The following article was produced by PGA Tour Headquarters : emilytillo@pgatourhq.com
“As the nation celebrates Black History Month with observances and activities honoring the historic contributions of African Americans, THE PLAYERS is no exception. This month, THE PLAYERS introduced Foreward Together, a new exhibit that highlights and chronicles the milestones and impact of African Americans in golf. The exhibit, which also highlights Jacksonville leaders’ contributions to the integration of golf, will be on display at TPC Sawgrass during the month of February and will relocate to the atrium of Jacksonville City Hall for display throughout March.”
Foreward Together features interactive touch screen displays, timelines and memorabilia from several of the game’s most celebrated legends and industry trailblazers.
“Calvin [Peete, the first African-American winner of THE PLAYERS Championship] inspired so many young people, especially kids, across the country and across the world to pick up a golf club and start playing this great game,” said Pepper Peete, widow of the late Calvin Peete. “This exhibit is just one way his legacy lives on and future generations can continue to know that golf is a sport anyone can play.”
Foreward Together includes a rich collection of information, stories and items designed to inform and introduce visitors to the many pioneers, trailblazers and advocates who have contributed to the growth and impact of the sport. The origins of the Foreward Together exhibit stem from a Northeast Florida Golf Exhibit that was on display at the Ritz Theater & LaVilla Museum in 2015.
“It’s such an honor to play a part in bringing this exhibit to life,” said Jared Rice, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS. “Golf has such a rich history in our community, and this exhibit – as evidenced by its name – demonstrates our commitment to honoring and building a stronger and more inclusive future.”
“We are honored that THE PLAYERS chose to commission this exhibit and have it on display for all of Jacksonville’s citizens to see and explore,” said Lenny Curry, Mayor, City of Jacksonville. “Jacksonville is home to many African-American trailblazers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the game of golf is more accessible, and this exhibit shines an important spotlight on the leading role our community has played in making sure golf is more inclusive and welcoming to all.”
Exhibit Address and Hours:
- TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse (note- clubhouse is open to the public): 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
- 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday
- Jacksonville City Hall: 117 W Duval St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday – Closed
- Sunday – Closed
About THE PLAYERS Championship
THE PLAYERS Championship annually combines the strongest field in golf with the world-class venue that is THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Optum®, Morgan Stanley and Grant Thornton LLP are the exclusive Proud Partners of THE PLAYERS. Proceeds from THE PLAYERS benefit Northeast Florida charities and have totaled more than $100 million since it began in 1974 and moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977. For more on THE PLAYERS, visit THEPLAYERS.com. For more on the surrounding areas, visit floridashistoriccoast.com or visitjacksonville.com.
About Optum
Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. With more than 210,000 people worldwide, Optum delivers intelligent, integrated solutions that help to modernize the health system and improve overall population health. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). For more information, visit www.Optum.com.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please visit http://www.morganstanley.com.
About Grant Thornton LLP
Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton, which has revenues in excess of $1.9 billion and operates more than 50 offices, works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.
“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.
February of each year is dedicated to Black History in America, and each year we are reminded of the myriad accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans which all Americans have benefitted from. All areas of society can claim a share of the “pie” from science, medicine, politics, sports, business, education, and the list goes on.
As we remember and salute those of whom shoulders we all stand, we think it’s worth mentioning those who are currently making history in the industry of golf, a history that solidifies the foundation already laid so that the young people of today and tomorrow may have an on-going reference of why they are the beneficiaries current Black History in the making.
However, as a prelude to our literary celebration of Black History Month we would like to congratulate the PGA Tour and The Players for the opening of the Foreward Together exhibit on display at TPC Sawgrass during the month of February and the Atrium of Jacksonville City Hall for the month of March. Ed.
