The Tee Divas and Tee Dudes (TDTD) Golf Club recently hosted their third annual Celebration Brunch, centered on Black Golf History. The event served as a platform for junior golfers to honor trailblazers like Charlie Sifford while expressing gratitude towards TDTD and the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) for their unwavering support in creating opportunities within the sport.
Jenny Bethune, TDTD’s junior chairperson, underscored the significance of acknowledging the contributions of Black golfers throughout history. Bethune also lauded SCGA for their role in providing scholarships and avenues for young players to excel. “The Event was a success, since our Juniors, plus the Los Angeles community had an opportunity to learn about the rich Legacy that Black Americans, such as Charlie Sifford bring to the golf world,” said Bethune.
California senator Steven Bradford graced the occasion, recounting his experiences playing alongside legends such as Sifford and Jim Brown at various courses. Bradford emphasized the importance of commemorating Black history in golf and commended TDTD for their dedicated efforts in promoting inclusivity within the sport.
Highlighting the awards ceremony, Monique Thomas and Dontya Bell received the TDTD Most Improved Junior Golfers award, recognizing their commitment and progress. Both Thomas and Bell expressed deep appreciation for TDTD’s mentorship and support in nurturing young talent.
Beyond accolades, the Brunch featured engaging activities such as a silent auction and a fundraising raffle, aimed at supporting junior golf programs. A special “One and Done” table showcased golf attire and equipment, featuring iconic figures like Tiger Woods and Ann Gregory, providing aspiring golfers with essential gear.
Steve Waszak, SCGA’s vice president, underscored the pivotal role of golf in fostering community bonds. He pledged continued support for initiatives like TDTD’s, which strive to expand access and participation in the sport. The presence of various golf programs, including the Inland Golf Academy (IGA), highlighted collaborative efforts to groom the next generation of golfing talent.
Greg Prator, founder of IGA, emphasized their partnership with TDTD in nurturing young players’ growth. Through joint efforts, they aim to facilitate access to higher levels of competition by alleviating financial barriers, thus fostering a more inclusive and diverse golfing landscape. “We’re trying to advance the kids to the higher level in golf,which is the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour,” said IGA founder and director Greg Prator. “What we do is we receive grant money and put on fundraisers so that we can help pay entry fees for tournaments.”
The Celebration Brunch organized by TDTD served as a testament to the rich legacy of Black golfers and the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within the sport. Through partnerships, mentorship, and community engagement, stakeholders are collectively working towards a future where golf is accessible to all aspiring players, regardless of background or circumstance.
