Avis Brown-Riley, a native of San Diego and current resident of Las Vegas, has made an indelible mark in the world of golf as a trailblazing LPGA professional and a source of inspiration for countless individuals. Her remarkable achievements and unwavering determination have solidified her position as a history-maker, empowering women and youth and breaking color barriers along the way.
From an early age, Avis showed exceptional talent and passion for golf. At just seven years old, she picked up her first set of clubs, and by the age of eight, she won her first golf tournament. Avis’s exceptional skills continued to shine, as she secured numerous victories, including the Junior World Championship at the age of ten, where she emerged as the number-one golfer in her age division for an impressive five consecutive years. Her dominance in the sport led her to become the first and only African American to win the San Diego City Women’s Amateur Championship.
Avis’s dedication to her craft earned her a golf scholarship at the United States International University, where she made her mark as a Division I college golfer. She was named Rookie of the Year and triumphed in the inaugural National Minority Collegiate Golf Tournament. Avis’s outstanding performances earned her a national ranking of 25th in 1985, and she competed in the NCAA Women’s Championship throughout her college career, all while earning her degree in Communications.
As Avis embarked on her professional career, she played on the LPGA Futures Golf Tour and achieved a significant milestone by winning the Michelob Classic at Canyon Crest Country Club, shooting an impressive seven under par 65. Her prowess on the golf course led to her becoming one of only 14 African American women to hold an LPGA professional “Class A” certification. Avis’s determination and resilience were further demonstrated as she became one of five African Americans to participate in the United States Women’s Open (1988) and the first African American to compete in the United States Women’s Senior Open (2023).
Beyond her remarkable golfing achievements, Avis has also made a profound impact through her role as an author and motivational speaker. In 2009, she embarked on a mission to inspire children worldwide by sharing her incredible story, resulting in the publication of her debut book, “Building of a Champion.” However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2010. Avis faced this challenging obstacle with the same determination and resilience that defined her golf career. She triumphed over cancer, and her story serves as a testament to the power of faith, family support, and unwavering determination.
Avis’s unwavering spirit and passion for empowering others have led her to become a prominent influencer, motivational speaker, and mentor. As President of her brand, ABR Golf, she is a strategic leader and has been featured in over 100 news articles, radio and podcast interviews, and speaking engagements, sharing her message of resilience, perseverance, and the belief that dreams can come true. Avis’s impact extends beyond the golf course as she served as a high school golf coach and a teaching professional for the San Diego Inner City Golf Foundation, positively shaping the lives of aspiring golfers for over 25 years.
Today, Avis, with the loving support of her husband, James D. Riley of nearly 27 years, continues to make a difference in the world of golf as an LPGA Golf Professional Assistant and Community Influencer at Golf Galaxy. It’s a busy summer for Avis who is currently teaching youth at Golf Galaxy and a few of her students will compete in The World Stars of Golf being held in June in Las Vegas, NV, at Las Vegas Golf Course. “In July, I am looking forward to teaching golf at Golf Galaxy in Henderson. Nevada, and look forward to teaching the Las Vegas Raiders and friends in the area.” Avis has also been nominated for Western Section Teacher of The Year Award by Mack, Mackenzie. “I am honored to be nominated for such a magnificent award,” she says.
As a mother of two children, a daughter Ayanna and a son Amari, she inspires women and girls to pursue their dreams on and off the golf course, overcome challenges, and embrace their full potential. “I am so thankful and blessed to have survived cancer…13 1/2 years cancer free,” says the 59-year-old who retired from FedEx Express in 2019 after 25 years. “I have been able to return to my passion for Golf and fulfill my dream as an LPGA Member is breathtaking. I love representing the LPGA: teaching, Inspiring, mentoring, and coaching youth to learn the game of golf — a game one can play for a lifetime, it is very rewarding.”
“I am very thankful and grateful that my parents, Gordon (age 87) and Harriet Brown (age 85), who are still alive to see me at my best, and I thank them daily for ‘Building A Champion’,” says Avis. “A special thanks to my oldest brother Gordon Brown Jr. for mentoring me since I was a little girl and is now my business partner at ABR Golf.
“Moving from San Diego to Las Vegas is a dream come true…they gravitated to me since day one and the best is yet to come,” claims the lover of Mexican Food – beef tacos, carna asada burritos, enchiladas, tamales, rice & beans. Her exceptional journey has earned her a place in the San Diego Golf Hall of Fame and the African American Golfers Hall of Fame, further solidifying her legacy as a pioneer and role model.
Avis showcased her skills on Episode 2 of Holey Moley, a popular reality television show featuring a vibrant 10-hole, technicolor miniature golf course, larger-than-life obstacles, and head-to-head, sudden-death matchups. Avis spoke of being treated like royalty by the Disney/ABC television staff.
Avis Brown-Riley’s remarkable story serves as an inspiration to all who encounter it.
To learn more about Avis Brown-Riley’s journey and offer your support, follow her on Facebook @avis.brownriley, where you can stay updated on her remarkable achievements and upcoming endeavors.
