Gladys M. Lee LPGA, Unites Women With Visit to New PGA of America Headquarters

With the opening of its new headquarters, in Frisco (TX), the PGA of America becomes the first major international sports organization in Texas. The 106,600-square-foot building overlooks a 30-acre practice facility and is part of the $550 million PGA Frisco mixed-use development. By moving to Frisco, the former Palm Beach County, Florida-based organization now sits in the middle of the country, making travel to the PGA HQ easier from all parts of America.

The new building officially opened in August of 2022, several years following the PGA of America’s first announced its departure from Florida in 2018. Today, the 106-year-old PGA of America and its new burgeoning 600-acre campus is devoted to everything and anything golf. The brightly lit, spacious headquarters was designed by Houston-headquartered multidisciplinary firm Page.

To introduce the new facility to interested women in the Dallas, TX area, a group tour was organized by Gladys M. Lee LPGA (Class A) Coach and Teaching Professional. The group consisted of 60 women and 5 men who awe inspired as they became familiar with the new state-of-the-art facilities. 

Upon arrival at PGA Headquarters, the group was greeted by Erin Sargent and Vincent Bove. Kenny Sims, Senior Director, PGA REACH IMPACT was also onsite.  The constituency that Coach Lee had assembled was full of distinguished and notables individuals, including Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Ann Williams, founder, National Award-winning Dallas Black Dance Theater, Mrs. Emma Rodgers, founder/owner, Black Images Book Bazaar, Mary Boyce, writer for Tom Joyner Show, and Joy Wallace, President & CEO at J.O.Y. Foods, Inc. (a chicken supplier to McDonald’s). Additionally, among the group to enjoy the tour were members of the Elite Ladies Golf League.

Also taking advantage of the tour day was Ramona Logan, retired News Anchor, NBC, current Executive Board Dallas Black Dance Theater,  Carol Wise, retired Executive Chief Vice President, Dallas Area Rapid Transportation (Dart), LaSheryl Walker Director, Community Outreach Forest Theater and Kim Finley, Executive, Radio One Dallas.

The opportunity to tour the new PGA headquarters drew lots of attention for participation. Altogether, there were over 75 women of color from a full spectrum of golf levels who had signed up to be a part of this exciting tour and to get introduced to golf.

“I am honored that others recognize and appreciate the work and the love I have for golf. I just wish there was a permanent home for me and my expertise to coach, instruct, and mentor, to teach women and children who want a woman who is qualified, credentialed, and professional that looks like them!” Currently, Coach Lee is without employment and eagerly seeking to become part of a progressive company where she can fully utilize her decades of experience.

Coach Lee is passionate about growing public awareness for golf, especially among Black women. The National Black Golf Hall Of Fame inductee says that she put the PGA Headquarters tour together because “DFW is my home. I was born in Ft. Worth and went to elementary and Jr. High School (James E. Guinn) here. I graduated from the historical I.M. Terrell Sr. High School, furthering my education at Texas Southern University (1965).

“There is nothing wrong with other individuals who are very capable and highly qualified but there comes a time when we as Black women golf professionals who have paved the way, and are true Pioneers, to be made visible enough so people know we exist, and at least have the option to choose who they want to teach, coach, or mentor them.”