John W. Love, Sr. of Charlotte, NC, had his 3rd Hole-in-One Wednesday August 28, 2024, Tanglewood Park Golf Course Champion Site, Clemmons, North Carolina on hole #3 130 yards using King Cobra Baffler 23 Degree 4/R Club and Titleist PRO V1 Golf Ball. His playing partners were Allen Blackwell, Darrell “DJ” Johnson and Rickey Rushing.
African Americans’ lower participation in golf could mean missing out on more than just sporting fun.
LAKE WORTH BEACH — David Curry was propelled from his Miami Gardens home to Palm Beach County’s golf training center Saturday morning by more than just his skill in showing small hands how to grip a golf club the right way.
Curry, 78, a retired educator, was one of several volunteer coaches taking part in the African American Golf Expo and Forum on Saturday, Aug. 24 at John Prince Golf Learning Center, where he explained how to hit the perfect drive. But he also was hoping that his students grasped how the game he’s been playing since 1969 is about much more than concentration and coordination.
“It teaches honesty, trust and how to get along with people,” said Curry, who is the president of the Sunshine State Amateur Golfers Association, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing golf participation among minorities. “You can tell a lot about the character of a person by the way they play golf.”
And more than a path into the inner circle of business and influence, Curry sees golf another way: “You don’t make deals on the golf course; you build relationships.”
The African American Golf Expo and Forum rolled into Palm Beach County with the goal of expanding the appeal of a sport long associated with elites and exclusive clubs. The event, which wraps up Tuesday, drew people from across the country to Saturday’s youth and adult golf clinic, various exhibits, a fashion show and a presentation about how African American golf organizations are making a difference across the country.
Read the complete article at PalmBeachPost
| PGA NCCGA Fall Championship Website | Regional Events Sites/Schedule FRISCO, Texas (August 21, 2024) – The PGA National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA) has announced the 2024 PGA NCCGA Fall Championship and Invitational will be held Dec. 7-8 at the iconic Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina. Pinehurst is home to 10 18-hole courses and regularly hosts numerous championships, including the 2024 U.S. Open. The Fall Championship and Invitational will be held on Numbers 5, 6 and 8. “This is such an amazing opportunity for the NCCGA to conduct these events at the same resort that hosted the U.S. Open in June,” Branden Thompson, PGA, PGA of America Lead for the NCCGA said. “I guarantee it will be an experience these collegiate players will never forget.” Held in the fall and spring, the PGA NCCGA Championship features more than 300 of the nation’s best collegiate club golfers. As the governing body for collegiate club golf, the NCCGA ensures every student can play golf in college and assists them in starting, maintaining and facilitating club golf tournaments regionally and nationally. More than 200 colleges across the United States field club golf teams. “Pinehurst Resort has always been a welcome home for golf championships. Many of those have happened on the world stage, including four U.S. Opens, the U.S. Women’s Open, the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup,” said Matt Barksdale, Pinehurst Resort’s PGA Director of Golf. “But Pinehurst has also always been a gathering place to crown the best amateurs in the game. A long tradition that includes the North & South Amateur, the Women’s North & South Amateur as well as multiple U.S. Amateurs and the U.S. Women’s Amateur, Pinehurst is proud to continue celebrating amateur players and their opportunities to compete in hosting the PGA National Collegiate Club Golf Championship.” Club golf teams will compete with each other in their respective regions throughout September and October (schedule), with an opportunity to advance to the Championship and Invitational. The NCCGA operates three 36-hole tournaments in each of the 27 regions across the country. The top teams and individuals in the country receive an automatic bid to the Championship. All tournaments are co-ed and open to active college students of all skill levels, and individual students can represent their schools if they don’t have the required five students to form a team. The Invitational provides an additional opportunity for more students to compete in a national event. Invitations are extended to one team from each of the 27 regions that did not qualify for the Championship, as well as the next top individuals not competing on a team. Teams from Grand Canyon University and Miami University (Ohio) earned bids to the 2024 Fall Championship and Invitational with their back-to-back wins at the 2023 Fall Championship and Invitational and the 2024 Spring Championship. Fall Championship & Fall Invitational Format and Qualifying InformationIn the fall only, the Championship is accompanied by an Invitational. Fall Championship Qualifiers:Three (3) automatic qualifiers from five zones across the countryHighest-ranked teams not included in one of the automatic qualifiersDefending champion from the previous Fall Championship (Grand Canyon University), Fall Invitational (Miami University-Ohio) and Spring Championship (Grand Canyon University and Miami University-Ohio were co-champions of the event)Other exemptions as identified by the NCCGATop individual students not otherwise on qualified teams Fall Invitational Qualifiers:One (1) team from each of the 27 regions that aren’t participating in the ChampionshipTeams who have exceptional stories and exemplify what club golf is all aboutThe next top individual students (who were not on a competing team)About the PGA National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA)The PGA NCCGA is the national governing body of collegiate club golf and is operated by the PGA of America. With more than 300 schools and 5,000 members, the NCCGA makes college golf a reality for any student. For more information about the PGA NCCGA, visit NCCGA.org and follow on Instagram. |
The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) announces its annual Golf Tournament set to take place on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the prestigious Kinderlou Forest Golf Club. According to organizers, the event promises a day of friendly competition, networking opportunities, and community building, all while supporting the SGBC’s mission to foster economic growth and empowerment. The event welcomes seasoned golfers and individuals that just want to enjoy a day out on the greens.
Teams of four can participate in a four-person scramble format and compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. The scenic Kinderlou Forest Golf Club, known for its challenging layout and immaculate conditions, will provide the backdrop for the tournament event. Businesses and organizations are also invited to participate as sponsors. Various sponsorship levels offer unique benefits, including brand exposure, networking, speaking opportunities, and the chance to showcase sponsors’ commitment to the community.
From title sponsorships to hole sponsorships, there is an option for every budget and goal. “We are excited to bring our community together for another fantastic golf tournament,” said Kimberly Grissom-Dixon, VP of Events & Programs of the SGBC. “This event is not only a great opportunity for networking and fun, but it also directly supports our mission to foster economic growth and empowerment in Southern Georgia.”
Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the SGBC’s initiatives, including programs that support small businesses, provide educational resources, and promote economic development in the region. Registration for teams and sponsorships is now open. Golfers and sponsors should visit the SGBC website at www.sgablackchambers.org/golf to secure a spot or explore sponsorship opportunities.
For questions and registration, Dee Dunbar at 703-472-9200 can be reached for more information. About the Southern Georgia Black Chambers: The Southern Georgia Black Chambers is a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering small businesses and professionals through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities.
The $100K Fan Putt Sweepstakes, presented by Odyssey, runs from August 26 to October 20. By entering, you could be one of four winners selected to attend the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, FL, from November 21 to 24. Winners will receive roundtrip economy airfare for two, four nights of accommodations, two general admission weekly passes to the tournament, and a custom Odyssey® putter.
At the event, each winner will have the chance to putt for a $100,000 grand prize. If they do not win the grand prize, they will receive a consolation prize of a full set of custom Callaway clubs. See full details regarding the sweepstakes terms and conditions HERE.
Odyssey is one of five powerful Callaway Golf brands — Callaway, Odyssey, Toulon Design, OGIO and TravisMathew – that together offer golfers all over the world everything they need – clubs, balls, bags, apparel, footwear, bags, accessories – to play better and enjoy the game more.
December in Ghana is a vibrant and festive time, marked by a series of annual events and celebrations that attract both thousands of locals and international tourists. As the holiday season approaches, the “December In Ghana” atmosphere across the country becomes electric, with a mix of cultural, musical, and social events that showcase Ghana’s rich heritage and lively spirit.
One of the most significant festivities is the “Year of Return,” a celebration that began in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas. This event has transformed into an annual gathering that invites the African diaspora back to Ghana to reconnect with their roots. The celebration includes concerts, cultural tours, and art exhibitions that highlight Ghanaian culture and history.
In addition to the “Year of Return,” the capital city, Accra, hosts several music festivals, such as AfroFuture and Afro Nation. These events feature performances from both local and international artists, attracting thousands of music lovers from around the world. Street parties, parades, and markets add to the festive spirit, with vibrant decorations and colorful attire everywhere.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are also celebrated with great enthusiasm, with families and friends gathering for feasts, exchanging gifts, and attending church services. December in Ghana truly captures the country’s joyous and communal spirit, making it a unique destination for holiday festivities.
CLICK HERE to view the 2024 “December In Ghana” schedule of events.
In mid-August, after playing the Palms Course at Disney, (L-R) AAGD Reporter John Perry with former Disney cast member and Negro Baseball League Hall of Famer Bill Hopson, along with AAGD writer Otis Windham, and Bill Hopson Jr.,(Atlanta, Ga. resident)
“Number 9 at the Palm is a par 4 that will challenge the best of golfers of all levels. Walt Disney World’s three frequently played courses, the Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista used to be home to the PGA Tour Walt Disney World Golf Classic, from 1971-2012. Arnold Palmer redesigned the Palm in 2013. By any standard, they’re all three well maintained courses, but my personal favorite is the Palm,” said Perry.
Located at 1950 W. Magnolia Palm Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, Disney’s Palm Golf Course underwent a complete redesign by the Arnold Palmer Design Company in Summer 2013. The extensive renovation included entirely new green complexes, reshaped tees, and a modernized bunker design, giving this historic course a fresh, updated look. These significant changes have greatly enhanced the course, and we are thrilled with the results.
This 18-hole championship course features shimmering lakes, tropical sands, palm trees, and sloping greens. With 9 holes containing water hazards and 59 bunkers, Disney’s Palm Golf Course offers plenty of challenges for both novices and seasoned pros.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. —
Palm Beach County is the home for this year’s African American Golf Expo and Forum.
Its goal is to introduce and motivate African Americans to get involved in the sport and the industry overall.
“There are 25.6 million golfers in America classified as recreational golfers, of which 5% are African American and Black. Well, we think there’s room for that to double, possibly triple, but people have to become familiar with the game,” Jim Beatty, CEO of the African American Golf Expo and Forum, said.
Beatty created the expo and forum to be a gateway into the sport for Black people.
“This is a $102 billion industry, and we want African Americans to understand there are jobs in the industry. You do not have to be a golfer to have a job in the industry,” Beatty said.
The expo features keynote speeches from industry leaders, workshops, and vendors who represent different areas of the sport – all hoping to pique the interest of at least one new person. The Expo will be held August 24-27, at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott in Palm Beach County, Florida. For more information visit https://aagolfexpo.com
The 4th Annual African American Golf EXPO & Forum kicked-off in Palm Beach, Florida, on August 23, bringing together friends, exhibitors, and attendees to network and celebrate the game of golf. Running through August 27 at the Marriott Palm Beach Gardens, the EXPO is a unique event that celebrates golf, culture, and community, aiming to engage, inspire, and connect enthusiasts, professionals, and newcomers. For more information or to register, visit aagolfexpo.com. See a few photo highlights captured by AAGD photojournalist John Perry and the schedule of events below.
The National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship, hosted by the Women In Golf Foundation, is set to return to Katy, Texas, for the 2025 event. This marks the second consecutive year the tournament will be held outside the metro Atlanta area, where WIGF is headquartered. The 2024 event took place at The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, an Arcis Golf facility in Katy, near Houston, Texas. This annual championship is the foundation’s major fundraising event.
The 2025 tournament will once again be presented by Arcis Golf at their acclaimed course, The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, welcoming participants for three rounds of fierce competition. This event will also celebrate the Women in Golf Foundation’s 30th anniversary. As an invitational tournament, selected women’s college teams will compete for the prestigious Renee Powell Cup, named in honor of Renee Powell, a trailblazing African American female professional golfer. The winning team will hold the trophy for the year they reign as champions.
Mark your calendars for March 30th – April 2nd to be part of this exciting event. Sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon. For more information, visit the Women In Golf Foundation website at womeningolffoundation.org.
(Bloomberg) — Slowing sales at Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.’s namesake driving ranges and a hefty debt load that threatens to frighten off buyers spurred Raymond James to slash the company’s rating.
Analyst Joseph Altobello double downgraded Topgolf Callaway, cutting his recommendation to underperform from outperform, making him just the second analyst among the 14 tracked by Bloomberg to back selling the shares. After notching a 1.6% slide Friday, the stock’s slump for the year deepened to 22%.
“Acquisitions have led to a bloated balance sheet,” Altobello said. The company is conducting a strategic review of its Topgolf driving-range chain, including a potential spinoff, but he worries that such a deal might come “too late.”
The downgrade follows just weeks after the company reported lackluster second-quarter revenue on weaker-than-expected same-venue sales at its Topgolf chain, and cut its revenue and profit forecasts for the full year.
“Our rating largely reflects the recent deterioration in same-venue sales at Topgolf, and while we applaud management’s openness to a potential spinoff of the business, the company’s levered balance sheet appears to limit its opportunities,” Altobello wrote in a note to clients. “Investors should avoid the shares until we gain greater clarity on both situations.”
To Altobello, the sales trends raise questions about who would step in as a buyer of the Topgolf business. “We don’t think either private equity or strategic buyers such as Bowlero, Dave & Buster’s or SeaWorld would necessarily be interested given these weakening trends and the significant venue build costs,” he said.
Worse yet, even if the firm is able to successfully spin off Topgolf from its legacy golf business, the likelihood that it will be able recoup its initial investment in the chain is low, according to Altobello. Callaway Golf Co. bought the remainder of Topgolf Entertainment Group in late 2020, in a deal that valued the driving-range chain at about $2 billion.
In the roughly four years since the Topgolf deal was announced — during what Altobello says was arguably the “greatest period in the history of the sport/industry” — shares of the firm have fallen more than 40%. Over that same stretch, Acushnet Holdings Corp., which owns brands like Titleist and FootJoy, has seen its shares nearly double.
Chase Johnson’s journey on the APGA Tour has been nothing short of remarkable. We’re thrilled to see him earn the Mastercard APGA Player Achievement Award, along with a $50,000 travel stipend and a spot in the 2025 @pgatouramericas.