For more than six decades Willie McRae has walked the pristine and historic fairways of Pinehurst Golf Club and Resort with a humble and quiet dignity. He has helped carry on the proud tradition of the black caddie and for almost 80 years the McRae family has played a prominent role in the history of Pinehurst.The McRae Family is just as much a part of the history of Pinehurst as it’s more famous guests. Thaddeus McRae, the son of a sharecropper started caddying at the Pinehurst Golf Club in 1927. He was one of many black caddies that traveled from the Taylortown, NC a small town just two miles from the resort to work at the Golf course that the Tufts Family owned. Caddying was a way to earn money and support his wife and twelve children. (Read Winter/Jan. 2007 issue.)

(April 28, 2014)—by AAGD Staff

Having served as the Director of Instruction for more than 9 years at the Bronx Golf Center in Bronx, New York, Buddy is entering his 21st-year as a golf professional.

Starting in the business in Philadelphia, PA at the historic Cobb’s Creek Golf Club, Buddy is a former PGA of America member.  Currently teaching at both the Fairview Golf Center in Elmsford, NY and at Marine Park Golf Course in Brooklyn, NY.  He also served as Head Professional at the historic Freeway Golf Course in Sicklerville, NJ.

his stellar credentials include running his own enterprise, Buddy Cooper Golf, and serving as an instructor at the prestigious Jim McLean Golf Academy at Chelsea Piers in New York City.   Read Buddy’s bio here

RELATED ARTICLE: The Historic Freeway Golf Course Closed and Up For Sale

In addition to teaching all levels of golfers, including local pros and competitive juniors, Buddy oversaw the Jim McLean Junior Golf Academy each of his two years while on staff.  Learning to teach McLean’s methodology from Jim and his senior team was invaluable, as McLean is a Master PGA Professional and was the PGA of America’s Teacher of the Year in 1994.  Buddy was also a staff instructor at the Jim Colbert/Jimmy Ballard schools with the Family Golf Center of the Bronx and is on the African American Golfer’s Digest list of Top Golf Instructors.

John Robinson expects to attract some of today’s most elite junior golfers with his inaugral G3 Tour(Got Guts Golf) that kicks off in August 2005. The fundraiser is an opportunity for youth to showcase their skills and gain national exposure while benefitting a worthy cause. (Read more in the Summer 2005 issue.)

Albert Crews says, “I still keep the faith,” as he reflects on how he almost made the cut for the U.S Senior Open in July at the NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio. Gain insight into how the 53-year-old, baptist minister and full-time mason drove his five-year-old SUV with over 130,000 miles on it for more than 14-hours just to reach the tournament, only to come three shots short of realizing his dream. (Read more in the Summer 2005 issue)

Leonard Jones knows the golf scene better than most people you’ll probably ever meet. He’s played pro, worked with youth, founded the Minority Golf Foundation, held a Tiger Woods clinic and still manages and teaches at two golf venues in Dallas, Texas. How

Jay McNair was one of the few Blacks who got an opportunity to participate on “The Big Break,” The Golf Channel’s hit reality TV show that captured America’s attention.

McNair found himself in the living rooms and homes of many who never knew he and his exceptional golf skill existed. (Read more in the Summer 2005 issue.)

The Fairplay Foundation held its annual Celebrity Open and it has become the hottest ticket in town during June, when they hosted the “Kids Night Out” at Six Flags in New Olreans. Chairman, Dale Brock was ecstatic with the success of the event that attracted over 155 youngsters out for an evening of enjoyment and festivities. (Read more in the Summer 2005 issue.)

The Urban Chamber of Commerce President,Hanna Brown along with Golf Chair, Edgar “Tee” Taylorand Ann Gregory’s daughter, JoAnn Gregory-Overstreet filled the course with excitement at Siverstone GC during their 6th Annual Las Vegas Tournament.Legendary golfer, Lee Elder was also on hand as 52 scholarships were awarded to deservinf youth. (Read more in the Summer 2005 issue.)

(L-R): Dennis Cone,
PCA President with
Walter “Cricket” Pritchett

Walter “Cricket” Pritchett was honored with induction into the Professional Caddie Association (PCA) Worldwide Caddie Hall of Fame in January 2007.

Pritchett’s longtime caddie buddy, Alfred “Rabbit” Dyer, nominated him for the award.

Pritchett, now 63 years old, started caddying when he was 10 years old in Houston, Texas. Walter, who grew up without a father, was able to provide most of the family’s income by caddying after school and on weekends. (…read more in the Spring 2007 issue.)

This meticulous duo serves the community far and wide while providing access to high quality golf activities on demand

Find out how partners Jandi Smith Turner (left) and Debby Stroman(right) keep focused on their non-profit firm that offers a full spectrum of sports marketing services..

( Read the Summer 2005 issue.)

On May 17, 2007 The First Tee of Washington, DC, held its annual “For The Kids” golf classic with special invited guest and golf legend, icon Calvin Peete in attendance. Peete greeted guests and demonstrated his skills to the youth during the day that attracted dozens of youngsters from throughout the area.

Calvin Peete (center). with Jimmy Garvin(r), President, Langston Legacy Golf Course and Certified Instructor, John H. Coleman, USGTF, (l) helped the youth to enjoy the day by providing tips and instruction. (…read more in the Summer 2007 issue.)

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Scholarship Tournament winners were are all smiles after their team effort on May 22, 2004 at the Links on Madison Green, Royal Palm Beach. Fl. (…read more in the Fall 04 issue.)