BY AAGD STAFF
(July 26, 2019) It was an occasion to remember for 99-year-old Herbert “Herb” Dixon. His long-traveled path in golf had gained him an ultimate victory, induction into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. On this auspicious evening of June 11, 2019, Brian Burns, Publisher Ledger Media Group, and Mark Jackson, Director, Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing, welcomed hundreds of guest at the Polk County All Sports Awards at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida.
Dixon will turn 100 years old on September 16, 2019.
Herbert “Herb” Dixon makes remarks following his induction into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. (photo: Pierre Ducharme/The Ledger)
Dixon savored every moment of the special event, patient and focused, a quality he is well-known for on the golf course. He was born on September 16, 1919 in Dade City, Fla. Dixon started caddying at the Bartow Golf Course in Bartow, FL at the tender age of just 15. There, he consistently played every Monday—the only day that caddies could play the course. To earn a living, he held a number of jobs including work as a citrus fruit picker, an employee of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, a long-distance truck driver, and as security he worked in Bartow schools for the Polk County School Board before finally retiring.
Herbert Dixon slips on his jacket, receiving help from 2017 inductee Andy McGaffigan, during the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (photo: Pierre Ducharme/The Ledger)
In his younger years, pursuing his passion for more competitive rounds, Dixon began to play in local African American tournaments. One of his fondest memories was when he made his debut at the nationally recognized National Negro Open Tournament. Among the fine list of competitors was Charlie Sifford, a favorite of the crowd. Not only was Sifford a favorite, but Dixon learned that Sifford had also won this popular tournament five years in a row. Dixon, a rookie at the tournament beat Sifford by 1 stroke, 69-70 and won the 1951 National Negro Open.
Class of 2019 inductees (L-R) Mike Estridge, Wylinda McKennie Johnson—standing in for her father Forrest McKennie—Alan Mills, Herbert Dixon and Jack Myers were honored during the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame Induction ceremony at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Fla., (Photo: Pierre Ducharme/The Ledger)
Dixon has previously received another lifetime honor when he was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (1998).
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Dixon was married to the former Catherine Battles and the couple had five beautiful children. After divorcing, he then married Rose Chambers and fathered an additional five beautiful children. The widow of 10-years plays golf 3-4 times a week as a lifetime member of the Bartow Municipal Golf Course.
As Dixon ages, he continues to enjoy his favorite sport, and his golf score refuses to keep up with his age. He still posts scores in the high 60s and low 70s, nearly the same as in his younger years.
