Jedidiah Rishi Frazier, a 32-year-old professional golfer hailing from Harlowe, North Carolina, has carved out a remarkable journey in the realm of golf. While he may currently find himself working on the maintenance crew at Rock Barn Country Club and Spa, his heart beats for the greens, and his passion for the sport knows no bounds.
Introduced to golf at the tender age of three by his father, King Frazier, Jedidiah’s journey with the game has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a remarkable handicap of +3.5, he has proven his mettle time and again on the course. “No one has ever expected anyone to ever come from the streets of Harlowe, “the hood” that’s known for drugs alcoholism and violence, to make it to the life of being a professional athlete let alone a golfer,” said Jedidiah.
Yet, amidst the accolades and achievements, Jedidiah finds his greatest pride in the tight-knit bond of his family. As the eighth of nine children, he cherishes his parents 54-years of marriage and the unbreakable unity they share. A poignant moment etched in his memory is his father’s heartfelt prayer, uttered amidst the diagnosis of prostate cancer, was wishing to witness Jedidiah play among the golfing elite. “Regarding my dad and his prayer. It was for God to allow him to see me play with the ‘big boys’ and to allow him to watch. In my first pro event he showed up and that prayer bore witness to a miraculous victory in witnessing my first-ever professional event,” said Jedidiah. That answered prayer was a testament to Jedidiah’s faith and family support that remains unrivaled in his heart until this day. “An early double bogey slowed down the round, as well as rain, but I managed to grind through the difficulties, tying my career low of 62,” he said.
However, Jedidiah’s journey has not been devoid of challenges. The bitter taste of politics and racism within the golfing industry, particularly in Eastern North Carolina, has cast shadows on his path. Jedidiah says it has been the unjust terminations and discriminatory actions which have tested his resilience.
“The most disappointment that I’ve dealt with in my pro career has to be the politics and racism that I’ve dealt with in the industry. I worked as an assistant golf professional at a golf course in Eastern North Carolina that wrongfully terminated me based off a petition one of the members started, and now, they have someone in charge who actually took a part in revising the letter,” said Jedidiah.
“A year later a job was offered to me as a head golf professional in Eastern North Carolina. After being advised by many people, including current and previous employees and guests regarding the micromanaging GM, I still took the job. My social and professional skills didn’t mix well with the upper management, as we bumped heads, had some disagreements that skewed from some facts and I was asked to resign but repulsed to, then let go,” said Jedidiah.
“Within that ordeal the job title offered a certain amount of money but I was told that, due to budgeting and a credential, I would receive $12,000 less than what was advertised. That really stunk, especially knowing that same GM has no credential but close ties with the owner,” Jedidiah said. Yet, through these storms, Jedidiah found solace in the unwavering support of his family and the guiding light of his faith along with the support of the country club members, workers, and guests.
“With the knowledge and guidance of these men: WM John “no belts” Humphrey, PM Lester “second best” Sabsook, SW William Diggs, PM Choo Wilson, JW Franklin Rice —and a few more bruhs worldwide, I was able to learn who I am as a man and to let my light shine.”
As time passed, Jedidiah crossed paths with Adam Lucas, a PGA class A professional whom he had previously encountered at one of his workplace courses. Witnessing Jedidiah’s struggles and challenges, Adam graciously took him under his wing. Soon, word spread, and Jedidiah found himself receiving calls from various quarters of the golfing community. Gregory Doore, a renowned teaching expert from St. Louis, extended his support, alongside Jedidiah’s predecessors, Holden “cuddy cuh” Abrams and Nick Eatmon. Subsequently, Jedidiah was contacted by a PGA mentor and the head job advisor, both offering guidance and exploring new opportunities in light of his experiences.
”Another thing that keeps me going are the members from both courses that I’ve worked at, constantly calling me and apologizing for the behavior of upper management and how things went, not to mention still requesting lessons and friendship.”
One contributing factor that’s added to the success of Jedidiah Frazier is his brother/friend/ rival/ pro partner Christian Carpenter. Christian is a two time Guinness world record holder who shot 54 as a teenager and is the youngest person to ever record a hole in one, former jeopardy question.
A turning point emerged as Jedidiah embraced his identity as a Master Mason, drawing strength from the wisdom of his brethren. Encounters with mentors like Adam Lucas and outreach from esteemed figures in the golfing community breathed new life into his aspirations. The love and grace of God became his anchor amidst the tumultuous seas of adversity.
Financial hurdles have been another formidable barrier on Jedidiah’s quest for professional success. Raised in modest circumstances, he recalls the days of scavenging for golf balls in ponds and making do with hand-me-downs. Despite the odds stacked against him, Jedidiah’s resolve remains unyielding, fueled by the fire of his childhood dream.
Yearning for sponsorship and support, Jedidiah knows that with the right resources, his potential on the golf course knows no bounds. His journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the unwavering determination to defy the odds.
As Jedidiah Rishi Frazier stands on the threshold of his dreams, he carries with him the hopes of a tight-knit family, the wisdom of his Masonic brethren, and an unshakeable faith in the promise of tomorrow. In his heart, he knows that with every swing of the club, he moves one step closer to the realization of a childhood dream—a dream forged in the crucible of adversity and fueled by the unwavering belief that nothing is impossible with faith and perseverance.
To view Jedidiah’s golf bio, consider sponsoring him, and view his many successes in the game click HERE.
