IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Randy Stutzman
February 2, 2010561/624-8438
THE PGA OF AMERICA CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Did You Know?
The PGA of America is celebrating Black History Month by recognizing the achievements of African American golfers and pioneers of the industry.
Below are a few facts and achievements from these special individuals:
- In 1899, Dr. George Grant the invented the modern wooden golf tee.
- Charlie Sifford was the first African American playing member of The PGA of America.
- Calvin Peete was the first African American on the U.S. Ryder Cup Team.
- Businessman George Lewis became the first African American board member of The PGA of America.
- Renee Powell, the daughter of the late Bill Powell, was the 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf and second African American to compete on the LPGA Tour.
- In 1975, Lee Elder became the first African American to play in the Masters.
- In 1963, tennis-great Althea Gibson became the first African American to compete on the LPGA Tour.
- The late Harold Dunovant, a Life Member of The PGA of America, established the National Black Hall of Fame in 1986 and in 1999 was the Carolinas Junior Golf Leader of the Year.
Black History Month Displays
The PGA of America will also celebrate Black History Month by having commemorative displays located at PGA Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and at the PGAHistoricalCenter in Port St.Lucie, Fla.
The PGAHistoricalCenter is located adjacent to the PGACenter for Golf Learning and Performance. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with complementary admission daily. For more information on PGAVillage and the Black History Month displays at the PGAHistoricalCenter, please call (800) 800-GOLF or visit PGAVillage.com.
The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
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