Events also include an APGA Tour competition and youth golf clinic to take place on historic course in Los Angeles, as part of efforts to diversify golf
LOS ANGELES – The Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) will celebrate Juneteenth this year through a slate of events that draw attention to golf’s power to transcend barriers and unite communities while celebrating joy and freedom for Black Americans. The events will take place from June 17-20 at the historic Chester Washington Golf Course in Los Angeles, California — one of the first public courses in Southern California to desegregate and allow people of all races to play, and a site of advocacy for broaderinclusion in golf.
Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning entertainer Debbie Allen and NBA Legend Norm Nixon, both of whom are celebrated for their impact on sports and the arts, will kick off the Juneteenth celebrations by hosting the inaugural APGA pro-am golf tournament on June 17 featuring a vibrant mix of participants — from celebrities and industry titans to professional golfers and members of the Los Angeles community. Following the tournament,the APGA will convene post-round festivities including a silent auction, live entertainment, interactive activities, and exclusive gifts. Proceeds will benefit the APGA Foundation, fueling the organization’s mission to support aspiring golfers.
“Norm and I are honored to support the APGA’s mission to diversify professional golf and encourage youngpeople to engage with a sport that not only promotes healthy competition and building connections, but also mental clarity, relaxation, and better physical health,” said Debbie Allen. “The legacy of Juneteenth is one of hope for a brighter future, and the APGA’s efforts are working to bring about that positive change.”
Following the pro-am tournament, more than 50 APGA Tour players will compete in the fifth professionaltournament of the 2024 Cisco Cup Series on June 18-19. The competition will mark the 15th anniversary of the APGA, which has rapidly become a leading platform for underrepresented golfers, providing a trusted pipeline fortalent development through professional tournaments, player development and mentoring programs, and introducing the game to underserved youth.
“For almost 15 years the APGA has empowered generations of golfers by creating opportunities for them tothrive in the game, and for young people to learn more about the sport and realize their potential,” said Keith Houlemard, CEO of the APGA. “Golf can build bridges across lines of difference, both on and off the course, and we are excited to carry the spirit of Juneteenth through this year’s event.”
On June 20, young people in the Los Angeles area will be treated to the APGA Foundation Youth Clinicpresented by Farmers Insurance where they will learn more about the sport from professional players and have an opportunity to play. The APGA Foundation’s youth clinics are part of the organization’s multifaceted approach to empowering youth through the game of golf, which also includes both health and wellnesssessions and career development programs in addition to the interactive golf clinics.
For more information on the APGA’s Juneteenth celebrations and to learn more about the organization’smission, visit apgatour.org.
About the APGA
At the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA), our mission is to bring greater diversity to thegame of golf. Founded in 2010, we are dedicated to transforming the landscape of golf by fostering a culture ofinclusivity and creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. The APGA Board of Directors work to accomplish this by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player developmentprograms, mentoring programs and by introducing the game to inner city young people. In addition to conductingan expected 18 tournaments awarding close to $1 million in prize and bonus money in 2024, the APGA has organized a Player Development Program to aid young minority golfers as they work to chase their goals inprofessional golf.
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