Ron Smith
(June 6, 2011)–Motor City golfer, Ronald (Ron) Smith beams like a shiny new Buick whenever he gets a chance to hit the golf course. Ron grew up on Detroit’s west side, with celebrity neighbors like Murphy Simmons, one of the original Harlem Globetrotters who would take him and local youngsters to the games, and down the street from the famous Kronk Gym on the corner of McGraw and W. Warren streets, where championship boxers like Tommy “Hitman” Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard both trained, among others.
Ron freelances as a travel writer for the African American Gofler’s Digest and plays to a 18 handicap. He has managed tournaments, set-up auctions and traveled and played in tournaments domestically and internationally.
“I have some very memorable experiences from my rounds in Malaysia, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas,” he says.
“I enjoy golfing in warm weather the best and take my clubs with me every opportunity that I get–I always have a problem getting used to rental clubs,” says the right-hander whose swing drives the ball 240 yards off the tee.
In his hometown of Detroit, Ron, age 34 and single, has played the Palmer, Chandler, Rackham and Rouge courses. “The local courses here in Detroit are terrific! They offer great rates and I can get a tee-time just about any day,” he says.
Ron studied at Wayne State University for three years majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice. When he is not playing golf, he stays active by bowling and playing card games like spades and blackjack. He also has a strong love affair with cruising and tries to take a cruise at least once a year.
In his golf bag, you’ll find that he likes to use Arnold Palmer clubs. “They give me my best rounds and I like the way they feel in my hands,” says the golfer who initially got involved in golf when his dad began taking him to the driving range at age 14. He played on the Western International High School golf team for 4 years.
Ron’s full time job is as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. His days are long and when vacation time rolls around he’s happier than at any other time of the year.
“I am excited about this summer. I intend to play several rounds in Cancun, Mexico while on vacation,” he says. “Nothing can beat sun, sand, surf and golf all in one trip! It’s my favorite mix for a great vacation.”
In challenging times, Ron says that he stays inspired by his favorite quote: “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
His favorite all-time golfer is “The Golden Bear” Arnold Palmer; “Because, he has fun with the game; Even in competition, Palmer seems relaxed and knows how to have fun with his shots.”
