The Legacy of Ted Rhodes

In the heart of racial segregation and amidst the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, Ted Rhodes emerged as a trailblazer in the world of golf. Born in 1913 in Nashville, Tennessee, Rhodes was introduced to the game of golf when he began caddying at age 12.  He took up the game by making his first set of golf clubs with clothes hangers and a used discarded 2-iron.  Rhodes would practice with other caddies, hitting shag balls at a local park in Tennessee and eventually found a golf course where he could play a few holes.  Discrimination barred his entry into professional tournaments, but his resilience and talent could not be denied. In 1948, he became the first African American in the modern era to compete in the U.S. Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, breaking down barriers that had long kept golf’s fairways exclusive. It was then that Rhodes was recognized as the first African American golfer.

Rhodes’ talent and dedication flourished despite the challenges he faced. He gained recognition as a skilled golfer, even though the mainstream tournaments remained largely off-limits to him. Undeterred, he competed in the United Golf Association, an organization established for African American golfers. Rhodes went on to win over 150 events, including multiple wins at the UGA championships (1949, ’50, ’51 and ’57), as well as the Negro National Open title in 1957, solidifying his place in golf history. Unfortunately, Rhodes had already retired from competitive golf when the PGA finally revoked its Caucasian-only clause in November of 1961.

In 1993, Peggy Rhodes-White, Rhodes’ daughter, established the Ted Rhodes Foundation to keep her father’s legacy alive, create awareness of his accomplishments and promote diversity in golf. The Foundation aims to provide opportunities for African Americans and underprivileged youth to access the sport, breaking down socio-economic barriers that mirrored the racial barriers Rhodes had faced.  Through fundraising efforts, the Foundation has helped to fund the Fisk University golf team, which is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), located just minutes from the Ted Rhodes Golf Course in Nashville, Tennessee (a public city golf course).  The funding helps the golf team with travel, scholarships, uniforms, and other expenses to be able to compete throughout the season.

Peggy Rhodes-White, still involved in the Foundation, has passed the day-to-day operations to her daughter, Tiffany White, ensuring the continued success of the Ted Rhodes Foundation. Under Tiffany’s leadership, the foundation has expanded its reach, offering scholarships, mentoring programs, golf clinics to aspiring young players from diverse backgrounds and Toastmasters classes to help give the youth experience in public speaking. The Rhodes family’s commitment to inclusivity and opportunity continues to shape the future of golf, echoing Ted Rhodes’ triumph over adversity on the fairways and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

This year commemorates the 55th anniversary of the Ted Rhodes Golf Classic, scheduled for September in Nashville, TN. The objective is to raise $55,000, and the Foundation is seeking donations ranging from $55 to $5,500 to support this year’s fundraising endeavors. The Foundation, which initiated a competitive Junior golf tournament series for youth (Ages 5-17) in the Chicago area/Northwest Indiana and Nashville, aims to expand its presence in additional cities in 2024 and beyond. This expansion will provide golfers with more tournament experience while reaching diverse communities to educate them about Ted Rhodes and his contributions to golf, and the opportunities available for young individuals in the industry, both as players and in the business sector.

Peggy Rhodes-White reflected on her father’s most enduring lesson, stating, “Never give up – he taught me perseverance and made sure that I continue to pass that on to all the individuals attending our clinics, participating in our junior events, and engaging in our Foundation fundraisers.” Peggy and her daughter Tiffany, originating from outside the golf industry, utilized their skills and perseverance not only to succeed in their respective careers but also to effectively connect with today’s youth. Through their efforts, they aim to showcase the abundant opportunities available in the game of golf for the younger generation and Troon is proud to partner with the Ted Rhodes Foundation in these efforts.

For more information about the Foundation or to support the event, please visit: www.tedrhodes.org. To donate visit https://tedrhodes.org/donate/

Learn more about Troon’s DE&I Initiatives, Associates and Stories.

Follow #GolfForEveryone

For more stories on Troon’s DE&I initiative and associates