Today we’d like to introduce you to Clifton Addison
Hi Clifton, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for golf began when my father, who had recently taken up the game during the early stages of his business career, placed a club in my hand at the age of five. As I grew older, I realized that golf offered unique opportunities to connect with people from diverse walks of life, fostering relationships that might not have happened otherwise. However, I also noticed that none of my friends played, and there was a noticeable lack of diversity on the course. This inspired me to seek change, even though I wasn’t sure how to approach it at the time. That realization ultimately led to the creation of Urban Golf Weekend.
In 2023, I took action by organizing a networking weekend specifically for professionals of color, with the goal of introducing non-golfers to the sport. My vision was to create an inclusive space where both golfers and non-golfers could enjoy the game while connecting with business professionals from all over the country.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Bringing a vision to life was undoubtedly the most challenging aspect. When creating something entirely new, there’s always the question of whether it will succeed. That said, I have been pleasantly surprised by the rapid success of Urban Golf Weekend. In just one year, it has evolved into one of the premier golf events in the country for professionals of color. I am deeply grateful for the strong connections I have built throughout my career and the relationships I’ve cultivated through golf, which have been instrumental in driving this success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the CEO of Urban Golf Weekend, my focus is on creating unique and inclusive experiences aimed at attracting more professionals of color to the game of golf. We’ve built a strong community of elite professionals through events that uniquely blend golf, networking, and cultural celebration. Urban Golf Weekend has become known for offering a premier platform where professionals can connect, unwind, and forge meaningful relationships.
What I’m most proud of is the rapid national recognition our event has achieved. In just one year, Urban Golf Weekend has emerged as one of the top golf events in the country for professionals of color, reflecting our commitment to excellence and diversity. With that success, we are excited about expanding to more major cities and even taking our events abroad.
My background in politics as a lobbyist, coupled with the strong relationships I’ve built in the golf world, has been pivotal in bringing this vision to life. At Urban Golf Weekend, we’re not just organizing events; we’re creating a movement that seamlessly integrates sports, culture, and community in a way that has never been done before.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of believing in yourself and the critical role of execution. No matter how great your vision or idea may be, it won’t come to life without the confidence to advance it and the discipline to execute it effectively. Throughout my journey in creating Urban Golf Weekend, I faced moments of uncertainty and doubt, but trusting in my ability to succeed made all the difference. Belief in yourself fuels the journey, but it’s the execution that truly brings it all to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbangolfweekend.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbangolfweekend/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/urbangolfwknd
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvmh0wl1bFkI9IQz_oK_Bew
