Who was
JOHN SHIPPEN, JR?
He was the first African-American born golf professional and also the country’s first Black golf professional.
THE JOHN SHIPPEN Cognizant Cup
(Formerly THE JOHN SHIPPEN Shoot-out presented by Cognizant)
MAY 7 – 8, 2023
Upper Montclair Country Club – Clifton, NJ
Host of 2023 LPGA Cognizant Founder’s Cup
THE JOHN SHIPPEN was established by Intersport to identify historical barriers to and expand upon Black representation in the sport of golf and create awareness, access and opportunities for persons of color in the business of sports.
The event is named after John Shippen, Jr., who was the first American-born golf professional and also the country's first Black golf professional. Shippen was bestowed PGA of America membership posthumously in 2009.
$84B
Dollar Industry
1%
of PGA of America Club
Professionals are Black
1
Black Current LPGA Tour Player
4
Black Current PGA TOUR Players
THE JOHN SHIPPEN is a vehicle to provide opportunities that can fundamentally increase diversity in golf on a national scale. The sport of golf is an $84 billion industry with more than two million golf-related jobs. However, less than one percent of PGA of America club professionals are Black, and only four current PGA Tour players are Black. However, less than one percent of PGA of America club professionals are Black. Currently, only four PGA TOUR and only one LPGA Tour players are Black
These statistics do not reflect a lack of talented Black golfers, but rather, they reflect limited access and resources. Historical barriers for Black golfers include: affordable and consistent access to championship courses, quality golf equipment, top-rated swing coaches, sponsorship and access to funding for housing and travel.
THE JOHN SHIPPEN Cognizant Cup
(Formerly THE JOHN SHIPPEN Shoot-out presented by Cognizant)
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May 7th, 2023 – Official Practice Round
May 8th, 2023 – 18-hole stroke-play competition
Upper Montclair Country Club – Clifton, NJ – Host of 2023 LPGA Cognizant Founder’s Cup
www.uppermontclaircountryclub.comWinner to receive an exemption into LPGA Cognizant Founder’s Cup
THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Invitational Women’s Field
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June 5th – Official Practice Round
June 6th – 7th – First and Final Rounds
Blythefield Country Club – Grand Rapids, MI – Host of 2023 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give
https://www.blythefieldcc.org/Winner to receive an exemption into Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational
THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Invitational Men’s Field
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June 23rd – Official Practice Round
June 24th – 25th – First and Final Rounds
Detroit Golf Club – Detroit, MI – Host of 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic
https://www.detroitgolfclub.org/Winner to receive an exemption in Rocket Mortgage Classic
THE JOHN SHIPPEN Sports Business Summit creates awareness of opportunities within the sports industry for high school and college students of color. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply for paid internships and scholarships from event supporters at this FREE event.
The John Shippen event is named in honor of John Shippen, Jr., the first American-born golf professional and the first Black golf professional.
John Shippen, Jr., the original trailblazer for Blacks in golf, played in five U.S. Opens from 1896-1913.
ABOUT
JOHN SHIPPEN, JR?
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TELECAST
View the special telecast from CBS highlighting The John Shippen and its participants from 2022.