February 4, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
A day that will forever be on the books: February 1, 2021, now officially know as Mr. Herbert Dixon Day. Proclaimed by Lakeland, Florida, the day recognizes 101-year old Dixon with a day he can call his own.
Born on September 15, 1919, and raised in beautiful Bartow, Fla., Dixon caddied and learned the game of golf by watching other play. He sharpened his skills by playing on Mondays (caddy day) and began to play in local African American tournaments, and one of his fondest memories was at his debut at a nationally recognized tournament. Crowd favorite Charlie Sifford, who had won the tournament five years in a row, and who was dressed in the latest golfing attire, took one look at Dixon (who wore the best he had at the time), and Dixon could tell he didn’t think much of him. By the end of the day, Sifford had gained a new respect for the rookie – Dixon had won the 1951 National Negro Open.
Dixon has been inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame and the African American Golfer’s Hall of Fame, the Polk County Hall of Fame and most recently the Spirit of Bartow award from his hometown. He continues to play golf almost daily at the Bartow Golf Course, competes and often wins.
Dixon will also receive another distinguished honor on February 27 at the Black Heritage Golf Tournament being held at Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland, Fla.
at 101-years-old, Dixon spoke to those in attendance as he accepted the proclamation, saying,
“This is indeed a great honor, and I’m blessed to be here this afternoon for this special occasion. I am very happy to be here, and be able to thank the one that made this possible. I’m only 101-years old, that’s a very big blessing. I played 27 holes yesterday and the day before 18 holes. And I feel energetic…And I’m thankful to be able to come here this afternoon and be honored for this special occasion. Thank you very much.”
Dixon will host his own 2021 Herbert Dixon Celebrity Golf Tournament “101 Ways To Help Mr. Dixon’s Kids” on March 27, at Bartow Golf Course.
Dixon accepted the honor with his daughter, Ms. Collins.
Larry Mitchell, CEO, New Life Outreach Ministry was instrumental in bringing the day of honor to Mr. Dixon.
