Carl Matthews, Sr.
(November 21, 2012)–If you ask Carl Matthews Sr., what he favors most about golf, straightaway he will tell you, “I enjoy the culture and the integrity associated with the game.”
Matthews is a scratch golfer who has been sitting his bag on the green for decades. While growing up in Petersburg, Virginia, as the second oldest of seven children born to Roberta M. and James T. Matthews Sr., he learned responsibility at an early age.
When chores were finished and time permitted, young Matthews frequented the nearby Lee Park Golf Course that sat adjacent to his grandfather’s farm. This is where he began caddying at age 12, continuing all the way through high school.
“Because of segregation, back then we were not allowed to play on golf courses,” says the 67-year-old. He recalls precisely how he acquired his first club, “I found my first club, an old J.C. Higgins #7 Iron, up in a tree next to the green, par 3, hole #7 and I’ve been in love with golf every since!”
After graduating from Peabody High School in Petersburg (VA), he served in the Army for three years with the Military Police. Afterwards he worked as a machine operator for six years for Brown and Williamson, a tobacco company in Virginia. Seeking to expand his horizons, Matthews headed west for Los Angeles, where he sustained himself driving a city bus and later as an assistant at Hillcrest Country Club’s Pro Shop.
In 1980, his strong attraction for the Pacific drew him to visit Hawaii. There he fell fervently in love with the beautiful island of Oahu and remained for 22 years, employed as a golf assistant with the Mark Sousa Golf Shop at Mid-Pacific Country Club, Lanikai, Hawaii.
Photo: (L-R) Carl Matthews, Dr. Bill Davis, Donald Wall, Lorenzo Hobbs.
“I love the challenge of golf, the exercise, as well as the new friends I make while golfing,” says the divorced father of three successful adult children: Carl Matthews Jr. (46), a Natural Body Building Champion, Angela Matthews Harper (40), and Trent Matthews Sewell (26).
These days, back on the mainland, Matthews plays as many as 10+ rounds a month during warmer seasons and it’s often with his favorite golfing buddies: Donald Wall, Lorenzo Hobbs, and Bert Bryant. Several years ago he had a strong desire to turn pro, however, following an unsuccessful attempt at PGA Tour Q School in Brownsville, Texas, he has now resolved to play with friends and in local tournaments.
Matthews regularly plays in local area Captain’s Choice tournaments and relies heavily on skills that were learned from several of his golf instructors—all close friends, who helped him become a better and more competent player.
“I gained a lot of good instruction from trainers that I’d like to recognize: Art Sanford (CA. 1974-1976), Mac O’Grady (CA. 1978-1980), Tommy Ukauka (Hi.), Kalua Makalena (HI.); David Ishii (Hi.1999); Mark Sousa (HI. employer 1981-2001); Ed Tishler (HI); J.D. Sanderson (Pasadena, CA) and Johnny Edmonds (Los Angeles, CA). I also continue to gain good insights from reading golf magazines including the African American Golfer’s Digest, Golf Digest and by watching The Golf, Channel,” proclaims the devoted player.
After more than two decades of living in Hawaii, Matthews relocated back home to Virginia in 2002 becoming the primary caregiver for his mother (1925-2012) and father (1923-2006). “This took me away from being able to play golf as much as I would have liked, but the quality time with my parents outweighed anything else in the world,” he says somberly. Matthews, admits to once being labeled a womanizer, but now claims that his life has come full circle and this year he celebrated 10 years of celibacy. “I never smoked, used alcohol, or illegal drugs,” he admits. “I cherish the fact that today my motivation comes from helping others to progress.” Currently unemployed, Matthews struggles with his biggest challenge— finances.
Matthews worked as a Golf Instructor at the Cardinal Golf Course (Ft. Lee, VA. 2002-2008 and is a Golf Swing Enhancement Coach with over 25 years of experience. “If you build it (the golf swing) they will come (good shots),” goes his personal motto.
A self-published author, Matthew’s book of poetry is entitled, “God My Son and I.” To relax, he enjoys reading, writing and sharing his poetry. He’s also got excellent skills on the pool table, plays tennis, roller skates and bowls.
Some other of Matthew’s other notable exploits:
He set the course record for 59 (par was 68) at Brickwood Golf Course, Dinwiddie County, VA (June 21, 1971).
In 1983 he tied for second in the Mid-Pacific Open Golf Tournament Hi., Hawaii State Open plced 3rd Senior (71, 72, 68), Hawaii Prince G.C. (1999).
1st. Pl. Ohana Hearing Care Open (72,68,) at Hawaii Prince Golf Club (2000), 1st. Pl. Jennie K. Pro Ladies (69) M.P.C.C. Hi. (2000), Double Eagle, Hole #3, 589yds at Mid Pacific Country Club Open (4/18/2002).
Senior Tour Q. School Metrowest C.C. Orlando, FL (2000, 2002).
Long Drive Competition Regional (332yds) Riverside, CA. Sectional (328yds), Scottsdale, Az (1976). 1st Pro Tournament played at Queen Marry OPEN Long Beach, CA., where he won $133.33 (1976). To date Matthews has had five Hole-In-One’s.
For Matthews, one moment he will never forget was being out on the course with President Bill Clinton at Mid Pacific Country Club, (HI) and offering him playing tips during his visit (1994). So, what’s on Matthews’ 10-year “Dreams Deferred “list? It’s simple. He wishes to someday become the oldest golfer to qualify and win on the Champions Tour. “To God Be The Glory,” says Matthews.
