Iron Men Golf Club, Over Two Decades Of Fellowship and Networking
By Tony Loving, President
Golfing was once introduced to African Americans as a caddie role, or perhaps a grounds keeper. Today’s African American golfer is likely a young golfer mesmerized by Tiger Woods, or even an older golfer who remembers the challenges of loving a game that once could only love us from a distance.
We can further define the modern African American golfer as a professional. These professionals are business owners, executives, students, and leaders within the community. The modern day African American golfer has exposure to many social events such as scrambles, competitive tournaments, and a variety of fundraisers.
Today, we are seeing a trend that could have a negative impact on the African American golfing communities across the United States. The closures of historically Black golf courses and social discouragement will slow the expansion of Black golfers.
Modern Day Concerns
The Iron Men Golf Club is a historically Black organization located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The group travels to various golf courses within a 1-hour drive time on the weekends. The Club recently highlighted the discouragement of Black golfers socializing at the common public courses, and the closing of golf courses which traditionally served the Black communities.
A Fading Legacy
Local golf courses are seemingly discouraging the Black community from using the course as a social meeting ground. Black amateur legends once played card games, golf, and ate at the public course. Without the social gathering aspects of the game, the history is sure to fade. We hope our memorialized golfers will continue to be recognized for their historical mark within the Black community.
Mr. Brower, a member of the Iron Men Golf Club can share stories from the past with the emerging African American Golfer. Mr. Brower (shown in the photo above) only needs the venue and opportunity to share his vast history and experience with his love for the game of golf. The modern-day golfer will first be intrigued by Mr. Brower’s vintage golfing attire and swagger, which starts the process of continuing our legacy.
A Source of Greatness
The Madden Golf Course – the retiring course of the legendary Pete Brown has CLOSED. Pete was recognized for winning the Andy Williams-San Diego Open Invitational in 1970 and Four-time USG (Negro) National Open Champion winner.
Most of the Madden Golf Course old timers will tell you about Pete’s ability to hit a spinning iron shot into a tight position on the second green. Pete would host a closest to the pin skill event, which could only be reached through the masterful back spin shot.
The closure of the Madden Golf Course is another example of a legendary African American Golfer’s home course resulting in the deemphasizing of Black greatness. The younger generation will surely miss the opportunity to hear these commonly shared stories.
Lt. Colonel Codrington (shown in the above figure) once played the Madden Golf Course frequently before its closure, enjoyed his interactions with the legend Pete Brown. Pete Brown would send you on your way in a gentle voice saying “Enjoy and thank-you).
Today’s African American Golfer
The church, fraternities, specialized programs, and African American golf associations are the primary driver of Black golfers’ participation. If you are wanting to encourage junior golfing, you should seek out the First Tee program within your state. Adults can pair up with other African American golfers by reaching your local historically Black organization and Black fraternities who are major contributors to community fundraisers.
What about the business professional?
The Black business professionals, these are the golfers that work amongst the top companies, or perhaps own a business. They find themselves seeking out the same historically Black golfing organizations already in the community. They promote organization and socialization to a larger scale for the Black golfer. The well-known “The West Golf Club” and “Greater Cincinnati Golfing Association” are both two examples of Cincinnati based clubs that travel between states competing with other African American organizations. These groups tend to have some the top skills sets within the Black golfing community. The Les Birdies is another fine organization managed by an elite group of outstanding women serving the community of aspiring and advanced golfers.
Call For Action
The Iron Men Golf Club was founded as an organization dedicated to providing a golfing outlet for African American Golfers within the Cincinnati, Ohio area. The Iron Men have been in existence for nearly 25 years. Comprised of mostly business professionals, the members focus on fellowship and networking amongst each other. The Iron Men embrace new and old golfers. Iron Men golfing scores range from low 70s to low 100s. Golfers play as many as 3 times a month on Saturday’s.
If you are interested in getting involved, visit us at www.golfrsvp.com. Our organization is committed to the enjoyment and promotion of African American golf.
