Jeff Dunovant, a PGA Member and the General Manager at John A. White Golf Course in Atlanta, is watching his vision of a grand clubhouse come true as a $30 million facility is under construction and slated to open late next year at this Bobby Jones Links-managed property. More importantly, it will finally provide a physical home for the National Black Golf Hall of Fame that his father, Harold, founded 40 years ago.
The National Black Golf Hall of Fame stands as one of the most important institutions dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of African Americans in golf. Founded in 1986 by pioneering PGA professional Harold Dunovant, the Hall of Fame was established to ensure that the achievements, struggles, and contributions of Black golfers would be recognized, honored, and remembered for generations to come.
Dunovant understood firsthand the barriers Black golfers faced. In 1964, he became the first African American to graduate from the PGA of America’s business school, a groundbreaking accomplishment during an era when golf remained deeply segregated. Yet despite his credentials, he was denied Class A PGA membership for years because local PGA members refused to endorse his application. That experience only strengthened his resolve to create an institution that would honor those who had excelled in the game despite systemic exclusion.
The Hall of Fame’s mission extends well beyond recognizing outstanding players. It also honors coaches, administrators, business leaders, golf facilities, and advocates—regardless of race—who have worked to expand access and opportunity for African Americans in every facet of the sport. Over nearly four decades, the organization has inducted many of golf’s most influential pioneers, including Charlie Sifford, Ted Rhodes, Renee Powell, Calvin Peete, and even global icons such as Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, whose efforts helped advance inclusion in the game.
Today, the Hall of Fame is led by Jeff Dunovant, Harold Dunovant’s son, who has continued and expanded his father’s vision since Harold’s passing in 2002. A PGA professional since 1993, Jeff and his father made history as the first and only Black father-son duo to achieve PGA membership, as well as the first Black father and son to attain Quarter Century Member status within the PGA of America.
Under Jeff’s stewardship, the National Black Golf Hall of Fame has grown into more than an annual induction ceremony. It is a living archive, an educational resource, and a beacon of inspiration. By honoring pioneers of the past while encouraging future generations, the Hall continues to safeguard the stories, triumphs, and enduring impact of African Americans in golf. Dunovant told GolfWire.com, that he remember when it was just “a family operation” run by his father, mother, brother, sister-in-law, and himself. Today, his diligence has garnerd more than 125 members, a board, a marketing director, a treasurer (his wife Marie), and a new home.
Jeff currently serves as Director of Golf Operations and Head Golf Professional at John A. White Golf Course, home of First Tee Metro Atlanta. Throughout his career, he has devoted himself to youth development, player advancement, and service to the game. He has served on PGA section boards, trained First Tee coaches nationwide, and earned numerous honors for his leadership in junior golf and player development.
Among his proudest accomplishments is coaching the golf team at Drew Charter School. In 2019, the school’s boys’ team made history by becoming the first high school team in the United States to win a state golf championship with an all-Black roster and all-Black coaching staff.
Its legacy is not simply about preserving history—it is about ensuring that the contributions of Black golfers remain an integral and celebrated part of golf’s ongoing story. To learn more about the National Black Golf Hall of Fame visit https://blackgolfhof.org/
