I have recently learned that I have been selected along with ten other outstanding individuals to be inducted into the African American Golf Hall of Fame. The Awards Celebration and the 8th Annual African American Collegiate & Golfers Hall of Fame Celebration will take place in May 2018.
Words, even from this writer, cannot describe the humility and honor I feel at this moment in my life.
You don’t begin your career in any field with the goal of being chosen for an honor of your achievements or contributions.
And as I enter the later stage of my life this is giving me a renewed determination to work even harder to become a better person. I know and believe that there is nothing or no works can ever justify the love of God through Christ Jesus. Likewise, there is nothing that I have done to deserve this honor absent of a support team in my life beginning with my wife, family, friends, and myriad of support from the community.
Herschel V. Caldwell, Publisher
News Release (edited)
West Palm Beach, FL. (January 21, 2018) – The 14th Annual African American Golfers Hall of Fame (AAGHOF) Conference, Tournaments, Reception, Dinner, Auction & Awards Celebration & The 8th Annual African American Collegiate & Youth Golfer Hall of Fame will be held in Palm Beach County, FL during the period May 24-28, 2018. The Annual AAGHOF Black Tie Optional Reception & Awards Dinner Celebration will be held on May 27, 2018 at Eastpointe Country Club, 13535 Eastpointe Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL. “WE are excited and please to partner with and have the support of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission; Inner City Youth Golfers, Inc. (ICYG); Riviera Beach Parks & Recreation Department, Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency; ESPN West Palm Beach and the Honda Classic this year. Said: Malachi Knowles, Founder. “This is a great opportunity to support our premier international organization dedicated to the history of African Americans in the sport of golf.” Said George W, Linley, III, Executive Director, Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
“2018 African American Collegiate & Youth Golfers Hall of Fame”
“2018 Youth Golfer of the Year”
Christyn Chanelle Carr, Northview High School, Johns Creek, GA
Miracle Unique Goolsby, Arabia Mountain High School, Lithonia, GA
Stephanie Luma, Seminole Ridge High School, Loxahatchee, Fl
Julia Alexander Simon, Lusher Charter High School, New Orleans, LA
“2018 Collegiate Golfers of the Year”
Ethan Vincent Mangum, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Mulbe Marcellous Dillard, IV, FAMU, Tallahassee, FL
Camille Antonia Simon, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA
“2018 African American Golfers Hall of Fame”
Daryl Dwayne Batey, PGA, Lilburn, GA
Maxine Walker Bland, Clifton, VA
Herschel V. Caldwell, Aurora, CO
Michael W. Cooper, Ph.D., Tampa, FL
Ronald M. Dumas, Cincinnati, OH
Damon Lateef Hack, Orlando, FL
Kenny Larry, Augusta, GA
Frederick H. Lightbourn, Nassau, Bahamas
Malcolm S. Rhodes, PGA, Detroit, MI
Frederick R. Sturrup , J.P., Nassau, Bahamas
Joseph L. & Shirley A. Williams, Hunington, WV
“Special 2018 AAGHOF Founders Award”
The Greater Dayton, Ohio Golf Academy (Robert C. & Mary Jo Wiley)
This celebratory event has institutionalized the true recognition of the historic involvement in the “growth of the game of golf” since the 1800’s. The African – American golfing community is at no loss for stories documenting its struggles, tragedies and ultimate triumphs. Little has been done however to recognize the accomplishments of those who really paved the way for today’s “Black Golfers”. The AAGHOF very strongly believes in its youth! It feels strongly that golf’s future cannot be passed from its “Legends” to our “Youth” unless they are included and honored annually during this event.
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