Spending time with family, watching his son play basketball, reading, and listening to jazz, sums up most of the things that Richard Alexander Brown enjoys—that is, when he’s not playing golf! The Houston, Texas, resident grew up in San Francisco, Calif., and he fondly recalls the plethora of great golf courses that were available to play there.
As a youth, several of his East Oakland neighborhood friends helped to introduce him to golf. Now, years later, Brown, 56, carries a +1 handicap and is a member of the PGA of America who has been a professional for over 30 years.
Brown serves at the Quail Valley Golf Club in Missouri City, Texas, and is Director of Instruction at his Richard Brown School of Golf. The best thing about his work, says Brown, is that he enjoys “helping teach people the game of golf, and watching them excel at something that they might of thought that they couldn’t achieve.”
The Grambling State University graduate (class of 1982) earned degrees in Information Systems and Accounting. He attended Grambling State on a golf scholarship in 1977. Afterwards, tried to qualify for the PGA Tour in the early-mid 80’s. Brown is a Level III certified with the Titleist Performance Institute for Golf Fitness/ Junior Coaching and K-VEST certifications, along with being FlightScope Launch Monitor certified.
With a busy schedule, Brown manages to keep his game in top shape by playing 3-4 holes daily with friends and club members at Quail Valley Golf Club in Missouri City, Texas. Due to his work schedule he’s not been able to prepare for tournament play, but eagerly admits to loving the sport for the “challenge that golf presents, being outdoors and meeting other people.” However, finding time to play more rounds is Brown’s biggest challenge.
Over his 40+ years of playing, Brown has had many instructors. “My last lesson was with Hank Haney. Training with Hank gave me a better understanding of ‘angles in the swing’.” And, no doubt about that, as Hank Haney is known worldwide for his expertise in helping golfers to better understand their swing and lower their scores.
Overall, Brown most admires golfers Lee Trevino and Tiger Woods. “Both golfers came from meager, or humble, beginnings and went on to become championship/hall of fame-caliber players.”
Brown is an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Rho Xi Chapter. He and his wife Monica have been married for 19 years and together they are proud of their only child, Richard A. Brown IV. “We used to play golf together when he was younger, but now his passion has turned to basketball.” His son, age 17, is a stunning 6’7” tall and, an excellent basketball player at Lutheran South Academy. He just received a basketball scholarship offer from Tuskegee University.
