Akron is now the official home of the largest predominantly African American golf club in the United States. This past May, the esteemed Tiretown Golf Club and Tiretown Golf Charities chose the 180-acre J.E. Good Park Golf Course as their new home course.
This represents a significant achievement for the 72-year-old golf club, which comprises approximately 180 members from the Akron area. Its history traces back to its early days of playing at the city-owned Good Park, one of the three golf courses in Northeast Ohio that welcomed Black golfers at the time of the club’s establishment in 1950. The other two were C Ridge Top Golf Course in Medina and Clearview Golf Club in East Canton.
In celebration of this milestone, the membership gathered on Saturday, May 28 on a beautiful, sunny morning at the course. The event featured speeches, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque near the No. 3 tee, and the display of photos and memorabilia in the clubhouse. Dignitaries such as Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Akron NAACP President Judi Hill were present to share their thoughts. While the occasion allowed for reflection on the club’s rich history, members also expressed their excitement about Good Park Golf Course becoming their official home, as it signifies a promising future for their mission of nurturing young golfers and scholars.
During the event, Tiretown Golf Club President Ralph Paulk recounted his recent trip to California, where he played golf with a predominantly African American club that the local newspaper touted as the largest Black golf club in the country with 112 members. However, Paulk pointed out that the Akron club boasts approximately 180 members, surpassing the California club’s count. He proudly declared, “Therefore, we are the largest predominantly African American club in the country.”
Beyond the realm of golf, Tiretown members take great pride in their multifaceted endeavors, according to President Ralph Paulk. While they are highly competitive on the golf course, they also emphasize their commitment to other areas. Paulk stressed the importance of their charitable work, particularly in providing scholarships and fostering the development of young individuals. The club has formed partnerships with organizations like First Tee, which combines golf instruction with valuable life skills for children. Moreover, Tiretown members actively fundraise for their scholarship program and maintain extended partnerships with the city, various organizations, churches, and other entities.
Tiretown member Tony Bishop highlighted the significance of First Tee in cultivating the next generation of golfers and instilling vital life skills in young people. He remarked, “We don’t just have kids in First Tee; we have future golfers and individuals who will make a positive impact on society.”
“This is more than just a club; it’s a family,” expressed Judi Hill, a member of both Tiretown and the NAACP. “It’s a community of individuals who provide unwavering support for one another.”
