The golf industry is mourning the loss of Gladys M. Lee, an LPGA Class A teaching professional, mentor and tireless advocate for expanding opportunities for young people and women in golf. Known affectionately as Coach Lee, she devoted decades to using the game as a vehicle for education, confidence, discipline and personal growth.
Lee’s impact reached far beyond the golf course. In 1986, she founded the Texas International Stroker’s Junior Golf Association, which later became the Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy. The nonprofit program provided instruction and competitive opportunities for children from diverse racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, while emphasizing life skills, academic development, health and character.
Over the years, Roaring Lambs served more than 2,000 competitive youth golfers and helped numerous participants pursue college scholarships. The program earned national recognition, including acknowledgment from Tiger Woods as one of the country’s leading junior golf programs. Its work was subsequently featured in an NBC “Making a Difference” segment with journalist Tom Brokaw.
Lee also created opportunities for adult women through programs including LPGA Golf 101, DFW Fairway Divas and Global Fairway Seekers. She served as site director for LPGA-USGA Girls Golf in Fort Worth and Dallas West, and worked to introduce women and girls to golf in welcoming, supportive environments.
Her professional experience included coaching at the high school and collegiate levels. As head coach of the women’s golf program at Estrella Mountain Community College in Arizona, she led her team to the 2012 NJCAA National Championship. She also coached a high school team to a state championship in 2011. Her industry service included leadership with the African Americans in Golf Association, golf instruction at Tarrant County College and work as a teaching professional with PGA TOUR Superstore.
Before entering golf, Lee spent more than 20 years in the aerospace industry, working in manufacturing operations, inventory control, procurement and quality control. She also worked as a production coordinator for Dick Clark Productions. Her golf achievements included induction into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 2003. She graced the cover of the African American Golfer’s Digest July 2026 issue and was a long-time blogger providing personal commentary and unfiltered insights on her golfing journey.
“Losing Gladys is a loss for so many in golf. She carried the torch of advocating for equality in the the sport for decades, holding firm to her beliefs, and fighting the good fight of faith, providing opportunities for those young and old. Her works will live on forever, and I will sorely miss her,” said Debert Cook, AAGD publisher.
The news of her passing prompted heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues.
LPGA and golf pioneer Renee Powell described Lee’s death as a major shock, recalling their friendship dating back to the early days of Roaring Lambs. Powell praised Lee for breaking barriers and continually creating opportunities for youth and women. “Always thinking of others,” Powell wrote, recognizing her selfless contributions and determination to open doors for others.
Dr. Sheron Patterson, Lee’s Methodist Minister and close friend also shared a deeply personal tribute, remembering Lee as both a golf legend and her coach. “She was so much more than a coach to me—she taught me about golf, life and faith,” Patterson wrote on her Facebook page.
Lee’s legacy will live on through the golfers she taught, the opportunities she created and the generations she inspired. Her life demonstrated that golf is more than a game—it can be a lasting instrument for changing lives.
Notice of Lee’s passing was received by this publication earlier this week. Memorial arrangements are being prepared and we’ll continue to keep readers updated.
