On a bright and promising Saturday, July 20, the Junior Tee Masters Golf Club made history at the iconic Ted Rhodes Golf Course in Nashville, Tennessee. The occasion? A PGA Jr. League Match, where 16 young athletes and their families from St. Louis traveled to Nashville not just to compete but to celebrate a shared heritage and passion for golf.
The Junior Tee Masters began early as they arrived at the historic course named after Ted Rhodes, one of the pioneering African American golfers who broke barriers in the sport. Rhodes’ daughter and granddaughters greeted them, sharing inspiring stories of his legacy and profound impact on the game. It was a moment of learning and inspiration, setting a powerful tone for the day ahead.
Afterward, the group reviewed the rules and nuances of the competition, which was essential for many of the younger participants who were about to experience their first competitive golf match. The excitement was palpable as they moved to the practice range, where nerves were calmed, and confidence began to build.
Junior Tee Masters Shine in Historic PGA Jr. League Match in Nashville
On a bright and promising Saturday, July 20, the Junior Tee Masters Golf Club made history at the iconic Ted Rhodes Golf Course in Nashville, Tennessee. The occasion? A PGA Jr. League Match, where 16 young athletes and their families from St. Louis traveled to Nashville not just to compete but to celebrate a shared heritage and passion for golf.
The Junior Tee Masters began early as they arrived at the historic course named after Ted Rhodes, one of the pioneering African American golfers who broke barriers in the sport. Rhodes’ daughter and granddaughters greeted them, sharing inspiring stories of his legacy and profound impact on the game. It was a moment of learning and inspiration, setting a powerful tone for the day ahead.
Afterward, the group reviewed the rules and nuances of the competition, which was essential for many of the younger participants who were about to experience their first competitive golf match. The excitement was palpable as they moved to the practice range, where nerves were calmed, and confidence began to build.
The competition was fierce but friendly. The Junior Tee Masters were split into pairings with their Nashville counterparts, showcasing their skills across different age groups. The 7-9-year-olds secured third place with Austin Wafford. The 10-13-year-olds and 14-17-year-olds excelled as both groups clinched first-place victories.
A standout moment was the match’s closing stages, with the younger competitors rallying around the 9th green, their cheers of “COME ON YOU GOT THIS” to their older teammates. Notable performances included a stellar 29 (-2) from John DeLuca and a solid 34 (+3) from Christian King. Post-match, all 75 participants enjoyed camaraderie and BBQ. The juniors built friendships over food, sharing swing tips and recounting stories from their round.
To cap off the memorable trip, the Junior Tee Masters and their families headed to Main Event for some fun. They raced go-karts and played games, burning off any remaining energy and enjoying their last night in Nashville.
The success of this historic event has already sparked plans for a rematch in 2025. The Junior Tee Masters’ trip to Nashville was not just a victory in the match but a triumph for the community of young golfers Tee Masters is building. As the next generation of African-American golfers competed in a first-of-its-kind event, the spirit of Ted Rhodes shined brightly.
