Norman Black, a professional golfer from Tampa, Florida, was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has been immersed in the sport since childhood. His introduction to golf came at the age of three, guided by his father Mr. James Black, a pioneering African American golfer who taught himself how to play while caddying for white men during the 60s, and went on to break Tiger Woods-level barriers for Black professional golfers long before Tiger Woods. Mr. Black competed on the PGA Tour in the 60s and was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. He passed away on June 22, 2023 at age 81.
Norman credits his father not only for teaching him the fundamentals of the game but also for instilling in him a deep respect for its history and traditions. “My father was a trailblazer, and his journey taught me that perseverance is everything in this sport,” he reflects.
From an early age, Norman displayed a passion for competition, playing in junior tournaments and later joining The First Tee Program in Tampa. He was the only one among his siblings to pursue golf professionally, turning pro in 2019 after years of success in amateur events. His professional debut was marked by a top-10 finish at an Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour event at Innisbrook Copperhead, an experience that confirmed his ability to compete at an elite level.
The APGA Tour, founded in 2010, is dedicated to providing more opportunities for minority golfers and promoting greater diversity in the sport. It has been instrumental in Norman’s development, allowing him to refine his game while competing against other talented players. He has also competed on the West Florida Professional Golf Tour, a developmental circuit designed to help players gain competitive experience. “Every event I play in is a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal,” Norman says. “I’ve learned that patience and persistence are key to climbing the ranks.”
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One of Norman’s most significant career milestones came in October 2024 when he secured his Asian Tour status through Qualifying School at Soboba Springs, California. The Asian Tour, recognized as a pathway to international competition, has given him the opportunity to test his skills against a global field. More recently, he added another victory to his résumé by winning a West Florida Professional Tour event at Countryside Country Club. Reflecting on that achievement, he says, “Winning at Countryside was special because it reinforced that my hard work is paying off.”
Outside of golf, Black is a devoted father to his four-year-old daughter, Elliyah. He prioritizes spending time with her and maintaining peak physical condition through rigorous training. While not married, he remains focused on both his personal and professional growth. “Golf is my passion, but being a father is my greatest responsibility,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Black has set his sights on earning his PGA Tour card within the next three to five years, a goal that drives his daily training and competitive mindset. With the continued support of his family and faith, he remains determined to break barriers and leave a lasting impact on the sport. “My journey is just beginning, and I know the best is yet to come,” he says. Stay in step with Norman by following him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/normanblackgolf/
