It was another commemorative round of golf for Mr. Herbert Dixon, born on September 16, 1919, has a passion for the game and has used his influence to benefit others.
For his 103 birthday, Mr. Dixon was joined on Bartlow golf course by several of his buddies and “played many holes” said Larry Mitchell, who posed with a photo of the iconic golfer. “Dixon was one of the best around here in Polk County,” said Mitchell.
Bartlow golf course is where Dixon first learned the game as a caddy. Although he wasn’t allowed to play on the course because of his color, he served as a caddy and quickly realized he loved the game. He made a spot behind the caddy shack where he hit balls and learned to play by watching others. Later, he was allowed to play on the course on Mondays and improved his game. People began to notice his skills.
Later, Dixon began to play in local African American tournaments and one of his fondest memories was of his debut at a nationally recognized tournament. Crowd favorite Charlie Sifford, who had won the tournament five years in a row, and who was dressed in the latest golfing attire, took one look at Dixon (who wore the best he had at the time), and Dixon could tell he didn’t think much of him. By the end of the day, Sifford had gained a new respect for the rookie. Dixon had won the 1951 National Negro Open, beating Sifford by 1 stroke, 69-70.
In 2019, at age 99, Dixon was inducted into the Polk County Hall of Fame preceded by induction into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame (2012) and induction into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (1998).
When Dixon was 101 years of age, in 2020, the Legendary golfer continued to golf almost every day.
Happy birthday Mr. Dixon!
