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Articles by Debert Cook
Season’s Greetings With Gratitude From the African American Golfer’s Digest
Season’s Greetings to our valued readers and subscribers. As the year comes to a close, I want to personally thank you for your continued support, loyalty, and belief in the African American Golfer’s Digest. Your encouragement and engagement mean more to us than words can fully express, and they inspire our work every single day.
My Experience with the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS Heel-Shafted Putter
As someone who’s always tinkering with equipment in search of that perfect roll, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the new L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS—the first-ever heel-shafted putter built with the company’s signature Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.) technology. I’ve been a fan of L.A.B.’s mission for years: to make putting simpler, more consistent, and—dare I say—actually enjoyable. And this model might be their most exciting innovation yet.
Why Are There No African Americans Among the PGA of America 2025-26 PGA LEAD Class?
The PGA of America recently announced its 2025–26 PGA LEAD Class, naming 15 professionals from across the country to join its flagship leadership development program. Designed to mentor and prepare members for volunteer leadership at local, sectional, and national levels, PGA LEAD has been heralded as a pipeline for shaping the Association’s future decision-makers.
Happy New Year! Here’s To Proclaiming Even More Opportunities For 2025.
As we welcome 2025, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes to all our readers, subscribers, friends, and fans. Happy New Year! Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our growth and success, allowing us to celebrate over 21 years of amplifying Black excellence in golf through the African American Golfer’s Digest. Our publication remains dedicated to delivering golf news and stories that you won’t easily find anywhere else.
Happy 75th Birthday Jim Thorpe!
Jimmy Lee Thorpe, born on February 1, 1949, in Roxboro, North Carolina, is an American professional golfer known for his achievements on the Champions Tour. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 205 pounds, Thorpe’s journey in golf is rooted in humble beginnings, growing up as the ninth of twelve children in a home situated off the second fairway of the Roxboro Golf Club.
Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Diversity, and Equality in Golf
The game of golf, often associated with tradition and exclusivity, has made strides in recent years to embrace diversity and promote equality. As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is essential to reflect on how his vision for a more inclusive society has influenced various aspects of our lives, including the world of golf. In the past, golf has been criticized for its lack of diversity, with barriers to entry that made it inaccessible to individuals from different backgrounds.
Happy Holidays From African American Golfer’s Digest
As the 2023 year comes to a close, we at AAGD are working hard to continue to tell the stories of a more inclusive and diversified golf arena. Looking ahead to 2024, there’s a sense of optimism with successful initiatives across America shaping a more inclusive and vibrant golf community.
Top African American Golf Instructors
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best golf instructors in the country that we could find. Work on your game while supporting these industry professionals, make contact and schedule a private lesson, or invite them to hold a clinic or group session with your organization. Each instructor’s name, age, location, certification and contact information is included below.
No Golf Course at Ganvie Lake Village but there is plenty of WATER!
I knew beforehand not to bring my golf clubs, shoes and balls to this aquatic West African village, which is the largest water village in Benin. The weather was 87-degrees with clear skies and low wind, perfect for playing a round of golf, but there was just way too much water hazard to do so -LOL.
Thank You For The Birthday Greetings
Just wish to say THANK YOU to everyone who sent me birthday greetings on my special day, December 29. Reading all of the messages and listening to all of the calls of love and well-wishes received from family, friends and fans was truly amazing! I thank God for another year around the sun and wish each of you a blessed 2023. -Debert Cook, Publisher AAGD
It's all smiles for former President Donald Trump who today wrote, "All of those golfers that remain 'loyal' to the very disloyal PGA, in all of its different forms, will pay a big price when the inevitable MERGER with LIV comes, and you get nothing but a big 'thank you' from PGA officials who are making Millions of Dollars a year.
Andia Winslow Proves a Jack of All Trades Is Better Than a Master of One
January 3, 2022 (SI.com) From golf to track, from skeleton to voice-over acting, Sports Illustrated took a close look at Andia Winslow, an athletic chameleon who uses her confidence and curiosity to stay fit and inspire others.
Shedavi
December 20, 2021 Pulling together a hair product that is packed full of natural ingredients is all the rage these days. And Shedavi has accomplished this in a fantastic way. Shedav i is an Ayurvedic botanical hair growth serum featuring 22 essential oils such as argan, coconut, castor and tea tree, formulated to encourage hair growth, natural strength, length, thickness, and retain moisture.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! >> Enjoy your FREE GIFT Issue
December 20, 2021 Here is A Special Gift from the African American Golfer's Digest! Your FREE copy of our latest issue !!! To celebrate the season and to give a huge thanks to our friends, fans, readers, and supporters, we are sharing our latest DIGITAL EDITION of the magazine with you! Thanks so much for being a part of our golfing family.
James Alexander "Dooney" Taylor strikes a hole-in-one.
October 22, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF James Alexander "Dooney" Taylor had his 1 st Hole-in-One Monday, October 4, 2021, at Sunset Hills Golf Course, Charlotte, NC on hole #6 167 yards with 7 iron and Titleist ball. His playing partners were Gary Ligon, Jeff Allen, and Anthony Hunter. Recommended For You. SNEAKYPUTTER COVERS When it comes to the clubs in a golf bag, if the driver is the KING, then the putter
The Big and Luxurious 2021 Mercedes GLS 450 4Matic
December 19, 2021 | BY RANDI PAYTON The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic, redesigned in 2020, has no significant changes for the 2022 model year. However, the GLS is the largest vehicle by Mercedes and one of the most luxurious and expensive large 3-row luxury SUVs available. The GLS, which replaced the Mercedes GL Class, is an SUV version of the S-Class sedan. I had the luxury of driving the entry-level GLS 450 4Matic for a week.
Greenwood Golf Ball Now Available
December 15, 2021 When standing on the tee box about to strike the ball, there is no difference between a professional golfer and a beginner. Every shot is rooted in the hope that it is the one. When you say GolfShot, we say GREENWOOD. A golf ball with tour-level performance for a great price.
James Beatty Talks with HarlemAmerica's G. Keith Alexander on "How The Business Of Golf Is Empowering"
December 4, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF What's Hot HarlemAmerica is the crossroads where culture lifestyle and community meet. The weekly Friday podcast, hosted by proud Harlem American, G. Keith Alexander on December 3, featured African American Golfer's Digest Executive Editor Jim Beatty as its insightful guest.
Lee Elder obituary
November 29, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF Former professional golfer Robert Lee Elder died on November 28, 2021. He was 87. Born on July 14, 1934, in Dallas, Texas, Elder was one of 10 children and took up golf to help his parents financially. He caddied at the all-white Tennison Park Golf Club in Dallas, but soon the golf pro began allowing Elder to play the course in the years when a Caucasian-only clause barred Black players from competing on the pro tour.
Golf Digest Seeks Project-Based Freelancer
Posted December 2, 2021 Golf Digest is seeking a project-based freelancer to contribute 25-30 hours a week for a 5-6-month project. Golf Digest is bringing back our Places to Play franchise, which was a consumer product in the 1990s and 2000s that aggregated reader reviews to rate every golf course in the United States by 1-5 stars. Golf Digest produced a book each year with those reviews.
Women of Color Golf "Giving Tuesday Campaign" shares $21k donation in designer clothing to benefit grassroots organizations
November 5, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF Evach year, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is The National Day of Giving (or Giving Tuesday) and a time during the holiday season when people focus on giving back to their community. For 2021, as part of its "Giving Tuesday Campaign" Women of Color Golf (WOCG) and Girls on the Green Tee (GOTGT) selected eight grassroots golf organizations to receive a generous donation comprised of Designer Tory Burch Women and Girls Golf designer clothing.
World Golf Hall of Fame Announces that 2022 Induction Ceremony (Wednesday, March 9) to Take Place at PGA TOUR's 'Global Home'
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 2, 2021) - The World Golf Hall of Fame and the PGA TOUR today announced that the 2022 induction ceremony - honoring the newest class of Hall of Fame members - will be staged at the PGA TOUR's 'Global Home' corporate headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Taking place during THE PLAYERS Championship, the induction ceremony will air live on Golf Channel on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. ET.
Black College Golf Coaches Contact List
December 6, 2021 | Compiled by Craig Bowen, President, National Black Golf Coaches Association A contact listing of Black College Golf Coaches is available below as compiled by the National Black Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA), a 501(c)3 that provides student-athletes from around the world with unique opportunities to compete in college golf while developing academic and interpersonal skills to compete in the "real world" on a global scale.
Capital One's The Match includes APGA Tour among fundraising beneficiaries for holiday showdown between Brooks Koepka and Bryson De Chambeau
BROOKS KOEPKA AND BRYSON DE CHAMBEAU LOS ANGELES, CA (November 23, 2021) - Capital One's The Match, the premier, live-event golf series that has raised more than $30 million in support of various charities and initiatives over the years, will benefit the APGA Tour (Advocates Pro Golf Association Tour) among several non-profit organizations, as part of the upcoming holiday weekend showdown between PGA TOUR rivals Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.
SneakyPutter
When it comes to the clubs in a golf bag, if the driver is the KING, then the putter is the QUEEN. Treat her right with a handcrafted putter cover, by SneakyPutter. Designed to fit over most blade putters, our covers will not only protect your QUEEN from the elements, but they could be the conversation starter that you need to close the deal. SneakyPutter is recognized as a Black-owned business by American Express and listed on the AMEX website ByBlack.
MetroTap
Built for people who like to network with savvy sophistication. MetroTap enables you to instantly share your social media, music, payment platforms, and contact information just by tapping your phone to a compatible smartphone. Yes, it is possible. Thanks to a smart technology-based startup located in Columbia, South Carolina called MetroTap.
Holiday Gift Guide
SNEAKYPUTTER COVERS When it comes to the clubs in a golf bag, if the driver is the KING, then the putter is the QUEEN. Treat her right with a handcrafted putter cover, by SneakyPutter. Designed to fit over most blade putters, our covers will not only protect your QUEEN from the elements, but they could be the conversation starter that you need to close the deal. Recognized as Black-owned by American Express and listed on the AMEX website ByBlack. Order from $25 and up.
Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration is Happening Now
BY JOHN PERRY The happiest place on turf (on earth), Disney Golf is as good as it gets. It's a "Public Paradise", you can't come to Orlando and not play at Disney. Nowhere else can you walk in the footsteps of golfing royalty, such greats like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Gary Player, Hale Irwin, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, etc. The list goes on and on.
New York Birdies Win Team Championship at 16th Annual Crabs Feast Tournament
New York Birdies win team Championship at the 16th Annual Craps Feast Tournament at Back Creek Golf Course in Middletown, Delaware, August 20, 2021 (Photo: Rudy Richmond) August 23, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF 20 members of the New York Birdies Golf Club brought home the first-place win at the 16th Annual Crabs Feast Tournament held on August 20 at Battle Creek Golf Course in Middletown, Delaware.
Grassroots Grants Program, a golf industry collaboration targeting positive change
November 29, 2021 | BLOG BY MICHAEL COOPER Since June 2021, the Grassroots Grants Program (GGP) has recommended awards totaling $300,000 to over 60 unique organizations. The purpose of the program is twofold. One, to create a funding source for increasing diversity and inclusion in golf. Two, to create meaningful partnerships between community-based programmers and golf industry leaders. Awards have ranged from $1,000 to $10,000.
MISSING MY FRIEND: A TRIBUTE TO LEE ELDER
November 30, 2021 | BY RENEE POWELL (LPGA.COM) The golf world lost an icon on Sunday, a figure who will forever have his name etched into sports history. And I lost a friend, a man I have known since I was an 18-year-old girl playing in United Golf Association events around the country with other men and women, boys and girls, pros and amateurs of color who wanted nothing more than to compete in the game we all loved.
The 3 Basics Of Club Selection To Improve Your Game
November 26, 2021 There are a lot of golf tips to improve your game, from your swing to practicing your short game. There is no one thing that will transform your game, but rather, a series of improvements that will take your game to the next level. One of those ways is to be able to select the right club for the circumstances. It isn't super complicated to do so, but it does require some thought and also experience to make sure the club you're using is the one that is going to get the best result.
Statement from AAGD Publisher Debert Cook on the passing of Lee Elder, a giant in golf
November 29, 2021 | BY DEBERT COOK I, along with my entire team at the African American Golfer's Digest, is saddened to learn of the death of legendary golfer Lee Elder. Born on July 14, 1934, in Dallas, TX, Lee died on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Renee Powell is first to be honored with World Golf Hall of Fame Charlie Sifford Award
Renee Powell, competed as a member of the LPGA from 1967 to 1980, playing in more than 250 pro events. November 15, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF The late legendary golfer Charlie Sifford turned pro in 1948 but because of his race, he was denied from playing on the PGA Tour until 1961, when he became the first African American to compete as a member.
Short Term Employment Opportunity with PGA of America! Registration Deadline Dec. 14
November 18, 2021 (PGA OF AMERICA) In keeping with our vision for a golf industry workforce that mirrors America, the PGA of America is launching the PGA JobMatch program in support of PGA's 2022 Championship events. It's of great importance to the PGA of America to demonstrably give back to our championship host communities in Bethesda, MD, Benton Harbor, MI, and Tulsa, OK.
Black Women in Media host 6th Black Women in Media Conference & Awards
November 16, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF Black Women in Media for their 6th Black Women in Media Conference & Awards. The sixth conference and awards will be a hybrid- virtual and live six-day experience gathering thousands of attendees, industry experts, decision-makers, and celebrities, according to the organization's announcement.
Caden Cannon signs with Florida A&M Athletics
Caden Cannon (Twitter) November 15, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF Caden Cannon has his dad to thank for introducing him to the game of golf. At only 4-years old, he loved watching Tiger Woods on TV and enjoyed growing up in the Queen City of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mostly, he favored having a lot of nice area golf courses to practice and play on. Now residing in O'Fallon, Illinois, Caden is not a member of any golf clubs, yet he proudly plays at a .5 handicap - yes, less than 1.
PGA of America Offers Short-Term Employment Opportunities in Support of 2022 Major Championships through PGA JobMatch
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2021) - The PGA of America is inviting talent from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in working to support the PGA's high-profile 2022 Major Championships to apply now through PGA JobMatch. Individuals can register at PGAImpact.org to potentially interview with the PGA's operations teams through Dec. 14. There are short-term employment opportunities at the following events: 2022 PGA Championship - Southern Hills C.C., Tulsa, Okla.
The Country Club Establishes Lee Elder Internship for 2022 U.S. Open
The Country Club, 91 Clyde St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 (Twitter) Weeklong initiative, in partnership with the USGA, designed to expose underrepresented individuals to the game and the many career pathways within the $84 billion golf industry. BROOKLINE, Mass. (Nov. 17, 2021) - The Country Club, in partnership with the United States Golf Association, today announced the establishment of the Lee Elder Internship, a one-week immersive experience at the 2022 U.S. Open at The Country Club.
Billy Eugene Peters Gardenheight passes away
November 20, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF Billy Gardenhight, Tournament Director for the Skyview Golf Association, Asheville, NC passed away on Friday morning, November 19, 2021, in Asheville, NC, according to an email message this publication received from John W. Love Sr., former Tournament Director, Par-Busters and the Interstate Golf Association of Charlotte, NC. Funeral arrangements for Billy are incomplete at this time and we will continue to keep our readers informed.
The PGA of America Announces Founding Partnership with FairWays to Leadership to Promote Leadership Diversity in Golf Industry
The PGA will provide two grants to help train leadership cohorts PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. (Nov. 18, 2021) - The PGA of America has announced a founding partnership agreement with FairWays to Leadership, a 501(c)(3) that expands diversity in business leadership through access to golf.
Inaugural African American Golf EXPO & Forum Estimated Economic Impact Tops $689k
November 10, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF There was an outstanding success for the Inaugural African American Golf EXPO & Forum and it is evident in a post-event report received by this publication. Held, August 21-24 at the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center in Maretta, GA, the EXPO attracted 450 attendees, 41 exhibitors/sponsors and some 40 panelists, according to the details of the document.
National Links Trust receives $600,000 Carl M. Freeman Foundation grant
November 10, 2021 (National Links Trust) The Carl M. Freeman Foundation (CMFF) announces a $600,000 grant to National Links Trust (NLT) over two years. The grant will support the construction of a new clubhouse and driving range at Rock Creek Park and operational improvements as well as programs for local youth at Langston Golf Course. Also announced is the Joshua M. Freeman Scholarships to support NLT's workforce development program.
Aaron Beverly's Final Round Captures Title at APGA Tour's FARMERS Insurance Fall Series Finale
Aaron Beverly LOS ANGELES, CA (Nov. 9, 2021) - Aaron Beverly completed his comeback from a difficult bout with COVID-19 by shooting a final round 70 to capture the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Fall Series Finale at Wilshire Country Club Tuesday afternoon. The tournament was the final event of the newly-established Farmers Insurance(r) Fall Series as the APGA Tour concluded its landmark 2021 season.
Nobbits, Solving the Shoelace Problem
November 10, 2021 | BY RON BRENT When I googled athletic shoelaces to research this story I was notified of about 2,710,000 results. Little did I realize there were so many companies and types of shoelaces, round, half-round, flat, oval, waxed, and tubular, there could even be more. There are even scholarly studies about shoelaces that I had no idea even existed.
Beverly Tops Field at Wilshire CC as APGA Tour's Farmers Insurance® Fall Series Wraps Season
Aaron Beverly (photo PGA Tour) LOS ANGELES, CA (Nov. 8, 2021) - Former PGA TOUR Latinoamerica competitor Aaron Beverly shot a three-under par 68 to take the first-round lead in the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Fall Series Finale at Wilshire Country Club Monday afternoon. The tournament is the final event of the newly-established Farmers Insurance ® Fall Series as the APGA Tour concludes its landmark 2021 season.
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