September 27, 2021 | BY ANTHONY KEETON
My name is Anthony Keeton, I recently attended the Inaugural African American Golf EXPO & Forum (AAGE&F) and participated in the golf tournament. This was a five-day event that was amazing. Each day started with an excellent breakfast provided by the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel staff.
It did not take too long to realize that this event was not just limited to golf and diversity but it would allow the attendees to join in fellowship, brotherhood and sisterhood with like-minded individuals.
I cannot put into words the emotional rush of spending several hours in the company of Mr. Jim Dent, a 12-time PGA Champions Tour winner. The first day Mr. Dent and I had breakfast and walked about 100-yards to the driving range for a golf clinic which he conducted. Mr. Dent’s critique was like having a talking golf encyclopedia; he was very direct in addressing the adjustments needed to help enhance my golf game.
A SUPERB DAY TWO
Our second day began with the AAGE&F golf tournament. The talent pool was tremendous, the event was very well organized. We loved the support of the young golfers, high schoolers and college players from around the area who were our spotters. The team I played with included Stephen Hamblin and Jason Miller from the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), and Preston Pinkney from the African American Tour Quest (AATQ); also, Lauren Shelley from the AJGA, Director of Training and Development. Ms. Shelley encouraged the spotters to log into her virtual career fairs website and gave them the opportunity to contact her directly for information and support. My team and I enjoyed the camaraderie developed between all the participants.
Our next major event at the EXPO was the Forum featuring industry leaders from the golf community sharing their commitment of inclusion and diversity. They expressed their pleasure at meeting such a dedicated group that allows them to implement more activities and programs to grow more interest in the game.
The EXPO itself, was a gathering of vendors who exhibited their products and services. The displays were awesome. The opportunity to spend quality time with such distinguished industry leaders was invaluable. Several of the vendors left a great impression on me, that one being Mr. Carlos Brown. He is a Black amputee golf professional who has a tremendous back-story, and we shared several impactful prayers that still resonate with me. The other is the team representing the “Deuce Brand”.
THE FINAL DAY
The final day I was invited to a forum hosted by Stephen Hamblin to discuss the history of the Black Story of Golf and a blueprint that we can use going forward to be collectively effective and have the most impactful experience that we can share with to increase the visibility of Blacks and other minority golfers at our home bases.
For all of those interested in prosperity and diversity, join us at the next Expo being scheduled for 2022.
Anthony Keeton is the President of Keetone Enterprises, Keetone Tax & Financial Services, Chief Executive Producer of Keytone Productions, Lovetone Records, Keytone Records, and a Director with LegalShield. He is Board-Member At-Large for the African American Tour Quesst and a philanthropist that wears his heart on his sleeve.
