In a heartwarming ceremony, the city of Huntington Woods paid tribute to the late Ben Davis, unveiling a historic marker at the entrance of Rackham Golf Course on a sunny Friday, July 28 afternoon. The plaque stands as a testament to Davis’s remarkable legacy and his enduring impact on the world of golf.
During a time when racial barriers loomed large in the sport, Ben Davis found solace and acceptance at Rackham Golf Course, one of the few integrated municipal courses in the nation. Despite the prevailing norms that denied African Americans access to private golf clubs, Davis thrived at Rackham, building a remarkable golf career and making a lasting mark in the sport.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Davis became the first Black member of the Michigan Professional Golfers’ Association in 1966, a milestone that paved the way for future generations of golfers of color.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, Garland Gilchrist, who emphasized the significance of honoring those who had broken barriers and forged paths for others. He highlighted how Davis’s journey transcended the confines of the golf course and served as a powerful symbol of progress, opening doors for relationships and connections that were previously hindered by segregation in public accommodations.
Born in Pensacola, Florida, Davis and his family moved to Detroit in 1925, where he attended Northern High School. His golf career began in 1936 at the Pine Crest Driving Range in Ferndale, and in 1952, he started teaching the game at Rackham. Over a distinguished 50-year career, Davis had the privilege of instructing notable figures such as world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Lanier.
One of Davis’s students, Karen Peek, fondly reminisced about her first encounter with Davis during her teenage years. She vividly recalled to the Detroit News his infectious smile and hearty laughter, which left an indelible mark on her life. Under Davis’s tutelage, Peek pursued a career in golf, joining the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and serving her apprenticeship at Rackham.
Shaun Thomas, Davis’s great-nephew, in an interview with Detroit News expressed his joy at having a historical marker that would stand as a testament to his ancestor’s contributions for generations to come. Thomas acknowledged the challenges Davis faced during an era when not all golf courses and events welcomed African American players. Nevertheless, Davis persevered, becoming Rackham’s head professional in 1968 and making history as the first African American to hold such a position at a municipal golf course in the United States.
Davis’s accomplishments continued to mount, securing the Michigan Senior PGA Championship in 1974 and the U.S. National Senior Tournament in 1979. These remarkable achievements led to his induction into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 1992 and the African American Golfers Hall of Fame in 2012.
Ben Davis’s legacy remains alive and well, leaving an everlasting impact on the golfing community. As players and visitors walk past the historic marker at Rackham Golf Course, they are reminded of a trailblazer who defied racial barriers, enriched lives, and forever changed the face of golf.
