Winning Team of the 2nd Annual Washington Park/Rochelle High School Golf Scholarship Tournament. 99-year-old Herb Dixon (orange shirt) with his teammates Jerry Lewis, Charles Flagan and Lawrence Hunt showcase trophies.
July 26, 2019
BY AAGD STAFF
They Did It Again.
Come this fall, Herb Dixon will turn 100-years old on September 16, 2019. The avid golfer who has seen decades of change in America is still keeping his tee times playing with friends and in tournaments. At the 2nd Annual Washington Park/Rochelle High School Golf Scholarship Tournament, 99-year-old Dixon and his teammates Jerry Lewis, Charles Flagan, and Lawrence Hunt won with a score of 59. Tournament Director Jay Williams presented the awards on Saturday, June 8 at Huntinghills Golf and Country Club, Lakeland, Fla., and said, “A fun time was had by all and I wish to thank everyone who attended and supported this annual outing.”
The most excitement happened when the foursome made an Eagle on Par 4 #17, playing 272 yards. After player Jerry Lewis’ tee shot that landed on the back of the green–about 10 yards from the hole–two other players also missed the holes. That’s when Dixon took a close look at the hole, focused in, and used his steady hand to putt the ball in for an eagle.
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L-R: Lawrence Hunt, Jerry Lewis, Herb Dixon, Charles Flagan.
This foursome won 2 years run the “Washington Park/Rochelle High School Annual Golf Fundraiser tournament.
Dixon has a long history of experience in golf. He was born in Dade City, Fla., and started caddying at the Bartow Municipal 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.
L-R: Curtis Patterson, Dorothy McHenry, Patrica Clark, Nathan Grady
Dixon was married to the former Catherine Battles and the couple had five beautiful children. After divorcing, he then married Rose Chambers and became the father of another five beautiful children. He’s been widowed now for 10 years and plays golf 3-4 times a week as a lifetime member of the Bartow Municipal Golf Course.
“I take life day-by-day,” says Dixon who still drives his own vehicle.” “I don’t worry about anything. My favorite meal is ‘country foods.’ I stay away from fast foods and fried foods.” Dixon never smoked or drink. “I tried to drink one time but it did not work out; I just could not handle it,” he chuckled. He attends church weekly at Praise Temple where Pastor Richard Watson serves the congregation.
L-R: Steve Thomas, Gil Williams, Ben Williams, Marlin Haywood
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.
L-R: Rufus Lewis, Jay Williams
Dressed to the 9’s, cigar-smoking Sifford awed the fans while sporting the latest golfing attire, looking like the champ that folks knew him to be. On the other hand, Dixon was dressed simply in course-regulated attire, wearing the best that he had at the time. Notwithstanding this most visible difference between the golfers, at the end of the afternoon round, Sifford lost the tournament to Dixon by 1 stroke, 69-70. A rookie had just won the 1951 National Negro Open.
L-R: Kenneth Boggess, Louis Harrison, Lawrence Lucas, George Holiday
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Dixon received a lifetime honor when he was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (1998) and the African American Golfers Hall of Fame (2012). Dixon was also inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame (June 11, 2019). He joins Ken Riley All-Pro NFL Football, Ray Lewis, Super Bowl XXXV Champion & MVP, NFL Hall of Fame; Tracy McGraddy BNA Basketball Hall of Fame.
L-R: Jerry Jones, Warren Williams, Gentle Barnett, Ron Roberts
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.
At 99, playing strong, Herb Dixon said, “I’ll be back next year at 100-years old to compete with these youngsters.”
L-R: William Dishman, Joseph Lewis, Norris Horton
Rufus Lewis, Rodney Lewis, Al Burns, Vern Williams
