By Sabir Kasib Muhammad
(Published in Muslim Journal, Vol 47, No 2, September 24, 2021)
ATLANTA, Ga. – Young B.J. Little got his introduction to golf by going to Atlanta area golf clubs with his grandfather, Saleem Khabeer, an avid golfer who loved the game.
B.J. soon fell in love with the game and at 8 years old became a member of the First Tee program at his school, East Lake Elementary. First Tee is an organization established to help children build character.
While B.J. is now winning accolades as “the next Tiger Woods,” another young golfer, Jabir Bilal, 38, made history at the 62nd Georgia PGA Section Championship at Sea Island’s Seaside Course recently, by becoming the first African American to win the Championship.
Bilal led from the first tee to the last hole to be the first of his race in the 105–year history of the Association to win the event.
Last year because of his leadership skills, educational excellence and of course his outstanding performance on the golf course, B.J. was selected in 2020 to hit the first tee shot in the prestigious PGA Tour Championship held annually at the famed East Lake Country Club.
The Tour Championship is the richest golf tournament in the world, where all professional golfers who qualify compete for the 15-million-dollar winner’s prize.
B.J. is an outstanding student, whose excellent communication and leadership skills have landed him features on the Golf Channel and interviews on many media stations and in newspapers, including the New York Times.
His career aspirations include a run for the U.S. Senate and eventually a run for the presidency of the United States. B.J. is the son of Brandon and Tomeka Little.
Jabir Bilal now serves as the PGA director of instruction at Crystal Lake Golf and Country Club in Hampton, Ga.
Jabir is the son of Khaleelah and Jameel Bilal and attended Sis. Clara Muhammad School before graduating from Southwest High School and eventually Grambling State University where he played on the golf team.
Awesome.. this is so wonderful. Drew Charter School in East Lake has First Tee.
I need to hook him up with my son Idris. They would have a great time together.
Love this!!!