Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council to Unveil Rogers Park Golf Course Historical Marker The Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council and local the local community will unveil a new historical marker at Rogers Park Golf Course, 7911 N. 30th Street, on National Golf Lover’s Day, Friday October 4th, 2024. There will be an open house at 10:00a.m., followed by the marker dedication program at 10:30a.m.
Rodgers Park Golf Course is a historic and popular public golf course located in Tampa, Florida. Established in 1937, it holds a significant place in the city’s golfing landscape, having provided locals and visitors with an enjoyable and accessible golfing experience for over eight decades. The course is named after Fred Rodgers, a local golf professional who helped design and promote the course in its early years.
The course is one of the oldest public courses in the area and has long been a welcoming space for African American golfers, particularly during times when many courses were segregated. Several significant African American golfers have made their mark on this historic course:
1. Ted Rhodes: Known as a trailblazer in African American golf, Ted Rhodes made significant contributions to breaking down racial barriers in the sport. Though most of his competitive play was nationwide, Rhodes spent time playing at Rodgers Park during his career, inspiring many African American golfers in the region.
2. Jim Dent: A Tampa native, Jim Dent is one of the most successful African American golfers to come out of Florida. Dent honed his skills at courses like Rodgers Park and went on to have a stellar career on the PGA and Champions Tours. He is known for his powerful drives and for breaking through barriers for African Americans in professional golf. Dent’s success on the senior circuit has made him a role model for many aspiring golfers.
3. Bill Spann: Another Tampa native, Bill Spann was a pioneer in African American golf in Florida. Spann was a dominant player in the United Golfers Association (UGA), a tour that provided opportunities for Black golfers during segregation. He regularly played at Rodgers Park, where he honed his game and encouraged younger golfers to follow in his footsteps.
4. Renee Powell: One of the most accomplished African American women in golf, Renee Powell played in Florida and across the country. While her major competitive career was on the LPGA Tour, she spent time at courses like Rodgers Park, advocating for greater inclusion in the sport and mentoring young African American golfers.
Rodgers Park Golf Course holds a significant place in African American golf history, offering a space where talented golfers like these could play and compete, paving the way for future generations.
Set along the banks of the Hillsborough River, Rodgers Park Golf Course boasts scenic views and a challenging yet enjoyable layout. The course features 18 holes and spans approximately 6,300 yards from the back tees. Its par-71 design incorporates rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that come into play on several holes, providing a test for golfers of all skill levels. Learn more about Rodgers Park Golf Course at http://www.rogersparkgolf.net
