BARBARA TAYLOR
Blog: December 2011-January 2012
The Man. The Professional. The Icon.
Alton Duhon’s awesome past, remarkable present, and unbelievable future in the world of golf.
Alton Duhon was born on January 5, 1925, in Lafayette, Louisiana (some say with a golf club in his hand). Contrary to that, it was not until 1953 that Alton discovered the all-consuming passion of his life: GOLF!
By 1954, Alton was playing and competing in Championship flights throughout Southern and Northern California. Liked and respected by all who met and played with him, there were many who wished they could get a refund on their entry fees after hearing that, “Duhon is playing.”
In 1942 Alton became a member of Cosmopolitan Golf Club. After many years of membership he decided to enter the annual tournament and, afterwards, won it seven years in a row, 1975-1981.
Alton won low amateur in the Gardena Valley Open (1968-1981); The Los Angeles Men’s Golf Association (1974,1975); The Griffith Park Men’s Club (1974-1977, 1980); The Pasadena City Championship Golf tournament, City of Pasadena, Ca. (1981); The Mexico Amateur Champion, Guadalajara, Mexico (1982).
At the age of 58 Alton reached the pinnacle of his amateur golf career. In 1982, Alton had the distinction of being the first man in Los Angeles to win three major amateur titles within one year: The Los Angeles City Senior Men’s Amateur Golf Championship, California State Senior Men’s Amateur Golf Championship, and the United States Senior Men’s Amateur Golf Championship.
Alton is the first and only African American to win the U.S. Senior Men’s Amateur Championship to date. Due to Alton’s achievements and dedication, in 1982 Mayor Tom Bradley proclaimed November 17 as “Al Duhon Day” in Los Angeles, whereby Alton was recognized and honored by the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners and the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles.
Alton began his professional career in 1988 (at age 67), when he went out as a Monday Qualifier on the Senior PGA Tour. Alton qualified in approximately 14 tournaments as a professional. The last one he played was in 1961, “The Gold Rush,” in Northern California. In 1991, he finished second in the Super Seniors and tied for seventh place with Jim Dent, Al Geiberger, Harold Henning and Rocky Thompson.
Meanwhile, Alton discovered another passion in his life, teaching. Alton became a Board Member of Young Golfers of America Association (YGAA), which introduces golf to disadvantaged youth in the Los Angeles area. Alton believes golf helps build character, integrity and self-esteem in those that strive to excel in this demanding sport.
For the past 15 years Alton has aided in exposing and introducing golf to over 3,000 youth as Head Professional for Young Golfers of America Association. Alton’s very presence at Chester Washington Golf Course (Los Angeles) has assisted and provided the tools and expertise to many of our local youth to further their education through full college golf and academic scholarships.
Alton’s dedication to the game of golf and its teachings, as well as excellent playing skills, are known and talked about throughout the United States. He is, and always will be, a Champion in the eyes and hearts of the community and those who have been privileged to meet and know him.
May 29, 2006, Alton was inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame in Phoenix, Arizona. Alton was inducted into the National Black Golfers Hall of Fame in Auburn, Alabama in July, 2006. December 11, 2006 YGAA held an Alton Duhon Day at Chester Washington Golf Course where he was honored by over 140 players and guests.
When Alton was not on the PGA tour, he found time to continue his involvement teaching and traveling with the Young Golfers of America. Some of Altons travels with YGAA, under the umbrella of “Teens on the Green” entailed traveling with 25 youngsters, ranging in ages from 9 to 15, to Florida, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, Texas, Georgia, South America, Spain, and Thailand. In 2006-2007, a trip was underwritten by private donors for Alton to travel with a group of youngsters to St. Andrews, Scotland, London, England and BangkokWow! How brave an undertaking was that for this extraordinary Octogenarian golfing mentor!!!
What is this 87-year old ICON doing now, you ask?
For starters he teaches/coaches me (lucky me!) one day a week. He teaches youngsters ages 8-15 for the City of Los Angeles, The Urban Youth Golf Program 4 days a week. On Nov 13, 2011 he went to on a 10-day trip to China with friends to play golf. What a life—and well deserved!
What plans for the future has this Icon made, you ask?
Alton’s plans are to retire from his teaching job with the City of Los Angeles, to continue his mentoring activities with the Young Golfers of America, to continue coaching me–what great luck I have!–and to continue traveling with his golf friends. Sounds like an “Aha” plan to me….
Alton continues to be on the board of the YGAA and contribution for the completion for this blog was provided by Marilyn Evans, assistant director of YGAA.
Until next time,
Barbara Taylor
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ABOUT BARBARA TAYLOR
In April 2011, after taking a six-year hiatus from golf lessons, Taylor decided to return to the world of Golf. When she first took lessons, she found that the transition from playing a “B” level of tennis to learning to play golf was boring, and slow as hell, and as perilous as going over Niagara Falls without a barrel. So, she made a decision (that she thought was wise at the time) to give it up! Taylor’s returned to the game came with a whole new prospective, purpose, respect, and attitude…. And, yes maturity.
Unlike when she was playing tennis, Taylor had no desire to get caught-up in the competitive frenzy. She is into golf for the shear love of the fun, travel and social interactions that she has found so delightful in the golf environment and game. However, she does want to be taken seriously.
Taylor is currently being coached by the legendary Alton Duhon, at the renown Chester Washington Golf Course, in Los Angeles. The course is also the California Golf Home of Dr. Charles Sifford.
