On this, the last day of Black History Month, it’s a time to reflect on the achievements that African-Americans have made to the game of golf. We take a moment to honor the accomplishments of George Grant (inventor of the wooden tee), John Shippen (first African-American to play in the U.S. Open), William Powell (first African-American to build, own and operate a golf course),  Charlie Sifford (first African-American on the PGA Tour) and many more.

From Clyde Martin to Calvin Peete, people of color have made an indelible impact on the history of the ancient game. The tradition continues today, with a group of African-Americans that carry the torch for the players of tomorrow. They come from different places on the map and arrived at the game in different ways. But there is no denying the influence they have and their singular ability to use it. Congratulations to the 2019 Most Influential African-Americans in Golf.

Junior Bridgeman

An All-American and NBA All-star basketball player, Bridgeman went on to become a highly successful restaurant entrepreneur. In 2008 he was named to the PGA of America Board of Directors.

Lee Elder

Elder broke the color line at Augusta, becoming the first African American to play in the Masters tournament in 1975. Playing with style and courage despite the many death threats he received that week, Elder missed the cut that year.  But made his mark on the game, notching four wins on the PGA Tour and eight on the Champions Tour. Elder was also the first African-American to play in the Ryder Cup. He was just named the 2019 winner of the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor. His omission from the World Golf Hall of Fame is a travesty that should be corrected while the 84-year old Elder is still alive to appreciate it.

Damon Hack

A seasoned journalist who has worked for some of the most prestigious publications in the country, Hack is a familiar face in the morning for millions of homes as the co-host of Golg Channel’s, “The Morning Drive”.

Sheila Johnson

After co-founding the entertainment colossus Black Entertainment Television, Johnson turned her keen business eye on the destination golf business. Her holdings include some of the most coveted golf destinations in the U.S., including Innisbrook Resort in Tampa, Florida, which hosts the PGA Tour each on its famed Copperhead course each Spring. Johnson has also been in a strong presence in the leadership of the USGA and a generous contributor to charity through her golf endeavors.

Renee Powell

A pioneer on many levels, Powell comes from a family of trailblazers; her father was the above-mentioned William Powell of Clearview Golf Club in Ohio. She became a world-class player in her own right, and an advocate for equality on and off the golf course.  Among her many accolades are an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of St Andrews in 2008. In 2015, was invited to become one of the first women members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Erwin Raphael

As Chief Operating officer of Genesis Motor Company, Raphael is the driving force behinds the company’s name sponsorship of the PGA event hosted by the Tiger Woods Foundation each year at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

Condoleeza Rice

Rice has made her mark in politics, business and academia. After a life of exceptional achievement, Rice took up golf at age 50 and has never looked back. She is an avid player, often participating in some the best-known Pro-Ams. And she is a member at a little club in Augusta, Georgia…

Darius Rucker

Rucker achieved fame with the band Hootie & the Blowfish and then as a solo artist. His global appeal along with his passion for the game just got him named an official ambassador of the PGA .

Ron Townsend

A media mogul and self-described golf nut, Townsend made history when he became the first African-American member at Augusta National Golf Club.

Tiger Woods

Considered by many the greatest player of all time, Woods has made his mark in countless ways. His fearless and relentless style of play has spawned a generation of imitators on every professional tour. His fan appeal has drawn people of all races and creeds to golf, with golf courses now present on every county on earth where there is soil. Maybe his most lasting contribution was to golf’s bottom line. For example, Woods turned professional in 1996; the leading money winner for the year was Tom Lehman with $1,780,000 spread over 22 events. For his win at the 2019 WGC Championship in Mexico, Dustin Johnson earned $1,745,000. Mic drop.

Harold Varner III

At the age of 28, Varner has already notched two worldwide victories. Despite his relatively small stature he is one of the longer hitters on the PGA Tour. With a stockpile of talent and a grinder’s mentality, Varner is sure to be a fixture on the professional golf scene or years to come.