Jeff Dunovant, PGA, Chairman of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (NBGHF) was recently inducted into the Fayetteville State University (FSU) Athletic Hall of Fame. Dunovant was a 1987 graduate of the university and star player on its golf team.
Following in his father’s, Harold Dunovant, PGA, footsteps, Jeff Dunovant has devoted his professional career to the golf profession. He and his father remain the only African American father and son to be PGA members. He earned his PGA membership in 1983 making him and his father the only Black “Quarter Century Members” of the PGA.
Graduating from West Carrollton High School in Dayton, Ohio, he accepted a scholarship to attend Fayetteville State to play golf. Jeff led the FSU golf team to consecutive CIAA golf championships in 1985 and 1986 earning First Team All CIAA each year. He also was team MVP and named to the All-Tournament Team. Jeff was recognized as a National Minority Collegiate Championship (now known as the PGA Works Championship) All-American in 1987.
Currently, Jeff serves as the Director of Golf Operations for the First Tee Metro Atlanta and John A. White Park Golf Course. He also serves as the Chairman & President of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. The National Black Golf Hall of Fame was established in 1986 by his late father Harold Dunovant.
Since his father’s death in 2002 Jeff has continued his father’s legacy with the Hall of Fame. He has dedicated his career to service the golf industry and Junior golfers. He has served on the Southwest and Georgia Section Board of Directors. Jeff is now serving on the National PGA Junior League golf Committee and is a First Tee National Trainer.
Jeff has received many honors and accolades during his career as a PGA member. In 2001 he was the Southwest Section Junior Golf Player Development Award winner. In 2012 he was the North Chapter AND Georgia Section Junior Golf Player Development Award winner. In 2015 he was the Georgia PGA Section Player Development Award winner. In 2018 he was named Merchandiser of the Year (Public Golf Course) in the Georgia Section. Again, in 2019 Jeff was the North Chapter Junior Golf Player Development Award winner. In 2021 Jeff was honored with the Georgia PGA Presidents Award.
He has been coaching the Drew Charter High School golf team since its inception in 2015. In 2019 the Drew Charter High School boys’ team won the Georgia High School State Golf Championship, becoming the first school in history to win a State Golf Championship with all Black players and coaches in the country.
Since taking up the leadership of the NBGHF Jeff is leading the group in expanding its reach and influence.
He said, “while the core mission of the NBGHF is recognition of historical contributions to the game by people of color, we have added the support of HBCU golf programs that provide needed resources to ensure not only their survival but also their growth.”
Such was the case when the NBGHF donated $7,500 to his alma mater during his induction remarks. The National Black Golf Hall of Fame celebrates and honors exemplary achievements of Blacks in the golf industry. The organization also recognizes business and community leaders, regardless of race or ethnicity, who ensure Blacks are presented opportunities to participate in any facet of golf.
Jeff is married to Marie, and they have three children: Marshall, Kendall & Sydni, and one grandchild Idris Jr.
