the 2009 PGAAnnual Meeting in New Orleans, which was attended by family members of each as invited guests. “It has been said that to everything there is a time, a place or season. I’m extremely moved and elated that this is now the time for my Dad,” said Peggy Rhodes-White, daughter of Ted Rhodes. “Words cannot adequately convey my feelings about a dream long held finally coming to pass.”
That dream coming to
Hanno Shippen-Smith, Deborah Rhodes and Bill Spiller Jr., descendants of three African-American men posthumously honored as PGA members, the PGA President Jim Remy (far left) at the 2009 PGA Annual Meeting.
“Caucasian-only” clause that was later repealed in 1961. In addition, legendary boxer Joe Louis was recognized posthumously as an Honorary PGA Member for his role in breaking down barriers to the game.
pass certainly was assisted by the situation that unfolded nearly 20 years earlier in Alabama, when people spoke, and The PGA listened. ●
These black pioneers were honored at
Bob Baal is The PGA of America’s publications editor.
Additional diversity initiatives of The PGA of America
• The PGA discusses careers in golf at minority- and women-owned than $79,000 in diversity scholarships many of the minority-focused junior companies. to the Bill Dickey Scholarship golf tournaments, minority-serving Association and universities offering
• Since 1998, The PGA has provided
universities and young professionals’ the PGA Golf Management University
more than $12 million in funding for
national organization annual meetings. Program. Collectively, since 1991, more
more than 700 programs across the
This has created greater awareness and than $900,000 has been provided to
U. S. that include minority youth. These
has increased enrollments in the further the education of minority
programs include Midnight Golf and
various programs for one to become a students.
Urban League Youth Golf. PGA Professional through the PGA Golf
• Since 1998, The PGA has hosted the Management University Program and
• Founded in 2001 in Detroit, Midnight
National Minority Collegiate Golf
the PGA Professional Golf
of golf between the high-risk hours of
Golf brings young adults to the game
Championship for the nation’s Management Program.
6–9:30 p.m. The PGA provides funding,
historically black colleges and
• The PGA created the Golf Industry universities. The Championship equipment and through the Michigan
Supplier Diversity Forum at the PGA features an annual career fair combining PGA Section, manages the golf
Merchandise Show to infuse diversity the excitement of competition with an
instruction component. The Midnight
into the golf industry. Held each opportunity to learn more about
Golf Program has had more than 600
January, it consists of both minority occupations in the golf industry.
young people participate in a
and golf industry CEOs and
curriculum that teaches life skills, • The Association’s Play Golf America
procurement officers. This program
especially financial literacy, college program has 56 percent women and 24
provides buyers with the confidence
preparation and giving back to the percent minority participation, far
necessary to develop strategic long-
community along with learning to play above the industry averages. Specific
term relationships with minority- and
golf. In 2009, the second midnight golf initiatives, such as Juego Golf America
women-owned businesses with a goal
chapter began in Miami. and Play Golf America Days in key
to increase spending with these
• The Louisville Urban Youth Golf
urban communities, target Hispanic
businesses. A total of 22 minority- and
Program introduces golf to urban
and African-American participation.
women-owned businesses have
youth while augmenting the curriculum • Each year, The PGA invites some 250
received a limited license agreement as
with education, computer training, charities to attend its events and help
a PGA Qualified Diverse Supplier. The
vocational enhancement courses and them generate funding to support their
PGA has introduced these suppliers to
mentoring. The PGA of America has charitable programs. The 2010 PGA
its partners which have developed into
committed resources of $50,000 per Championship Community Relations
business opportunities for these
year for the last 10 years with more than Program will provide approximately
companies.
1,500 youths having participated in the $425,000 in value to these respective
• The PGA’s annual goal for
program. charities.
vendors/suppliers at its major
• Each year, The PGA provides more
championships is for 25 percent of the
spending to be with certified
THE PGA OF AMERICA
THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE 2010 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP