November 11, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
LPGA Golf Professional Avis Brown Riley was recognized by The American Cancer Society (ACS) at their Annual Golf Tournament at La Jolla Country Club on August 31, 2020. The author, entrepreneur and first and only African American woman to ever win the prestigious Junior World Golf Championship received the Celebration of Life Award while being 10 years Cancer Free of stage 4 Breast Cancer. “I am very blessed and honored to receive such a beautiful award,” said Avis in her statement while giving thanks American Cancer Society for their generous support during her battle with Breast Cancer.
Riley Brown expressed her gratitudes to those closest to her, ” to my husband James Riley, my daughter AyannaTamia, son Amari Riley, my family and friends that have supported and encouraged me along the way…praise God! Thank you Rosella, Director of ACS and Staff. I am proud to be an Ambassador for American Cancer Society.”
Avis’s is an inductee at the African American Golfers Hall of Fame and she enjoys serving as a mentor for youth, women and African Americans in the world of golf. Her journey in the sport began at the age of 7, being coached by her father, Gordon Brown Sr., Avis went on to become a skillful golfer and became the first and only African American women to win both the Junior World Golf Championship (1974) and the San Diego Women’s City Amateur Championship (1982). Brown Riley has also made an appearance on ABC’s Holey Moley TV show.
Her life in chronicled in her recent memoir, “Building of a Champion: How I Became a Champion in Life.” Through laughter and tears, Avis teaches readers about the three Ds – Determination, Dedication, and Desire – that helped her beat cancer and succeed in life.
RELATED: Avis Brown-Riley Makes Debut On ABC’s Holey Moley TV Show
Riley-Brown’s golf career is filled accomplishments:
- First and only African American woman to ever win the prestigious Junior World Golf Championship.
- First and only African American to ever win the San Diego Women’s City Amateur Championship
- First African American to win the National Minority Collegiate Golf Championship
- First, ever African American golfer to participate in the Wickes Andy Williams San Diego Open (and played with Jerry Pate).
- One of few women to ever be inducted into the African American Golfer’s Hall of Fame
