By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, on Tuesday, August 31, reiterated the game’s diversity, equity, inclusion commitment during a call with media from around the globe.
“The PGA Tour is positioned for unprecedented growth over the next ten years, starting with the 2021-2022 season,” Monahan told a group of journalists who cover the sport for outlets worldwide.
A few days earlier, the commissioner met with a contingent from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), including NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Executive Administrator Claudette Perry.
During an exclusive interview, Monahan spoke candidly about how the PGA Tour has worked diligently to become more diverse.
He noted the various commitments and programs that the Tour has begun or aligned itself with to meet diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
“One year ago, I pledged that the PGA TOUR would be part of the conversation and the solution surrounding racial and social injustices in our society. I also said then that, candidly, we didn’t know exactly what to do right away, but that we wouldn’t be deterred,” Monahan declared.
“Does it feel like it was in the distant past? Absolutely not. What we’ve done since is commit to communicate, learn, show compassion, and – ultimately – demand better. That started with – and, frankly, continues with – doing a lot more listening than talking,” he asserted to the NNPA, the trade association representing the hundreds of newspapers and media companies that comprise the Black Press of America.
Monahan stuck with that message during his press conference with the international media.
“I’d like to spend some time revising a conversation and commitment the PGA Tour made one year ago this week,” Monahan remarked, as he provided a state-of-the-game update during the closing week of the 2020-2021 PGA Tour season.
“At the 2020 Tour Championship, I pledged that the PGA Tour would be a part of the conversation and the solution surrounding racial and social injustices in our society. We made a commitment … to demand better,” Monahan said forcefully.
He spoke about the $100 million commitment the PGA Tour made to support racial equity and inclusion efforts.
“We’re working with our tournaments and their local communities to build on the incredible impact they’re making already through increased understanding, support, and engagements with nonprofits leading equity and inclusion work,” Monahan stated.
“One aspect of our focus is helping to grow diversity inside the ropes through our expanded relationship with the APGA tour.”
He continued:
“We’ve already seen progress with players like Willie Mack III competing successfully on the APGA Tour. With his victory at APGA Mastercard Tour Championship, Willie receives a full scholarship into Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
“We’re identifying, preparing, and transitioning top African American collegiate golfers into professional golf. The efforts of Kenyatta Ramsey, a PGA Tour employee since 2008, have been instrumental in our progress in the player diversity space.
“Kenyatta now oversees this relationship in an official capacity as Senior Director Player Development.”
The commissioner lifted other initiatives like the PGA Tour’s 10-year, $100 million pledge to support racial equity and inclusion efforts and HBCU and APGA Tour initiatives.
“Those are programs that we’re pleased to have underway,” Monahan said.
He also spoke enthusiastically about the PGA Tour’s season and the already fast-approaching 2021-2022 season.
“I’m excited,” Monahan said.
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