New Social Forum Launched for Golfers of Color

March 19, 2013 - PRLog -- The Minority Golf Association (MGA) understands just how importance of bringing more diversity to the golf industry. Back in 1946, golfer of color legend, William Powell, felt the same way. He did his part to revolutionize the game of golf by opening the very first African-American owned and operated golf course. Powell is also famously known for designing and building the Ohio-based Clearview Golf Club. Today, MGA hopes to develop a successful, non-profit organization created for the sole purpose of networking golfers of color together across the globe.

When people think of minorities in the golf industry, the first name that comes to mind is usually Tiger Woods. Through the year 2009, Woods won 71 golf tournaments, with 14 being major championships. Over the last 10 years, he has become one of the most successful, and most highly recognized professional athletes ever. This was a major feat for the minority populations, whether golf lovers or not.

Famous Golfers of Color
But, there are other famous names that are synonymous with the world of golf. Some other great golfers of color include:  

• African American Golfers: Joseph Bramlett, Joe Lewis, Ted Rhodes, John Shippen, Bill Spiller, William Powell, Junior Bridgeman, Renee Powell and Sheila Johnson, among others.
• Hispanic/Latino Golfers: Abe Espinosa, Ernie Gonzalez, Joe Jimenez, Nancy Lopez, Robert Gamez, Al Espinoza, Homero Blancas, Lee Trevino, Pat Perez, Tony Holguin, etc...
• Native American Golfers: Notah Begay III, Rod Curl, Frank Dufina, etc...
• Asian Golfers: Vijay Singh, Grace Park, Se Ri Pak, Jenny Park-Choi, and more. Tiger Woods also falls in this category.

History shows that people of color have been trying to diversify the golf industry since 1896. According to the PGA Timeline (http://www.pga.com/timeline-african-american-achievements...) (Professional Golf Association of America), that's when African-American/Native American golfer, John Shippen graduated from caddie to golfer in the 2nd US Open at Shinnecock Hills. Shippen was just 17 years old, and had to ensure the prejudices of those who simply didn't want the game of golf integrated. He went on to tie for 6th place, and actually participated in five more US opens.

The PGA has also done it's share to encourage more diversity in golf. Over the years, numerous golfers of color have won and received honors from the PGA. This has served as an important message: it's the skills of the golfer that counts, not the color of the golfers skin.

In 2010, the USGA (United States Golf Association) and the PGA teamed up in order to create a centralized repository for documents and artifacts that relate to African-Americans in the history of golf. It will be located in Far Hills, NJ at the USGA Museum. There will also be public programs and exhibitions at the Port St. Lucie, FL's PGA Historical Center. Both the PGA and USGA will conduct spectator events for diverse audiences.

Benefits of Networking Golfers of Color Globally
Networking with like-minded people is one of the most effective ways to learn from others' successes while expanding knowledge. This same philosophy rings true when it comes to the game of golf.

Networking with other golfers who are people of color provides the opportunity to make valuable connections. Golf forums and social networks allow users to ask relevant questions, and get advise from golf industry experts. Even those who aren't experts can also share their knowledge and golf experiences to help others diversify the industry.

Want to join a network for golfers of color?  
Join the Minority Golf Association (http://www.minoritygolfassociation.com/) (MGA) today and start networking with people of color who have a true love for golf.

For more on the history of people of color in golf, check it Pete McDaniel's book entitled Uneven Lies: The Heroic Story of African-Americans in Golf (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1888531363/ref=as_li_tf_...) (foreword by Tiger Woods).

Author Bio: This press release was written by Kiesha Joseph. Kiesha is a content marketing geek for the Minority Golf Association. MGA is a non-profit group dedicated to providing resources for golfers of color globally.