From Herbert Dixon in Bartow to generations of golfers throughout Polk County, Orlando, and Tampa, Central Florida has quietly produced an important chapter in Black golf history — one that is only beginning to be documented.
Dixon’s story anchors it: a caddie at Bartow Golf Course during segregation who became a National Negro Open champion, a member of four halls of fame, and — at 106 — a living link to the United Golfers Association era. The city of Bartow now celebrates Herbert Dixon Day every April, and the course where he wasn’t allowed to play has a driving range that bears his name.
He didn’t travel alone. Richard Lewis, his friend and fellow touring professional, crossed the country with him on the segregated circuit — one of the many Central Florida players whose careers are documented today only in fragments.
This is a living page. BLAC is continuing the research into Polk County, Orlando, and Tampa’s Black golf history — read how Herbert Dixon helped put Bartow on the national golf map, and explore BLAC Golf.
