Tuesday, November 26, 2013

“Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf”


World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum to present
“Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf”

Exhibit will be collaborative effort including The PGA of America, PGA TOUR, USGA

The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum has begun creative development on “Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf” – a new, permanent exhibition that will recognize the triumphs and contributions of African-Americans in the game. With the generous support of The PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and the USGA, the exhibition is expected to open in late spring 2014.

The exhibition will detail the long, rich history of African-Americans in golf, from the difficult beginnings in the late 1800s for pioneers such as John Shippen, to the progress and challenges of today. The exhibition will also highlight the struggles and successes of notable golfers like World Golf Hall of Fame member Charlie Sifford during the Civil Rights era and major personalities such as Althea Gibson, Joe Louis and Tiger Woods.

“It was an honor to be the first African-American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame,” said Sifford, who was enshrined in 2004. “I am excited that this project is happening now and that fans will be able to see and learn from the stories of other great African-Americans in the game.”

With contributions from The PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and the USGA, the Hall of Fame will create an exhibit that incorporates rare photographs, audio, video and memorabilia like Sifford’s ground-breaking PGA player card from 1960, combined with innovative technology.

“The PGA of America recognizes the historical importance of communicating the many stories of African-Americans who have overcome great adversity to advance the game they love so much,” said Peter Bevacqua, Chief Executive Officer of The PGA of America. “We are thrilled to play a role in developing this ground-breaking exhibit, which will honor PGA members and many others who opened new doors of opportunity for generations to come.”

“The PGA TOUR is very pleased to support this important exhibit and to help acknowledge and honor the pioneers and champions of African-American golf,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “We look forward to working with The PGA of America, USGA and the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum to help present this story in a compelling and educational manner.”

“African-Americans have made significant contributions to the game since it first took firm hold in America in the late 19th century,” said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. “We are pleased to be working alongside The PGA of America and the PGA TOUR to support this important project and lend our expertise to an exhibition that pays tribute to African-Americans who through their courage, perseverance and love of the game overcame many obstacles to make the game more accessible to all.”

Best-selling author Pete McDaniel will serve as the lead writer on the project. McDaniel is the author of the acclaimed book “Uneven Lies: The Heroic Story of African Americans in Golf’’ and co-wrote and
co-produced the documentary “Uneven Fairways.” He is a member of both the African American
Golfers Hall of Fame and National Black Golf Hall of Fame.

In addition, artist Mario Chiodo, renowned for his compelling sculptures based on history and social justice, will be bringing to life pivotal moments of African-Americans in golf. Chiodo has created monuments around the country, including the Harriet Tubman/Thomas Garrett Memorial in

Wilmington, Del., the Contrabands Freedman's Memorial in Alexandria, Va., and "Remember Them: Champions for Humanity" in Oakland, Calif., the largest human rights monument in the Western United States.
“We hope that this exhibition will serve as both an educational and inspirational force that will highlight the power of the human spirit and golf’s core values,” said Jack Peter, Chief Operating Officer of the World Golf Hall of Fame. “We are thrilled that The PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and the USGA share our vision for this project and thankful that these organizations, Pete McDaniel and Mario
Chiodo are all part of this historic venture.”

For more information, including photos, about the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum and “Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf,” visitWorldGolfHallofFame.org.

About the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum
The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum preserves and honors the history of golf and the legacies of those who have made it great. The Hall of Fame and Museum, located at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., serves as a steward of the game through engaging, interactive storytelling and exhibitions featuring artifacts, works of art, audio, video and photography significant to the history of golf and its members.
The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 nonprofit institution and is allied with 26 national and international golf organizations, including The European Tour, LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The R&A and USGA. To learn more about the Hall of Fame or to lend support, visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.

About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: 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 PGA enables its 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 world-class championships and innovative programs, 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. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.

About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co- sanctioning more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, Web.com Tour, NEC Series-PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR China.

The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in the communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.

Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to nearly 945 million households in 225 countries and territories in 32 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2012, tournaments across all Tours generated more than $130 million for local charitable organizations, bringing the TOUR’s all-time total of charitable contributions to $1.86 billion.
The PGA TOUR's web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

About the USGA
 The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, equipment standards, and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA's working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories, and Mexico.

The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history, and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

As the Founding Partner of the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum and World Golf Village, Shell Oil Company played a lead role in supporting the development and growth of the institution, which opened in 1998. Since then, their continued involvement has led the way for others to join in support of the Hall of Fame & Museum’s mission.

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