The African American golf community is mourning the loss of legendary golfer and Hall of Famer Herbert L. Dixon, who died August 21, 2026, at the age of 106. Born September 16, 1919, Dixon devoted more than nine decades of his life to the game of golf and became one of the most respected figures in the history of Black golf.
Dixon’s remarkable journey began in Bartow, Florida, where he learned the game as a young caddie at what is now Bartow Golf Course. During the era of segregation, Black golfers were not permitted to play the course as regular golfers. Dixon found a way to learn by watching the players he caddied for and practicing behind the caddie shack. Eventually, Black golfers were permitted to play on Mondays, known as Caddy’s Day, giving Dixon an opportunity to develop the skills that would carry him onto the national stage.
As his talent developed, Dixon competed on the Black professional golf circuit, where he became a formidable competitor. One of the most celebrated moments of his career came in 1951, when he won the National Negro Open. The victory was especially memorable because it came against some of the era’s most accomplished Black golfers, including Charlie Sifford, who would later become the first Black golfer to earn a PGA TOUR card.
Dixon later recalled winning more than 50 tournaments during his professional career. His accomplishments were achieved during a period when Black golfers faced significant barriers to competing on many of America’s golf courses and in the professional game. His career therefore represented more than athletic achievement; it was part of the broader struggle to create opportunities for generations of African American golfers.
A Legacy That Extended Far Beyond the Golf Course
Dixon’s influence extended well beyond tournament competition. He became a fixture in the Bartow community and an inspiration to generations of golfers, young people and residents who admired his perseverance, humility and commitment to service.
His contributions to golf were formally recognized through multiple Hall of Fame inductions. Dixon was inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
The African American Golfers Hall of Fame described Dixon in its 2025 anniversary materials as the oldest African American professional golfer in the world. At age 105, he was still participating in golf-related activities and was honored during the Hall of Fame’s 20th Anniversary Celebration in Palm Beach County.
In Bartow, Dixon’s name became permanently connected to the golf course where his journey began. The course’s driving range was named in his honor in 2021, a particularly meaningful tribute considering that he once was not allowed to play the course because of segregation.
The city also renamed the street in front of the golf course Herbert Dixon Boulevard, further recognizing his importance to the community and to Florida’s Black golf history.
A Champion for Education
Dixon also understood the power of golf to create opportunities beyond the fairways. The annual Herbert Dixon Charity Golf Tournament was established in his honor and has raised funds for scholarships for high school students.
According to the Bartow Chamber of Commerce, the tournament has helped provide more than $65,000 in college scholarships to deserving and financially challenged students. Dixon also supported the Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa Golf Tournament, participating in the event for more than five decades.
That commitment reflected the values that defined Dixon’s life: education, service, perseverance and giving others an opportunity to succeed.
Even after reaching the age of 100, Dixon continued to play golf regularly. In 2019, he celebrated his 100th birthday by participating in a tournament commemorating the centennial of Bartow Golf Course. He also recorded a hole-in-one around his 100th birthday, another remarkable accomplishment in a life filled with extraordinary golf memories.
In 2023, at age 104, Dixon was recognized not only as a hall-of-fame golfer but as a father, husband, community advocate, veteran and role model. His determination to remain independent and active reflected the same competitive spirit that had defined his golf career.
“Mr. Herbert L. Dixon was more than a legendary golfer; he was a pioneer, a trailblazer and a true gentleman whose life represented the strength, perseverance and excellence of Black golfers. His journey through golf history opened doors and inspired generations who followed. I am deeply saddened by his passing, said African American Golfer’s Digest publisher Debert Cook. “His accomplishments on the course were extraordinary, but the example he set off the course was even greater. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone who had the honor of knowing him. Rest in peace, Mr. Dixon. Your legacy will live on forever.”
Celebration of Life Services
A Celebration of Life for Herbert L. Dixon is being planned for September 4 and September 5, 2026. The current schedule includes:
Friday, September 4, 2026 — 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Celebration of Life / Memorial Service
Saturday, September 5, 2026 — 11:00 a.m.
Celebration of Life Service
Locations and additional service details are forthcoming. Family, friends and members of the golf community are encouraged to await the official announcement for the exact locations and any additional information regarding the services.
Herbert L. Dixon leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the trophies and championships he earned. He was a pioneer who learned golf during segregation, competed when opportunities for Black professionals were severely restricted, became a National Negro Open champion, and ultimately earned his place among the game’s most respected African American golf legends.
For generations of golfers who followed, Dixon’s life demonstrated what could be accomplished through determination, discipline and an unwavering love for the game. His legacy will continue to live on every time a young golfer steps onto a course and discovers that the possibilities are greater than the barriers standing before them.
Rest in peace, Mr. Herbert L. Dixon. Your place in golf history is secure, and your impact will not be forgotten.
