Editor's Note: In celebration of Black History Month, The PGA of America is excited to announce that author and Golf Digest Senior Writer Pete McDaniel will be visiting PGA Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., revisiting the lives of PGA members Ted Rhodes, Bill Spiller and John Shippen as well as honorary member Joe Louis.

The event, to be held on Thursday, Feb. 18, will be streamed live. Use the following link to watch coverage of the event, beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET: http://www.pgamediacenter.com/videos/2010petemcdanielhq.cfm

The PGA of America also continues to celebrate Black History Month by recognizing the achievements of African American golfers and pioneers of the industry:

• Bill Dickey, who created Bill Dickey Scholarship Association (formerly the National Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Association) which works to grow the participation of minority youngsters in the sport of golf, received the 1999 PGA of America Distinguished Service Award. The PGA Distinguished Service Award is the Association's highest annual honor.
• The late Steve Hogan, a PGA Professional from Omaha, Neb., who became a legend for redirecting the lives of city youth through his "Hogan's Junior Golf Heroes" program, received the 2003 PGA Junior Golf Leader award.
• In 2008, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore became the first Historical Black College and the 20th university accredited by The PGA of America to offer a Professional Golf Management Program.
• In 1956, Ann Gregory became the first African American to enter the U.S. Amateur Championship. The event was held in Indianapolis, Ind.
• PGA Professional Pete Brown made history when he won the 1964 Waco Turner Open, becoming the first African-American golfer to win a PGA Tour sanctioned event.
• The legendary boxer, Joe Louis, became the first African American to play in a PGA Tour event – the 1952 San Diego Open. Born Joe Louis Barrow, he became an advocate for diversity in golf, and was elected posthumously to PGA honorary membership in November 2009.

Black History Month Displays
The PGA of America will also celebrate Black History Month by having commemorative displays located at PGA Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and at the PGA Historical Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The PGA Historical Center is located adjacent to the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with complementary admission daily. For more information on PGA Village and the Black History Month displays at the PGA Historical Center, please call (800) 800-GOLF or visit PGAVillage.com.

About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.