An Atlanta landmark honoring a pioneering golfer whose courage helped change the game forever
Located in southwest Atlanta, Georgia, the Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course is much more than a municipal golf facility. It is a living tribute to African American golf history, civil rights, perseverance, and the fight for equal access to the game. Named in honor of Alfred Fountain “Tup” Holmes, an accomplished African American amateur golfer and civil rights pioneer, the course represents an important chapter in the struggle to desegregate public golf in America.
Originally known as Adams Park Golf Course, the facility dates to approximately 1936. In August 1983, Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young officially rededicated and renamed the course in honor of Holmes, recognizing his courage and historic contributions to racial equality. It became the first public facility in Georgia named after an African American man and only the fourth such facility in the United States.
The Man Behind the Name
Born in Atlanta in 1917, Holmes developed his golfing abilities at an early age, learning from his father, Dr. Hamilton M. Holmes, and African American caddies at Candler Park. He attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), where he distinguished himself as a member of the varsity golf team.
Holmes won three consecutive Southern Intercollegiate championships between 1937 and 1939. He also captured the African American Southern Amateur championship three times and won the National Negro Amateur Championship four times.
Despite his exceptional talent, Holmes experienced the racial discrimination that confronted Black golfers throughout the country. Although he qualified for the 1939 NCAA golf championship, he was denied participation because the tournament was being held at a course that excluded African Americans.
A Landmark Fight for Equality
In 1951, Holmes, his father, his brother Oliver Wendell Holmes, and family friend Charles Bell attempted to play at Atlanta’s Bobby Jones Golf Course. They were denied access because of their race.
Rather than accept the discriminatory treatment, the family challenged the City of Atlanta. Their legal battle, known as Holmes v. City of Atlanta, eventually reached the United States Supreme Court.
Holmes famously challenged the city, declaring:
“If you give me one good satisfactory reason why I can’t play on the city owned golf courses, I’ll accept it.”
The Supreme Court reversed the lower court decision on November 7, 1955, requiring Atlanta to desegregate its public golf courses. On December 24, 1955, Holmes, his brother, and Charles Bell played at North Fulton Golf Course, marking an important milestone in the integration of Atlanta’s municipal golf facilities.
Their victory was significant beyond golf. It helped advance equal access to public recreational facilities during the broader American civil rights movement.
A Course With a Lasting Legacy
Today, the Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course stands as a reminder of the determination and contributions of African Americans who fought to make golf more accessible. The 18-hole municipal facility offers golfers three sets of tee boxes at each hole, attractive rolling terrain, and a challenging experience for players of varying abilities.
The course is also part of the historic Adams Park landscape and retains important connections to its original setting. Its clubhouse and grounds provide visitors with an opportunity to appreciate both the recreational and historical significance of the property.
Holmes’ legacy has received additional recognition through his posthumous inductions into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.
For African American golfers, the course represents something especially meaningful: a reminder that the opportunity to play on public golf courses was not always guaranteed. Generations of Black golfers, advocates, and community leaders challenged barriers so that others could enjoy the game.
The Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course is therefore more than a place to play 18 holes. It is a monument to courage, determination, and the enduring African American contribution to golf.
As the game continues to expand its reach and welcome new generations, the story of Tup Holmes deserves to be remembered, celebrated, and shared. His fight helped change Atlanta golf history and left a legacy that continues to inspire golfers across America. To learn more and book tee times visit https://www.cityofatlantagolf.com/alfred-tup-holmes-golf-course/
