Black Professional Golfer Willie Mack Shares His Journey and Challenges in Exclusive Minority Golf Magazine Interview

Willie Mack interview…Herschel Caldwell, publisher and Patricia Caldwell, Sr. Editor, Minority Golf Magazine, minoritygolfmag.com

MGM: Good to be talking to you, Willie. First of all, those of us who follow you and your story already know about your journey into Professional Golf and how it all began for you.  How have those humble beginnings impacted the pro golfer we see today?

MACK: I always say that I am glad that I went through the struggles. Everybody, including me, has their “ups and downs.” However, since turning pro, I feel like my downs—like sleeping in my car and not having a lot of money—made me a better person and a better golfer.

MGM: Growing up in Flint, Michigan, when did you know that you had the skill set to be a pro?

MACK: I was probably around 12 or 13 (when) I started taking golf seriously. Growing up I played other sports like basketball, football, and baseball. I’m not the tallest person, so I had to pick one of the sports that you could play well at any height you happened to be. I’m glad I picked golf!

MGM: After collegiate golf, how did you become acquainted with the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA)? Were you recruited by founders and early executives of the APGA, such as Adrian Stills, Ken Bentley and Dr. Michael Cooper?

MACK: When I left Bethune Cookman and turned pro, I probably heard by word of mouth that the APGA had started up a tour. I think they had three tournaments that first year and I played in all of them. Since then, it has been growing, and I’ve played those tournaments ever since.

Mr. Stills was great from the beginning and has always given me good advice. Mr. Bentley got me opportunities and exemptions that have had a lot to do with my success. Dr. Cooper was always there supporting all the players and keeping us focused on the “prize”. None of the APGA players would be where they are without the faith and confidence of these men and others along the way.

MGM: We know that these and others have helped you. For instance, you have spoken a lot about the Tiger Woods Foundation, and of course Tiger Woods himself, and their immeasurable assistance. Who else has or continues to influence you on this journey?

MACK: My parents for certain! My dad has sacrificed so much. He always took me to tournaments growing up and always told me never give up. I have always carried that advice in the back of my head. My dad will be out here at Torrey Pines, which definitely means a lot to me. Hopefully it will be a good week.

MGM: Congratulations on your high finish last year at the Crossings. I know you will be missed this year as you are playing in the Farmers and cannot be there to compete again with another strong field of minority professionals, including last year’s winner, Chase Johnson. What do you consider to be your biggest challenge as you look to compete this week and in future tournaments like the Genesis in mid-February which will also be at Torrey Pines?

MACK: My coping mechanism is just taking it day by day, preparing every day and doing what I can. If I do that, I know I can play well and compete with these guys. Playing well in the U.S. Open last year gave me confidence in the first round. Although I struggled in the second round, seeing my name on the leaderboard throughout the whole first day gave me the confidence that I could meet the challenge and that I should be out here.

MGM: I know you are sponsored by Farmers. How did that relationship begin and what can you tell us about Farmer’s CEO Jeff Daly and his commitment to diversify golf?

MACK: I feel that Mr. Daly went out on a limb and gave us an opportunity to showcase our skills at a higher level. Farmers was my first big sponsor, and I feel like them being able to reach out and sponsor me, opened up doors for some other sponsors and helped get me to where I am today for sure. I think Mr. Bentley was on the Farmer’s board and told Jeff about me and that’s how it all began. I am very grateful for that.

MGM: What is your play schedule of events for the year? The U.S., possibly the British, other events you are setting your sites on?

MACK: The first time I played here (in the Farmers at Torrey Pines) I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect, but now that I’ve played in 11 PGA tour events and a major, I feel like I know a lot of guys and feel comfortable and are now excited to get it going. I want to get back into the U.S. Open and do some Monday Qualifiers. I also want to get back into some PGA tour events, play in the John Shippen tournament in Detroit and participate in some other events.

MGM: How do you stay grounded and keep yourself in check? How do you handle the mental pressure?

MACK: Growing up, my parents taught me to always be humble and to always give back and help people. I always remind myself that I was at one time one of those people that needed help, so if I can help someone else, I always try to do that.

MGM: What does “giving back” look like for you? As you know Tiger put on clinics around the country. How do you give back?

MACK: As you know I am sponsored by Wilson and each year they give me a certain amount of clothing to give out to kids. I also do what I can to inspire the next generation, who otherwise might not be able to see somebody like me play golf. All you have to do is provide these kids an opportunity, and then see what happens.

MGM: Who is your coach?

MACK: My coach is Todd Anderson, at TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida).

MGM: Where and what do you currently believe to be the strong points of your game? Putting? Short or long game?

MACK: Lately my driver has been pretty good. I know that you must hit straight at Torrey and hit some good iron shots. Hopefully I can make some putts this week.

(MGM Note: Much discussion then ensued about the North and South courses at Torrey Pines; the difficulty of the courses and how they play; and Mack’s golfing partners and play schedule).

MGM: In your opinion, how can golf become more accessible and inclusive?

MACK: Golf leaders can provide kids playing opportunities to help get them on golf courses. Many have never swung a golf club, and most don’t have transportation or equipment which needs to be supplied.

MGM: Many of our kids love and are most familiar with basketball and baseball. Given this, how do you motivate their interest in golf?

MACK: Kids need to be told that there are so many good opportunities in golf. You can meet athletes, conduct business ventures and use golf to become a well-rounded individual in all areas of your life. Many can benefit from having this great outlet in their arsenal.

MGM: Our publication has a worldwide circulation that promotes diversity and appeals to all golfers of various ethnicities. Given this opportunity, what would you like to say to our readership about professional golf?

MACK: Golf is a harder sport than it may seem. It is expensive. It takes a lot of time away from your family. There are many lonely nights. But as a golfer, looking back at how you came through and what you have accomplished makes you enjoy the good times even more. Your view of the ups and downs is a lot better when you turn things around and succeed.

MGM: We know you have a heavy schedule, and we thank you for taking a few minutes with us. We and our readers wish you the best this coming week and the 2025 season.

NOTE: MGM will continue to follow Willie Mack III, winner of 11 APGA events, as he seeks to win his first PGA tournament.