The PGA of America (PGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) are currently presenting an exhibit which is the "first of its kind" to preserve and further the history of African-American golf. The special exhibit and video tributes in the CNN Center Atrium, (Atlanta) celebrates the history and chronicles the accomplishments of African-American golf pioneers, including local professional golfers.

The exhibit is open to the public and is free of charge from July 28-Aug. 31. Included are achievements from Shippen, the first African-American to play in a U.S. Open (1896); Lee Elder, the first black golfer in the Masters (1975); Bill Powell, the only African-American to design, build, own and operate a golf course; boxing legend Joe Louis, who became the first African-American to play in a PGA Tour event; Tiger Woods, the first African-American to win a major golf championship, at the 1997 Masters, and the first to win the 1999 PGA Championship. Local acknowledgements include, PGA Professional William Lewis, the men's golf coach at Morehouse College; Jeff Dunovant, PGA director of instruction at The First Tee at East Lake, and Vice President of Development of Sydmar Golf Inc., and he is also Chair of the Board/President for the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. He and father, late Harold Dunovant, are the only African-American father and son Class A professional members of the PGA of America to date.

Late Harold Dunovant, was a pioneer for African-American athletes and his impact on the game of golf has been of historical magnitude and has been recognized as someone who changed the course of the game of golf for people of color. As the first African-American to graduate from the PGA's Business School in 1960, it took Harold Dunovant an additional fourteen (14) years to obtain his PGA Class A membership because none of the local PGA members, who were all white, would endorse his membership into the PGA of America. In 1974, Dunovant was finally elected to membership into the PGA.
"This is a powerful tribute that supports the impact of diversity in golf. It is particularly exciting to see the exhibit honor our contributions as it runs parallel to The 93rd PGA Championship," said Jeff Dunovant.

For more information, please visit www.sydmargolf.com, www.sajfoundation.com, www.sugarcreekga.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Pro Shop contact: 404.241.7671/fax 404.244.4916.


More info at:   http://www.nepga.com/national/
http://www.nationalblackgolfhalloffame.com/the-founder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l976oNMIAUk