolyard transformations across the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), ensuring students have access to vibrant, inspiring and well-equipped environments. For more than five years, Kaiser Permanente and Eat. Learn. Play. have invested in improving the health outcomes for Oakland students by providing them with access to safe and clean drinking water, nutritious food at school and through the Eat. Learn. Play. Bus and safe places to play and be active—including revitalizing schoolyards and hosting the Oakland Marathon’s Kids Fun Run.
“Improving the health of the communities we serve is core to Kaiser Permanente’s mission, and we are committed to ensuring Oakland students have access to healthy food and safe places to play and stay active,” said Yvette Radford, Vice President of External and Community Affairs at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “Through our ongoing partnership with Eat. Learn. Play., we are working to improve the overall well-being of Oakland families—mind, body, and spirit.”
Built on more than five years of work supporting Oakland students and public schools, this Eat. Learn. Play.’s ‘Whole Child, Whole School’ approach reframes how the foundation serves the needs of children by addressing their well-being and the environments where they learn and grow. This new framework includes expanding access to healthy and nutritious food, closing the literacy gap with professional one-on-one tutoring for over 10,000 students and providing access to hundreds of thousands of free, culturally affirming books and revitalizing school sports programs so that all students can experience the benefits and joys of youth sports. With ‘Whole Child, Whole School’ focused on transforming school environments where kids eat, learn and play every day, Eat. Learn. Play. has helped redesign 14 cafeterias, modernize 3 libraries and remodel 17 schoolyards and six gymnasiums across OUSD schools, to date.
Eat. Learn. Play.’s 17th school transformation was made possible by dedicated supporters including the NBA, Golden State Warriors, Kaiser Permanente, OUSD, Curry Brand, Under Armour, Workday, Google.org, 2K Foundations, JPMorganChase, Ripple, Joie, Lineage, DGDG Does Good and PG&E Corporation Foundation.
About Eat. Learn. Play.
Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation is an organization dedicated to unleashing the potential of every child, paving the way for amazing kids and opening doors to bright futures. Founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry in 2019, Eat. Learn. Play. launched with a focus on improving the lives of kids and families in Oakland, the Bay Area and across the country. Rooted in three of the most vital pillars for a healthy childhood—nutrition, education, and physical activity—Eat. Learn. Play. is working to ensure that every child in Oakland has access to the nutritious food they need to be healthy and thrive; resources to learn and love to read; and safe places and equitable opportunities to play. Follow Eat. Learn. Play. on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
Tiger Woods has taken drastic action to safeguard his luxurious Florida mansion from potential structural damage.
The 49-year-old golf legend, who boasts an estimated net worth of $1.26 billion due to his extraordinary career—including 15 major championship victories and lucrative sponsorship deals—has invested heavily in his Jupiter Island estate. The sprawling property, valued at approximately $54 million, has undergone an additional $15 million in renovations to make it the ideal long-term residence.
According to Re-Thinking the Future, a significant portion of that investment was dedicated to installing stabilizers beneath the home’s foundation. Engineers were brought in to take these extreme measures amid concerns that the mansion was sinking. Given its location on Jupiter Island, which is surrounded by water and prone to flooding and hurricanes, Woods spared no expense to ensure his property’s safety.
Set on 12 acres of prime Florida land, Woods’ lavish estate is more than just a home—it’s a personal retreat designed to accommodate his athletic lifestyle. The property boasts:
• A private golf course
• Two swimming pools (one for diving and another for lap swimming)
• Tennis courts
• An oxygen treatment room
• A state-of-the-art gym filled with high-end equipment
These upgrades allow Woods, who redefined the physical demands of professional golf, to continue his strict workout regimen without ever leaving the premises. While his training may not be as intense as it once was, Woods has always been known for his grueling fitness routine.
A Glimpse Into Woods’ Former Training Regimen
Speaking to The Golf Channel, Woods once detailed his rigorous daily routine:
“I used to get up in the morning, run four miles, then I’d go to the gym, do my lift. Then I’d hit balls for two to three hours. I’d go play, come back, work on my short game. I’d go run another four more miles, and then if anyone wanted to play basketball or tennis, I would go play basketball or tennis. That was a daily routine.”
Woods has been cautiously making his way back to competitive golf following back surgery in September. His return has been challenging—he finished last among those who made the cut at The Open last July. Most recently, Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational, revealing that he was not emotionally ready to compete following the passing of his mother. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss,” he shared. As he navigates this difficult time, fans continue to support Woods, eager to see the golf icon return to the sport he has dominated for decades.
The Cisco APGA Black History Month Classic is set to return to the TPC Sawgrass Dye’s Valley Course, bringing together a field of 54 of the top players on the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour. These talented golfers will compete over 36 holes on one of Florida’s most challenging courses, vying for a $25,000 purse. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in golf while highlighting the APGA’s mission to empower African American and other diverse golfers in their professional careers.
The tournament features 54 elite golfers, including some of the most accomplished players on the APGA Tour. The field includes past tournament champions, PGA TOUR veterans, and rising stars striving for professional success.
Several talented Florida golfers will also be competing, including:
The Cisco APGA Black History Month Classic is more than just a golf tournament—it’s a celebration of diversity, talent, and opportunity in the world of professional golf. As the APGA continues to open doors for minority players, events like this serve as a platform for golfers to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and take significant strides toward their careers in professional golf.
This year’s tournament promises to deliver high-level competition, compelling storylines, and an inspiring display of perseverance and excellence. Be sure to follow the action and support the players as they take on TPC Sawgrass Dye’s Valley Course in pursuit of victory!
The Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) is a non-profit organization committed to increasing diversity in professional golf. Through competitive opportunities, player development, and mentorship programs, the APGA fosters an environment where African American and other minority golfers can thrive on and off the course.
The Charlie Sifford Foundation is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Charlie Sifford, the first African American to break the PGA Tour’s color barrier. The foundation focuses on increasing diversity in golf by providing scholarships, access to resources, and opportunities for young minority golfers.
Born in 1922 in North Carolina, Sifford grew up caddying and teaching himself the game. Despite racial barriers, he excelled and won multiple tournaments in segregated golf leagues. In 1961, after years of struggle, he became the first Black golfer to earn a PGA Tour card. He went on to win the Greater Hartford Open (1967) and the Los Angeles Open (1969), proving his skill despite facing discrimination.
Sifford’s perseverance inspired future generations, including Tiger Woods, who called him a pioneer. In 2004, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, and in 2014, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.
Reflecting on his journey, Sifford once said: “I wasn’t just trying to do this for me, I was trying to do it for the world.”
How to Reach the Charlie Sifford Foundation
For more information, donations, or support, you can visit the foundation’s website at https://siffordscholars.com or contact them through their official social media channels. Sifford’s story remains one of resilience, proving that golf—and all sports—should be open to everyone .
Applications are now open for the 2025 Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship, designed to identify and nurture the next generation of golf’s leaders. Last year saw the successful launch of the Scholarship – a collaboration between The R&A Foundation and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. The program not only includes generous financial support for young individuals keen to commit their talents and energies to the future of golf, but connects them to other like-minded individuals and to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews through mentorship from its members. The Scholarship is open to ages 18–29 and applications are open until Wednesday 12 March. Learn more HERE
Golf can be an intimidating sport for beginners, and knowing what to wear is often one of the first challenges. Should you go for comfort or style? Do you need different outfits for different seasons? How do you dress for changing weather conditions without sacrificing performance? LPGA Teaching Professional Jamie Taylor has the answers in this must-watch video, “What to Wear.”
With over 25 years of industry experience this Founder of the Black Golf Directory has played hundreds of rounds in a variety of climates. Her expert advice will help you feel confident and prepared, whether you’re heading to your first lesson or a weekend round with friends. This video takes the guesswork out of golf attire, covering seasonal must-haves, layering techniques, and practical outfit tips to ensure you’re comfortable, stylish, and course-appropriate.
If you’re new to golf or simply want to refine your wardrobe, Jamie’s insights will save you time, money, and frustration. Don’t let confusion about clothing hold you back from enjoying the game! Watch “What to Wear” and start showing up to the course with confidence. Follow Jamie on Instagram @jamiegolf for even more expert tips!
Danny List, the latest recipient of the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, has taken an extraordinary path to professional golf. Unlike his predecessors, List’s story is one of global roots, perseverance, and a relentless passion for the game.
Born in Macon, Georgia, to an Australian father and Ghanaian mother, List was raised in Accra, Ghana, where golf was an uncommon pursuit for children. Despite this, he developed a deep obsession with the sport, often competing—and winning—against adult players at the age of eight. His local course, Achimota Golf Club, had no driving range and featured sand greens that had to be smoothed with a carpet after each round. Yet, List thrived in this rugged environment.
List’s talent earned him a scholarship to Wellington College in the UK, a prestigious boarding school with its own golf course. In a high-pressure one-round competition, he shot even par for the first time in his life, securing his place. By 14, he won the European Junior Championship and later became National High School Champion in 2015 and 2016.
For college, List chose the University of Washington, but after struggling academically, he left to pursue professional golf. With no guaranteed tour status, he played under the Australian flag and took occasional starts on PGA Tour Latinoamérica and PGA Tour Canada, though he made few cuts. He also had two Korn Ferry Tour starts, failing to make the weekend both times. In 2024, he secured a third-place finish on the Challenge Tour in South Africa, though he missed the cut in a DP World Tour event in Qatar before making a 13,000-mile journey to San Diego for the Genesis Invitational.
Back home in Ghana, List’s success is celebrated by his community and the 40 junior golfers supported by the Danny List Foundation, which he founded to nurture young talent. Understanding the challenges of golf accessibility in Ghana, he is committed to providing equipment, resources, and inspiration for the next generation.
List’s journey, from Ghana’s underdeveloped courses to competing on golf’s biggest stages, embodies the spirit of perseverance and opportunity—values at the heart of the Charlie Sifford Exemption. The Genesis Invitational will take place from February 13–16, 2025, at Torrey Pines South Course, La Jolla, California with a total purse of $20,000,000.
Chicago, IL – February 12, 2025 – The Ted Rhodes Foundation proudly announces the launch of its Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser, a virtual event dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth through the game of golf. This special initiative supports the Future Golfers of America program, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to “Growing the Champions of Tomorrow.” The fundraiser runs from February 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM until February 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM, with 50% of all sales benefiting the Foundation.
Golf is more than just a sport—it fosters character, leadership, discipline, and resilience. The Ted Rhodes Foundation provides young golfers with training, equipment, and mentorship while honoring the legacy of Black pioneers in the sport, including Ted Rhodes, a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations.
How to Support the Fundraiser
• Purchase Gourmet Popcorn: Every bag sold through Double Good helps provide essential resources to aspiring young golfers.
• Make a Donation: Those who do not wish to purchase popcorn can contribute directly or gift popcorn to a friend.
• Spread the Word: Supporters are encouraged to share the fundraiser within their networks to amplify its impact.
• Drive Change: Proceeds will fund initiatives that break down barriers and create opportunities for youth in golf.
By participating in this fundraiser, supporters are making a meaningful investment in the future of youth golf while enjoying a delicious treat. Orders can be placed via the following link: https://popup.doublegood.com/s/un807oe9
All purchases will be shipped directly to buyers at no cost to the organization.
The Ted Rhodes Foundation expresses gratitude to all who contribute to this impactful initiative. Together, the community can celebrate Black History Month by fostering the next generation of golf champions—both on and off the course.
About the Ted Rhodes Foundation
The Ted Rhodes Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Ted Rhodes, a pioneering Black golfer, by providing educational and athletic opportunities for underrepresented youth in golf. Through mentorship, training, and scholarship programs, the Foundation aims to inspire and empower the next generation of golf champions. For more information contact Tiffany White, M.Ed., DTMPresident & Ted Rhodes Granddaughter, Ted Rhodes Foundation, Inc., Telephone (312) 502-9009 or visit www.tedrhodes.org