Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon Host Community Golf Tournament
The Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) has created a space for more diversity within the game of golf. Founded in 2010, the organization recently held a Pro-Am golf tournament hosted by Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award-winning entertainer Debbie Allen along with her husband, NBA legend and sports commentator Norm Nixon.
When asked why they chose to participate in the event, Nixon said, “I think it’s important that our kids have this type of exposure. Many business deals are made on the golf course. But it costs a lot of money to play golf and the youth don’t always have access, which are two issues that are extremely difficult to overcome. The APGA provides so many resources to young golfers that are trying to get on the PGA tour through events such as this. I think it’s a great organization.”
The event took place 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 broader inclusion in golf. Allen, a renowned thespian, choreographer, and director, gave insight into barriers that still have to be overcome in sports that are similar within the arts.
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“There are golf courses in this country that don’t allow women – so forget Black people or other people of color. Ballet and the world of dance has always been elitist like that. And it’s taken many years to break that down with Lauren Anderson and Misty Copeland becoming prima ballerina,” said Allen.
“It’s something that we have to work on, you know, because Black people are the heart and soul of America, that’s who we are. So, things still need to change. And with the APGA, this is a great way to do it.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Keith Houlemard, CEO of the APGA, told the Sentinel that golf’s inaccessibility for many Black and brown youths is steeped in “tradition and circumstance [as well as] a lack of access.”
He added, “It’s one of the things we seek to break in creating visible events like this and inviting the community out. There’s an opportunity for us to develop deeper communities everywhere we go within golf.” Houlemard went on to say that it was this social action spirit that made Allen and Nixon the perfect event hosts.
“When they heard about what we do with APGA, they were eager to come out and support and we’re continuing to have conversations about how we can work together in the future. We’ve created a family around what we’re doing in the golf world with APGA and we’re excited that Norm and Debbie are a part of it,” he said.
Allen added, “We are such advocates of the arts because sports and the arts go hand in hand. My husband has helped me do everything at The Debbie Allen Dance Academy. After he retired from basketball, he started playing golf and it’s something that he loves to do.
“So, I’m happy to be here because I’ve learned so many things that I didn’t know about golf, and I’m intrigued. Now, I don’t know if I want to pick up the club, but I’ll drive the cart!”
The APGA Juneteenth Classic was fiercely competitive with a 61-player field competing in the 5th event of the Cisco Cup Series. Manav Shah clinched the win in a thrilling 3-man playoff by sinking a 24-foot eagle putt.
Additionally, the APGA Foundation youth clinic, presented by Farmers Insurance, brought together over 70 young golfers in partnership with First Tee and Tee Divas Tee Dudes. There was a golf clinic conducted by APGA Tour Professional Golfers, a mental health session, and a career development session, and scholarships were awarded to winning essay contestants.
Before heading out to the course, Houlemard reiterated the heart of APGA’s mission. “Our tournament and our pro players get a ton of attention. But what our foundation does in communities with the youth, with our junior series, and with our player development is the stuff that really builds them up and prepares them for the future. I’m proud of the full scope of what we do with APGA.”
To learn more about the APGA visit: Apgatour.org
