(L-R) Sadena Parks, Uncle “Luke” Campbell, Shasta Averyhardt and Ginger Howard.
BY LJ FINNEY
On July 19, 2019, Shasta Averyhardt, Ginger Howard, and Sadena Parks descended on Wild Turkey Golf Course to compete in the first Women’s Professional Invitational. PGA of America Master Professional, Anthony G. Stepney presided over the competition and USGA Rules Officials Carol Greybeal and Lisa Lifer officiated.
(L-R) Lisa Lifer, Shasta Averyhardt, Sadena Parks, Wendell Haskins, Ginger Howard, Anthony Stepney
Ladies First
Presented by Original Tee Golf Club (OTGC) and PDG Global, the Invitational preceded the 20th year anniversary of the OTGC tournament. The weekend’s events brought golfers from all over the country together to celebrate a “True Original”, Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell. While many tournaments exist, the OTGC has differentiated the tournament experience by paying homage to living legends in golf and industry. Every year, pioneers who contribute to the African American community are recognized and respected by the OTGC society of golfers. In past years, trailblazers like Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, Renee Powell, Julius Erving, Doug Williams and George “ The Iceman” Gervin were honored.
Shasta Averyhardt (photo by Margot Jordan)
Wild Turkey is one of six golf courses at Crystal Springs and rated as one of NJ’s Top Public courses by NJGCOA. Designed by Roger Rulewich, the longest tees are the Black, measured at 7202 yards, course/slope rating of 75.3/135, the Blue features 6555 yards, 71.7/132, White boasts 5942 yards, 69.0/129 for Men. For Ladies, the longest tees are the White at 5942 yards, slope/course rating at 74.1/127, followed by the Red at 5024 yards, 68.3/114. The Crystal Springs Resort is best known by the golf courses on the property, which include Wild Turkey, Ballyowen, Crystal Springs, Black Bear, Cascades, and Minerals.
Sadena Parks (photo by Margot Jordan)
The competitors were remarkable athletes, aside from being talented, their charisma and love of the game illuminated the golf course. Ginger Howard was the youngest African American to turn professional at age 17 and win her debut tournament. She was the first African American to earn a place in the 2010 Junior Ryder Cup. In 2016, Ginger earned her 2016 LPGA Tour card and is now a professional golfer on the LPGA Symetra Tour.
Ginger Howard (photo by Margot Jordan)
In high school, Sadena Parks was a four-time State golfer and two-time State champion. She earned a scholarship at the University of Washington, where she was ranked the 9th most all-time winner in UW history. After participating on the Golf Channel’s TV show, Big Break, she began her professional career on the LPGA Symetra Tour and is currently playing on the tour. Shasta Averyhardt began her professional career in 2009. In 2011, she became the fourth African American woman to earn LPGA Tour status. She attended Jackson State University (JSU) where she won nine collegiate golf tournaments. In 2018, Shasta was inducted in the JSU Sports Hall of Fame.
(L-R) Sadena Parks, Ginger Howard, Shasta Averyhardt at 2019 Original Tee Golf Classic.
The ladies, Shasta Averyhardt, Ginger Howard, and Sadena Parks competed over two days for a $10K purse and the competition was fierce. It was a phenomenal display of athletic prowess. In this competition, Shasta finished first with a score of 67 on day one and 70 on day two, Sadena finished in second place, followed by Ginger. All three ladies, took home a piece of the prize because the OTGC was committed to contributing to their journey.
Lady golfers of the “LJ’s Crew”, (l-r) Adrianne C. Smith, Leeza Singh, Tasha Stoute, LJ Finney. (photo by Margot Jordan)
The call to action for every golfer is to ensure more women play competitively, are compensated equitably for their work and sponsored accordingly. Representation matters and these women are changing the face of the game for future generations.
