If you missed it, be sure to check out part one of our interview with Ms. Debert (pronounced DAY-bear or DUH-bear) Cook, founder and publisher of African American Golfers Digest.

Ms. Cook has captained AAGD since its birth in 2003. In part two of our interview, she reveals more about the machinations of the enterprise, its greatest successes, and its contributions to golf. Without delay, let’s jump into part two of our interview.

RM: What goals do you have for AAGD, over the next years, five years, fifteen years?

DC: Looking for a buyer, so I can retire! I am age 61, turning 62 on December 29.

RM: Tell us a bit about your writers. Do you have regular columns, or is everything a one-off type of article?

DC: With a limited budget, all of our writers and editors volunteer their time. We carry regular articles such as ‘Destination Review‘, golfer profiles, “Youth Tee,” “Women’s Round”, Leaderboards of African American tournaments.

RM: Rank these article topics in order of importance for the African American Golfer’s Digest publication and site…

DC:

#1 Average Golfer
#2 Lifestyle
#3 Travel
#4 Celebrities
#5 Equipment/Apparel
#6 Instruction

RM: Golfers like Cheyenne and Tiger Woods, Harold Varner III, Mariah Stackhouse, and Ginger Howard might be held to a different standard, due to their skin color. Should they be expected to speak out more on social issues, or is this an unfair burden?

DC: Yes, I staunchly believe they should speak out on social issues. They owe their Black community the respect of vocalizing their stance, whether or not if it hurts their celebrity, or not. Their fans deserve to know where they stand on social issues and their stance can make a difference in engaging more people on these issues.

RM: What is the most important success story in African American golf history, that most people in the industry need to know?

DC: My story. I am the only Black woman to wholly own a golf magazine. It’s been 17-wonderful years, yet, many people who enjoy the game and work in the golf industry have never heard about my publication.

RM: What question haven’t we asked, that you would like to answer? Please ask it yourself, and answer it. Thank you.

DC: How do you think AAGD has help the golf world?…In the last 17-years, AAGD has exposed millions of people around the world to the passion and love of the sport that African Americans have for the game of golf. AAGD has given exposure to Black golfers who would otherwise never have been featured in a golf magazine. (these kind notes I receive regulary). The late, World Golf Hall of Famer Charlie Sifford was on one of our magazine covers and when he saw it he called to tell me that he really liked it, that he had never been on the cover of a magazine. Students email and tell me how much their profiles in the magazine helped when attached to their college applications. Parents call me to say how much golf has helped their child focus and concentrate of being a better citizen. Golf coaches call me to say “thank you” for being a resource for our scholarships, keeping many from going to waste. Women call me to say how much they appreciate seeing so many Black women golfers between the page of the publication. Readers text me to say, thank you for being a pioneer and making Black folks look good! I am most proud that the magazine has no debt!