by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2014

Golf & Tennis Challenge: One Professional Talks Utilizing the Sports to Further Career Goals

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You also have Girls on the Green (GOTG) program, why was this started?

Girls On the Green Tee (GOTGT) is designed to encourage and promote girls ages 7 – 14, in disadvantaged situations to learn and play the sport of golf and to integrate mentors and coaches that will focus on initiatives to prepare girls to live and work in a diverse, rapidly changing world. By exposing these young girls to golf and various golf facilities, they will have an opportunity to broaden their view of the world.

Is WOCG affiliated with anyone and/or any organizations?

Yes, WOCG has a created a mentoring relationship with two African American female LPGA professionals in the Florida area.

• Paula Pearson- Tucker, LPGA Teaching and Club Professional and head golf professional for the City of Lauderhill. She is the Founder of Fore Life Inc., a not-for-profit organization she founded with Football Hall of Fame, Lawrence Taylor. Fore Life, Inc. uses golf and its decision making skills to help vulnerable youth from underserved communities survive and succeed.
• Alice Brown is a certified LPGA/USGTF (Ladies Professional Golf Association / United States Golf Teaching Federation) professional. Alice is also a Level IV-Master/Examiner/World Teaching and Club Professional.  Alice is currently subcontracting with WOCG to provide golf instruction to young girls in an alternative school in the Tampa Bay area.

WOCG is affiliated with the First Tee of Tampa Bay.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start an organization similar to this as far as them being able to get it running and making it work for them.

WOCG has a staff of qualified professionals and consultants that are available to discuss the startup process. We can be reached at: info@womenofcolorgolf.org. In general, to start an organization, you must understand and define your why and the reason you want to start an organization and be passionate about the work! Begin with the end in mind. Understand and define your roadmap. Compose a team, of advisors, you can trust. Be prepared to work through failures and celebrate success.

In 10 years, what are WOCG and GOTG doing and what have they achieved?

WOCG would like to expand nationally and work with motivated donors, sponsors and organizers to create a movement for WOCG to leverage local and national resources, technology, mentors and educational resources to grow the game of golf for women. WOCG has brought 50,000 new women to golf. GOTG is a nationally recognized program ; supporting over 10,000 girls annually. WOCG has a membership of 100,000+

Why is the Black Enterprise Golf and Tennis Challenge important for people to attend?

In my opinion, the Black Enterprise golf and tennis event is the premier event venue for professionals to network and meet individuals from all over the country to socialize and broaden your business relationships in a relaxed, fun and recreational environment.

How did you benefit from attending the Golf & Tennis Challenge?

WOCG was able to connect with several professionals in the golf industry, certified teaching golf professionals and golf companies, to discuss opportunities to make the game more inclusive to minorities and women. WOCG will work with some of the connections we made to create a movement to encourage Women of Color to play recreational golf and to understand the vast amount of business benefits that are available to them on the green.