First African-American To Break Golf Color Barrier To Be Honored At 2007 Original Tee Golf Classic

May 29, 2007 - PRLog -- NEW YORK, NY May, 29, 2007 -- Wendell J. Haskins, entrepreneur and founder/president of the Original Tee Golf Classic (OTGC) wants you to know that the story of the African-American presence in the game of golf does not begin and end with Tiger Woods. On Sunday, June 24, Haskins, will be joined by a host of celebrities, VIPs and high profile golf enthusiasts including actors, Bill Bellamy, Rosie Perez, Adre Royo (The Wire), Herb Williams (NY Knicks Coach), Chris Webber, Chris Spencer, Greg Anthony, Ruben Santiago Hudson, the legendary Earl the Pearl Monroe, actor Malik Yoba, rap artist LUKE, Clyde Drexler and others, to celebrate the lifetime achievement and legacy of African-American golf pioneer, Charlie Sifford, at the 8th Annual Original Tee Golf Classic to be held at the Wild Turkey Golf Club, Hamburg NJ.   Refusing to buckle under the pressure of racism, Sifford is the single individual most responsible for desegregating the game of golf in America. Not only did Sifford have a major impact on the moral evolution of America, he is also a great sportsman. OTGC will be presenting Mr. Sifford with the first “Charlie Sifford True Original Award” at the June 24 True Original Awards Dinner sponsored by INC.COM. New York Times sports writer Bill Rhoden will present the award to Sifford. Since its inception, the Original Tee Golf Classic has developed into a golf culture love-fest, where celebrities, corporate, and entertainment VIPs come together to honor African-American achievement while supporting worthy philanthropic causes.  

Haskins named the True Original Award after Sifford in tribute his lifetime legacy of milestone achievements. No stranger to the prefix “first,” Charles [Charlie] Sifford is renowned as the first black man to break the color barrier in golf --one of America’s most elitist sports. He sacrificed and endured much to open up the professional game of golf to African-American sportsmen. Eventually, he became the first African-American to play regularly on the PGA Tour and the first African-American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Now recognized worldwide for his endurance, strength of character and sportsmanship, Sifford’s name will grace the annual OTGC award that recognizes deserving recipients who exemplify his unique qualities of leadership, courage and innovation -- “true originals” in their career fields. “INC.com is proud to partner with the Original Tee Golf Classic to pay homage to Charles Sifford an agent of change -- a man who exemplifies the spirit of enterprise, courage and conviction,” said Harold Bolling Publisher of Mansueto Digital Ventures, the parent company of INC.com.

Like his role model Charlie Sifford, Wendell Haskins has weathered against the odds for eight years to develop his vision for a lifestyle event that would bridge his passion for supporting worthy community causes and his love of sports, fashion and entertainment. “As a golf enthusiast, I wanted to bring together other people of color who share a love for this sport” said Haskins. He continues “African-Americans have always participated in the game. I want more people of color to feel comfortable on the golf course. Our historical contributions deserve to be included in the overall landscape of the sport.”

A fundraiser as well as a celebratory social event, The Original Tee Golf Classic will also donate a portion of the proceeds to The American Cancer Society and The Bill Dickey Scholarship Association. “As successful business people, it’s important that we support organizations and charities that contribute to the growth, success and health of our communities,” said Haskins. The Original Tee Golf Classic is supported in part by American Express, Diageo, ESPN Magazine, GODIVA Chocolate, Inc. Magazine, Microsoft, The NBA, Pepsi, Starbucks, VIBE Magazine and Washington Mutual as well as local businesses and organizations.

If you would like more information about the 8th Original Tee Golf Classic, or to schedule an interview with Wendell Haskins and/or Charlie Sifford, please call Keith Forest at 917-714-8998 or e-mail Keithlforest@aol.com .

ABOUT ORIGINAL TEE INC.
Original Tee Inc. was founded and launched in 1999 by entertainment marketing entrepreneur, Wendell J. Haskins (Founder/President), a Hampton University graduate. A veteran professional in the entertainment field, Haskins has created a reputation of excellence as a music executive, event producer and style consultant. Haskins named his company in honor of the original African-American inventor of the golf tee, George F. Grant who invented and patented the modern golf tee in 1899. Grant’s story became the driving inspiration behind Haskins’ company name, events and golf fashion/accessory line, which launched with the "Original Tee-Shirt." Find more on Wendell Haskins and Original Tee Inc. at www.originaltee.com.

Website: www.originaltee.com