Polo shirts, cigars, country clubs, and luxury resorts.
In many circles, golf is still viewed as a leisure activity for the 10 percent– and taking place on members-only courses with questionable admission requirements.
Opening the door on the sport is “The Club Life,” a new lifestyle series coming to CBS Sports Network on Aug. 23.
Hosted and produced by former PGA of America Senior Director of Diversity Wendell J. Haskins, “The Club Life” will feature rounds with celebrities, athletes, and business professionals, along with conversations about the game’s history, fashions, and trends.
READ MORE: Wendell J. Haskins Pens Letter About Experiences As A Black Executive For PGA of America
“I hope to expose the world to a more welcoming and inclusive golf culture and break down some of the stereotypical perceptions of golf and the people who play,” Haskins tells The Shadow League.
Early episodes feature famed music executive Kevin Liles and MLB veteran Gary Sheffield.
“The Club Life” will slot in as part of CBS Sports Network’s new Monday night golf programming that includes “The Charlie Rymer Golf Show” with former PGA Tour player and sports analyst Charlie Rymer, “Course Record with Michael Breed” starring expert golf instructors Michael Breed and Greg DuCharme, and “Faldo Formula” featuring CBS Sports lead golf analyst Sir Nick Faldo.
It’s a golf show with some spice to it. A perspective on the culture of golf that we rarely see. One that is driven by a diverse brotherhood and sisterhood on the links.
“I came up with the idea many years ago,” Haskins says via text message. “When I started playing and getting invited to country clubs from a dear friend named Anthony Spikes and wanted to figure out how I could share my revelation with others. I really enjoy the beauty of the courses as well as the fellowship and camaraderie that exists.
“The Club Life” is produced by Haskins, Chris Downing, Michael Ferguson, and David Levine of Original Tee Productions– a company founded to curate and produce original content that advances a more diverse and inclusive culture throughout the business of golf through entertainment and education.
“I’m excited to be able to share the success stories of these avid golfers, showcase some amazing clubs and courses and help overcome some of the negative stereotypes that some people have about golfers and their country clubs,” says Haskins.
Haskins is also the Chief Marketing Officer of the Professional Collegiate League and the founder of Original Tee, a virtual country club, lifestyle brand, and culture club of golf that celebrates the history of African-Americans in the sport.
Original Tee hosts an annual golf classic, and financially contributes to initiatives and causes that support African-American golfers year-round.
RELATED: 19th Annual Original Tee Golf Classic Aims To Expand, Diversify Golf
The relationships I’ve made through these experiences have been both personally and professionally rewarding.
Check your local listings for “The Club Life” premiere on Aug. 23. For more information on Wendell J. Haskins, visit wendelljhaskins.com originaltee.com or Instagram @wen_hogan.
