Sending you holiday cheer and good vibes this season! Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. –“Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.”* -James Ross*
It’s Christmas Eve!!!
Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season! Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. –“Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.”* -James Ross*
VSGA Champion: Olivia Greene
The fruits of Golf. My Future. My Game. are manifesting. Congratulations to Olivia Greene!!!! Why am I congratulating Olivia? Because Saturday, November 18th Olivia (Livi) participated and played in the Virginia State Golf Association 9 Hole Championship, and she won 1st Place. Her Mom & Dad alerted me earlier that week where they were going and why and of course I wished…
Happy Thanksgiving
This past Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving. I hope your Thanksgiving experience was memorable, safe, relaxed, and full of favor with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. “Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.”* -James Ross*
The Ten Commandments
Earlier this week I enjoyed a follow-up conversation with Wayne Gary Player, son of PGA Tour Player, Gary Player. During the course of our conversation we chatted about his dad’s 10 Commandments. Both listening and reading these Commandments I wanted to share with you, our readers. Gary Player’s Ten Commandments Wayne, thank you for sharing the…
Benedict College
Last week I travelled with Dr. Michael Cooper to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. A phenomenal experience highlighted by a meeting with College President Dr. Roslyn Artis and her leadership team. The historic campus’s magnificence is not only its location in the middle of the Benedict College Historic District, it also is its historical significance. …
61
My one day in the office this week I wondered what this week’s blog would be. I thought about it for about 20 minutes and decided it would be about me. Today, yes, today is my 61st birthday. Happy Birthday Craig!!!! Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. “Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It…
Paul Quinn College
This past week I had the good fortune to travel with colleagues Dr. Michael Cooper and Mr. James Beatty to Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas. Our visit highlighted by a meeting with College President Michael Sorrell, Ed.D. was exceptional. Witnessing the enthusiasm of the students was tied to the energy of the college faculty,…
COSI / Center of Science & Industry
This past Saturday the youth in our Dayton, Ohio program experienced a field- trip to COSI in Columbus, Ohio. Cosi stands for Center of Science and Industry. COSI is a nationally esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 58 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)…
Simple Thought
Time to time simple thoughts float in my mind. Realizing we are in a world where DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Vice Presidents are numerous in corporate cultures the following came to my attention, Great minds should not think alike. But they can work together. Think about that! Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. –“Stay true to yourself and listen…
Four Friends
Every week brings with it good and not so good. The past 8 days I have received not so good news about four friends, they (all) passed within 4 days of each other. This past week I attended a funeral or two. I can share that each one of them was special in their own rite. Smart, funny, kind,…
EICA Award
This past week I attended the National HBCU (Historically Black College and Universities )Week Conference. A conference highlight, being with (my) HBCU Golf Consortium Co-Lead, Dr. Michael Cooper as we received, and he accepted on behalf of USGA CEO Mike Whan the 2023 Executive Director’s Award for Excellence in Innovation and Collaboration (EICA). Presented by Dr. Dietra…
Commitment
Last week there was no blog. That is because my travels got the best of me. Departing Washington, D.C. last Thursday morning I arrived in Detroit, Michigan to celebrate with program partner, Matrix Human Services, our Program Director, Coach Leon Maynard, and our fabulous youth who have shown commitment and promise over the past two years. Through the…
Accomplishing… To Be Continued
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at the 3rd Annual African American Golf Expo & Forum Special Awards Luncheon in Louisville, Kentucky at the Galt House Hotel I had the fortune to sit next to former PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and two people away from Chairman & Editor-In-Chief of Golf Digest, Jerry Tarde. To say this was special to…
Labor Day
Happy Labor Day. Rest, relax, and enjoy the coming of Fall!!! Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. –“Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.”* -James Ross*
The Difference
Every day I wake up I wake to make a difference in the lives of youth across this nation. I share with them all what it takes to stay in the game, to stay strong, and to believe in themselves. Often, I look at this photo and caption. Never give up and never quit trying….
The University of Maryland Eastern host Black Golfer’s Weekend
NEWS ALERT BREAKING NEWS NEWS ALERT BREAKING NEWS The UMES Division I Men & Women Golf Team and the Professional Golf Management Program is hosting The Black Golfers Weekend. This transformational event is taking place on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Thursday, September 7th. The event will embolden community and corporate leadership…
Happy Birthday Daddy!!!
Today is a special day for a man I love and admire. It is my dad’s– C. Benjamin Kirby’s birthday. My father is a Man, obviously I ‘ve known my entire life. Thinking of all he has done to support me; teach me and mold me, my father is akin to a beautiful piece of…
Our 2023 Summer Interns
Friday, August 4th marked the end of our Summer Internship for our DCPS students. We were fortunate to have interns who added value, youth, and energy to our team this summer. Over the past 7 weeks (about 1 and a half months) our interns learned much about the golf industry. I asked them to share their thoughts…
Howard University Golf Camp
A treat this past week to experience with Dr. Michael Cooper the first Howard University Golf Camp on the grounds of the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. The camp under the leadership of Howard University Director of Golf, Coach Sam Puryear was supported by Howard University Assistant Golf Coach Airelle Dawson and Jon Gee,…
African American Golf Expo & Forum
A month from now I will be in Louisville, Ky attending the 3rd Annual African American Golf Expo & Forum. For more information on the expo please click on this link www.aagolfexpo.com One of the pieces I wanted to share about the Expo is the Share Your Story video contest. Please read the following: PGA Golf Exhibitions Supports 2023…
Interns
The past two weeks I have highlighted two of our summer interns. This week I would like to highlight our third brilliant intern: Ziah Harper Rising Senior at Ballou Senior High School. Washington, D.C. Ziah Harper, an outgoing personality who likes to show off her skills. Ziah likes to show off what she was taught…
Interns II!!!
Last week I shared that our summer internship has begun, and we are fortunate to have 3 brilliant and energetic interns. This week I would like to highlight: Shakem Harris Rising Senior at Ballou Senior High School. Washington, D.C. Shakem Harris is a true leader at the Ballou Senior High Hospitality academy. A quiet and hard-working young man, he loves…
Interns!!!!
Interns!!! The summer internship season has begun at Golf. My Future. My Game. This summer we are fortunate to have 3 brilliant and energetic interns. Over the next few weeks, I will highlight each. Madysen Ward Rising Senior Jackson-Reed Senior High School, Washington, D.C. Madysen Ward is magnetic and welcoming and takes pride in being a…
A Golf Icon
This past week America lost a Golf Icon, Mr. James Black. Reading the African American Golfer’s Digest, ‘he was hailed as one of the smartest minds in the game of golf. Mr. Black’s prowess in the sport of golf was remarkable, with numerous victories on the United Golf Association (UGA) tour, which served as the primary platform…
Historic Hampton House
May 4th-7th , 10 youth, 7 girls and 3 boys traveled to Miami, Florida to visit the Historic Hampton House and experience a round of golf at the Miami Beach Golf Club. Why? It was the Inaugural Historic Hampton House Birdies to Eagles Golf Experience which included a Friday afternoon Circle of Empowerment conversation with LPGA…
Thank You!!!
Community Based Golf organizations and foundations have a special something. We have and hold the innate ability and understanding in knowing (that) to make a difference you have to know there is a difference. And it is our differences that make us awesome. A few weeks back I was talking with my friend and dear…
Golf’s Legends
Sometimes it takes a while for an experience to sink in. This was the case for me. March 26 and 27th I was invited to attend The Reunion, a Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation http://www.garyandvivienneplayerfoundation.org event celebrating the reunion of three lifelong friends and the late Vivienne Player’s birthday. The focus of the event which…
Happy Memorial Day
The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Let’s honor our fallen Veterans and current military personnel for the sacrifices they have made to serve the great nation we live. The freedom we take for granted at times stems from the many losses of family, friends, fathers and mothers that serve…
Day of Play
This past Monday we partnered with the CitySwing Foundation and had the great fortune to enjoy and share their Mobile Golf Truck while participating in the Events DC Second Annual Day of Play at RFK, a signature community event that kicks off DC Public Schools’ Spring Break. The City Swing team of Krislyn Mossman, Chief Programs…
A Thought
Many of our readers know from time to time I share a simple thought. My thought to share, “Extraordinary claims should require extraordinary evidence to be believed”. Think that through. Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. “Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your…
Happy Easter & Happy Passover
Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. “Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.”* -James Ross*
Master’s Week
Masters Golf Schedule Masters week offers a full seven days of golf, featuring the top pros in the sport. This year, Masters week will take place from Monday, April 3 to Sunday, April 9. Each day of the Masters schedule brings something different to Augusta National Golf Club. We’ve broken down the week below to…
Are You Ready Fore April?
It is that time of year again! No, I’m not talking about April Fools Day, Easter, or Passover. Although, these holidays are celebrated every year, by many, in the month of April there is one event in particular that is not a national holiday but is traditionally celebrated among the masses as one. However, for…
Spring Break
Spring Breaks have arrived. Both High School and University students across the nation are regrouping, recharging, and preparing for the final weeks of their quarters and semesters. And just as students are preparing for the coming weeks, Golf. My Future. My Game. is preparing our programs for our youth. The next two weeks our Blog will…
My Uncle
Two years ago my Mother passed. Last week her older brother, my Uncle passed away. Rest Uncle Sonny!! Uncle Sonny. Rest On. Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. “Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.”* -James Ross*
Celebrating Women
I remember Susan B. Anthony’s words, “In a true republic, men should have nothing more than their rights. And women? Nothing Less”. A memorable comment that sets the stage for the month of March, a month to celebrate the history and achievements of women. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Golf. My Future. My…
Preston Pinkney
Preston Pinkney is my friend and colleague and leads The ACE KIDS Golf Foundation in the east bay of Oakland, California. Preston Pinkney last week was awarded the 2023 Jefferson Award. An honor and a major achievement. For me to try to explain this great honor—would not do it justice. Take a look at…
Larry Powell Scholarship
August 29th, 2022, at the African American Golf Expo and Forum in Charlotte, N.C. GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans formally announced The Larry Powell Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes students in underserved populations seeking a career in golf course and turfgrass management; and was established in 2022 by GCSAA Past President Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, and the GCSAA Foundation…
70th Annual PGA Show
Last week I attended the 70th Annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. The Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX) in partnership with the PGA of America, is the most meaningful rallying point of the year for the business of golf and is the world’s doorway to the game’s future. It was a week full…
Prince!!
Captured your attention with the title of this week’s blog? Prince, one of my favorite musical artists, had this line, This Thing Called Life in his song, Let’s Go Crazy. I mention this because today January 29th is National Puzzle Day. Life is like a puzzle. Without all of the pieces, it’s not complete. Yes,…
The Shore
Sharing great news is always something I enjoy. Though announced December 1, 2022 I wanted to let our family know our very own Tiana Jones is now the PGA Head Men & Women Golf Coach for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Take a minute to read the Shore announcement. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore…
Improved
Many days I will ask this question of our young golfers, ‘what’s the largest room in the world?’ After a few minutes of unrest they normally start shouting all kinds of things, After I’ve heard many of their thoughts I proceed to share my answer– Improvement! Yes, improvement is the largest room in the world and…
A New Start
2023 has arrived and with-it people across the globe make resolutions for fresh starts. My thought is, every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself. YOU are and will continue to be the change you want to see. Craig Kirby Golf. My Future….
Christmas
Merry Christmas!!!! Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. “Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.”* -James Ross*
The Holiday Season
As the Holiday Season wraps its arms around us, I hope the warmth of family and friends gives way to a festive season of peace, joy, gratitude, and happiness. We are grateful to have you in our Golf. My Future. My Game. family and we hope 2022 has been a year to recognize the many blessings…
Published
This afternoon I am in Detroit, Michigan celebrating our successful Golf, Who Knew? Program with our partner, Matrix Human Services at the Matrix Center on the east side. The opportunity to eat well and listen to the stories of our 20 + kids is priceless. Recognizing our team led by John Moran his self-appointed assistant Cathy…
Ethics
Last week celebrating Thanksgiving with my family in my hometown of Dayton Ohio I noticed photos on the wall, one of the framed photos included the Six Ethics of Life. I looked not once, not twice but three times. The first thing that came to mind was what is ethics? Ethics is what guides us…
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving. Hopefully, you, your family and friends had a safe, relaxed, and restful celebration with memories of peace, joy and happiness. We all have lots to be thankful for! Craig Kirby Golf. My Future. My Game. “Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.”*…
Wise Words
Earlier this week before the weather changed from a beautiful balmy 65 degrees to a wintry 40 degrees, I happened to be on the golf course and entered into a conversation with an experienced golfer about life. His words to me, “To make something good, just do it. To make something great, just re-do it,…
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