Rafe Botts played in 151 PGA TOUR events from 1959 to 1986. (Jim Moriarty/PGA TOUR Archive)
Rafe Botts, a trailblazing figure in golf, left an indelible mark on the sport despite never clinching victory on the PGA TOUR or securing a top-three finish in any of his 151 tournaments spanning from 1959 to 1986. His legacy, however, transcends mere statistics, as he emerged as one of the pioneering Black players to grace the TOUR following the abolition of its Caucasians-only clause in 1961. Botts passed away on January 11 at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich history in golf encompassing the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, and his tenure as a PGA section professional.
During the mid-1960s and ’70s, Botts navigated the TOUR during a period of heightened Black player participation, seldom missing more than 10 tournaments in a season. His busiest year, 1970, saw him compete in a career-high 22 tournaments, with his most notable season occurring in 1965, where he landed 135th on the money list.
Born on March 31, 1937, in Washington, D.C., Botts discovered golf alongside his early career as a caddie at Langston Golf Course. His journey continued through Spingarn High School, where he rubbed shoulders with basketball icons like Dave Bing and Elgin Baylor. Following his graduation in 1955, Botts found himself at Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Maryland, nurturing his golfing aspirations while mingling with influential figures such as U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon.
In 1959, Botts relocated to Los Angeles, strategically positioning himself in a region with desegregated golf courses to advance his professional golfing ambitions. However, his trajectory was momentarily interrupted by military service from 1961 to 1963.
Jerry Barber, a six-time PGA TOUR champion, played a pivotal role in Botts’ career, providing invaluable support and guidance during his formative years as a professional golfer. Additionally, financial backing from notable figures such as Jim Brown and Motown Records, coupled with his victory at the 1972 Laguna Seca-Del Monte Hyatt Invitational, bolstered Botts’ pursuit of his dreams.
Despite his lack of PGA TOUR victories, Botts secured top-10 finishes in only two tournaments: the 1968 Pensacola Open (tied for eighth) and the 1974 Quad Cities Open, where he clinched fifth place. Following his final full season on the TOUR in 1974, Botts transitioned to the DP World Tour, where he continued to compete.
Botts etched his name in history in 1973 by becoming the first Black player to claim victory in the Southern California PGA Match Play Championship, a feat that earned him an invitation to the PGA Championship that same year.
Upon reaching the age of 50 in 1987, Botts qualified for the PGA TOUR Champions, embarking on a four-year journey on the circuit. Notable highlights include his 1988 season, where he finished 49th on the money list and contended at the Sunwest-Charley Pride Classic in New Mexico, ultimately tying for third place.
A memorial service honoring Botts’ life and contributions to the sport is scheduled to take place at Langston Golf Course, a testament to his enduring legacy within the golfing community.
