For Immediate Release 

Contact: GARI THOMAS, Tournament Chair 203 814-6114   Gloria Baker Parker 203-907-7834    EMarie erbell08@gmail.com      Knickerbocker Golf Club, Inc. Celebrates 80th Anniversary Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament 

 NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT ORGANIZATION AMONG NATION’S OLDEST AFRICAN AMERICAN GOLF CLUBS 

New Haven, CT, July 27, 2024–Nearly forty years after the end of the Civil War, John Shippen, the son of black man and Native American mother placed sixth in the second U.S. Open, despite threats by white golfers to boycott. After a span of 52 years, Ted Rhodes in 1948 would join Shippen (who played in five Opens) as only African Americans to play in the Open. Four years prior to Rhodes playing in the U.S. Open, and three years before Jackie Robinson would break baseball’s color line; a group of African Americans in New Haven, Connecticut united to form the Knickerbocker Golf Club along the winding road of Sherman Parkway. 

Since 1944, the Knickerbocker Golf Club has been a critical institution in New Haven’s African American community. It has served as a gathering spot for New Haven’s elites in the black community as well as a key supporter of young people through sponsorships of sports teams, scholarships and venue for community organizing.   

For over 80 years, the Knickerbocker Golf Club, Inc. has dedicated itself to advancing the sport of golf through a range of club-sponsored golf, social, and community events and programs. As the oldest African American amateur golf 501(C)4 non-profit social club in Connecticut and the second oldest in the United States, our legacy dates to our founding year in 1944. 

Nestled in New Haven, Connecticut, our club boasts a historic clubhouse recognized by the Connecticut State Preservation Board and the National Register of Historic Places. While our roots are firmly grounded in history, our clubhouse remains a vibrant hub for golf and community socials. 

One of our significant endeavors is the annual scholarship golf tournament, a pivotal initiative sustaining our commitment to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors embarking on their journey to higher education. The generosity of our supporters and sponsors serves as the driving force behind the success of our scholarship program, enabling us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of promising students. 

Today, the Knickerbocker Golf Club continues to stand as a testament to our enduring passion for golf and community engagement. Join us as we celebrate our rich heritage and contribute to the future success of aspiring scholars through the power of golf and education.  

On July 26- 28th they’ll celebrate their 80th anniversary with a Meet & Greet event bringing together past and present members and supporters in an informal setting at the clubhouse located at 715 Sherman Pkwy, New Haven, CT.  Following Saturday, July 27th, 2024, all Golfers from near and far will gather together at Alling Memorial Golf Course 35 Eastern Street, New Haven, CT  06513 for the following events: 

Although its clubhouse is distinguished as a historical landmark by the Connecticut State Preservation Board and the National Register of Historic Places, the prominent red brick building continues to be a center for golf, social, and recreational activities for its members and the community. 

It remains an institution that has withstood the era when African Americans were barred from playing in white tournaments to witnessing the rise and accomplishments of Tiger Woods, whose success in many ways –not necessarily in actual player numbers – reinvigorated the sport of golf in the African American community. 

“It’s hard to imagine golf without Tiger, but many of us can,” said Willie Holmes the Knickerbocker Club’s residing historian. “For those of us who remember what it was like for African Americans trying to break into what were once considered white-only sport, it’s even harder to imagine why we’d want to,” added Holmes. 

Longtime member Dr. Reginald Mayo, the former superintendent of New Haven Public Schools believes institutions like the Knickerbockers are still relevant and play a crucial role in allowing community elders to transfer history and culture to younger generations unaware of the struggles and sacrifices invested in removing racist barriers in America. 

“Cultural institutions like the Knickerbockers serve a role in filling in the blanks for the younger generation and serve as a vehicle for ensuring that our young people remember where we’ve come from as a people and that there is an obligation to pay it forward for the future generations the same way others did for us and we are doing for them” he said. 

Retired New Haven Police Chief and Knickerbocker member Melvin Wearing agrees. 

“No one knows our community better than we do and the Knickerbocker Golf Club is about simply more than golf. That was a starting point, the bigger idea was to pool resources and create a safe place that could have a positive and powerful impact on our community,” said Wearing. 

“Without a doubt for the past 80 years, I do believe the Knickerbocker Club has done that and I don’t see that commitment ending any time soon,” added Wearing. 

Come out and help us celebrate 80 Years of Golf at its Finest and Community Service. Join us for an an evening of Dinner, Awards and Dancing. For Tickets to this historical event please visit: www.knickerbockergolfclub.org/ 

Sponsorships and Donations are graciously accepted to benefit our College Book Scholarship Fund and Building Repair Fund. Please make checks payable to KGC, Inc. 80th, P.O. Box 8493, N.H., CT 06531-0493. We kindly thank you in advance.