Category: Feature Articles

The Rocket Mortgage Classic made its debut as a PGA Tour event held in Detroit in 2019, and the impact has been immediate. The outreach to the metro Detroit community and its efforts to achieve diversity is well known.  By Herschel Caldwell Rocket Mortgage (a subsidiary of Quicken Loans) is the nation’s largest home mortgage lender, reporting more than $350 billion in volume in 2020. Rocket Mortgage is known for innovation, using digital and state-of-the-art technology to create a welcoming environment for homebuyers across the country. Fortune’s list of 500 companies lists Rocket Companies, Rocket Mortgage’s parent company, as #5… Read More »

Editor’s note: Lenwood Robinson, author, historian penned a novel in 1996 called the Black Golfer, a Chicago Perspective. His work and writings on Black Golf in America is as relevant today as it was twenty-five years ago. Minority Golf Magazine chose to print excerpts in it’s February 1997 issue and the story remains important today as the PGA and the Chicago Golf Club (site of the 2021 Rocket Mortgage PGA tournament) prepare to host a national co-ed tournament featuring a field of top African American male and female golfers from around the country.  The Women’s Division will feature a 36-hole… Read More »

This historic victory has reverberated in Asia and throughout the world. Because the benefits are so immense, there is no way to accurately measure the impact of what the young Mr. Matsuyama accomplished at this year’s Masters Tournament. Ah, yes, the $2,070.000 winnings are readily calculable and future endorsements—along with  other commercial opportunities—are very much a given for this Japanese professional.  However, what is immeasurable is the impact on the geopolitical and social landscape of America and the rest of the golfing world. When asked if he felt the weight of the day on the back nine, Matsuyama said through… Read More »

Black History Month is a noble title given to an official month of remembering and celebrating the multitude of societal contributions made by Black people throughout U.S. history.  Minority Golf Magazine is solely devoted to persons of color throughout the U.S. and around the world, and we support the efforts of those who celebrate black contributions during February and throughout the entire year. Given this, we have never lacked stories and the accomplishments of Black golfers to write about.  Many other fine publications also contain volumes of information about black golfers. Among them are Uneven Lies, by Pete McDaniel in… Read More »

A DEEPER LOOK INTO THE TOURNAMENT Many of our readers have asked how a pro golfer qualifies for entry into the Players Championship, scheduled this year from March 9-15. Held at the world-class TPC Saw Grass GC in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, The Players Championship (called simply “The Players”) is an annually anticipated event for golfers around the world—and for a number of reasons. Sometimes referred to as “The Fifth Major,” this prestigious occurrence has always had a deep and talented field, the “Best of the Best.” The Players also offers the biggest purse of any PGA Tour event:  $15… Read More »

Years ago, when discussing this incredible work with Dr. Sinnette, this author knew he had the privilege of hearing from one of the great historical minds of our time. It is a great honor to offer readers this excerpt from Dr. Calvin H. Sinnette’s famous, extensively researched tome, which he masterfully penned in 1998. Minority Golf Magazine strives to continue enlightening readers with historical contributions of minorities to the game of golf. Therefore, excerpts from Dr. Sinnette’s book, and those of other excellent writers, will periodically be featured in Minority Golf Magazine. Forbidden Fairways by Dr. Calvin H. Sinnette Chapter… Read More »

The Genesis Open Championship was held February 13-16 at Palisades, CA’s Riviera Country Club, one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. Debuting in 1926 as the Los Angeles (Country Club) Open, the tournament was initially staged at various courses throughout the Los Angeles area before permanently settling at the Riviera in 1973, where, with one exception, it has been held each year since. The course has seen many significant moments in golf history and is known as the site of Jack Nicklaus’ professional debut, as well as the stage for Tiger Woods’ first PGA TOUR tournament. The first… Read More »

Elder becomes first African American to receive Association’s highest honor LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (Feb. 23, 2019) – The USGA will honor Lee Elder with its highest honor, the Bob Jones Award, in a ceremony on June 12, 2019, during the week of the 119th U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links. Elder is the first African American to receive the prestigious award. Presented annually since 1955, the Bob Jones Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones, winner of nine USGA championships. “Lee’s perseverance, positive attitude, and generous… Read More »