For over a quarter of the last decade, Wendell Haskins has been making a ground-breaking impact in the world of golf – where exclusivity and traditions have long dominated the sport. As a person of color in a predominantly white space, he founded Original Tee Golf Classic (OTGC) and began his journey to redefine the way golf is perceived, around the world.
With golf legend Lee Elder
Beyond golf, Wendell is also known as the ‘curator of cool’ – garnering a respectable reputation within the entertainment industry. He has previously worked with some of the most iconic music labels of the modern day, from Def Jam Recordings to Island Records. While involved in the music scene, a friend introduced him to the sport and Wendell described this experience as being “bitten by the golf bug.”
He soon immersed himself in the history surrounding the sport, with a particular focus on the contributions of Black individuals. This became a new passion for the young entrepreneur, whose curiosity was ignited during the Tiger Woods era – when many others began taking notice of the sport’s rich but underrepresented past.
Wendell began reading Forbidden Fairways, where he discovered the African American professor George F. Grant, who patented the first golf tee in 1899. Such a significant historical moment motivated Wendell to create something of his own. Combining this newfound passion with his background in branding, he established Original Tee Golf and chose this name as a homage to Grant’s pioneering contributions.
In 2000, Wendell Haskins officially launched Original Tee Golf Classic, a tournament held in honor of Grant’s invention. It is designed to celebrate the contributions of black individuals while elevating their recognition within the golfing world. Through this endeavor, his expertise within the music industry proved invaluable, as it helped him secure sponsorship opportunities from major names in both music and sports – including the early and consistent sponsorship of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Since its establishment, OTGC has become a premier event, one that continuously attracts the interest of high-profile participants and sponsors.
“I wanted to create a golf tournament that celebrates the history of African Americans in golf,” underscores Wendell, as he shares his primary intentions.
Wendell’s ultimate goal is to showcase and celebrate the rich history of Black participants in golf. While doing so, he hopes to inspire the next generation of golfing stars. Initially, as Wendell’s network within the music industry was vast and influential, the tournament would attract those in the world of entertainment. However, as more diverse individuals took an interest in the sport, the support for OTGC broadened and has since attracted renowned brands like Pepsi, Puma Golf, and Titleist. Honorees now include sports and entertainment icons like Anthony Anderson, Alonzo Mourning, and Gary Sheffield.
With Anthony Anderson at the Original Tee Golf Classic
When asked what elements of golf captivated him, Wendell shared his appreciation for the sport’s challenges and the need for discipline when playing it. He adds: “Golf parallels life, you’re responsible for everything that happens to your ball out there.”
Despite its historic image as a sport for the retired elite, golf is transforming – with the help of Wendell – into a vibrant and dynamic game embraced by a more diverse and younger audience. He emphasizes, “Golf is a sport that can be engaging, stylish, and cool of course, and that is what I want to spread within today’s youth.”
Beyond the tournament, Original Tee Golf also offers apparel and hosts charitable initiatives. Wendell remains committed to increasing the participation of African American golfers through OTGC’s open and dedicated support for new and up-and-coming talent. His strategic partnerships with entities like The LPGA and Arcis Golf help Wendell amplify the visibility of Black contributions within the sport.
Wendell Haskins’ impact is honest and empowering. By leveraging his passions, background, and extensive network, he works to transform perceptions and foster a more inclusive environment. His vision for Original Tee Golf transcends national borders, uniting people through the diverse legacy of golf, on golf courses across the globe.
