THE EFFECT
We work within a variety of industries and sectors to help organizations create the change they seek. The effect of our services is impactful.
The global leader for academic and student-athlete development professionals held their inaugural summit to discuss, share and build diversity, equity and inclusion.
"Working with Woods and Watts Effect took our vision for the N4A Virtual DEI Summit to the next level."
- Dr. Kayleigh J. McCauley-Sayer, Executive Director, Center for Social Change and Community Involvement, Lewis & Clark College/N4A Second Vice President.
How do we make professional golf more inclusive?
First, we have to address the inequities that keep golf homogenous. Golf is an $84 billion industry with more than 2 million golf-related jobs. However, less than 1% of PGA of America club professionals are Black. In 1976, there were 11 Black golfers, the highest ever, on the PGA TOUR - 20 years before Tiger Woods won the 61st Master’s Tournament. On the women’s side, there have been less than 10 African Americans on the LPGA TOUR in total in its history. This is not about a lack of talent or interest but rather limited access, opportunities, and inclusivity.
In 2021, Woods and Watts Effect collaborated with Intersport to design and implement a new golf invitational, an event that addresses the lack of diversity in golf through equitable access and inclusivity. THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Invitational invited 33 of the top collegiate and professional men and women Black golfers from around the country to play for opportunities for sponsor exemptions in the Rocket Mortgage Classic and the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, respectively. Further, the invitational removed the financial barriers of travel, accommodations, and entry fees and gave players an opportunity to practice and play at a PGA TOUR facility.
“It was a true pleasure for Intersport to collaborate with Woods & Watts Effect to launch The John Shippen in 2021. Their expertise, intentionality, and passion were inspirational and their execution was flawless.”
- Jason Langwell, Executive Vice President, Intersport/Executive Director, Rocket Mortgage Classic
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
- Nelson Mandela
activist, lawyer, celebrated president of South Africa
