Rhodes, Ted
1913-1969 · Contribution: 1940s-1960s
Pioneering African American professional golfer; dominant on the all-Black United Golfers Association (UGA) tour and an early challenger of the PGA's whites-only membership clause
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Won an estimated 150 UGA events (including UGA Championships in 1949, 1950, 1951, and 1957); played the 1948 U.S. Open and, with Bill Spiller and Madison Gunther, sued the PGA over its 'Caucasian-only' clause. Mentored Lee Elder and Charlie Sifford; the Ted Rhodes Golf Course in Nashville is named for him.
Life & background
African-American golfer nicknamed 'Rags,' born Nov 9, 1913 in Nashville, TN. Personal golf instructor and playing partner to boxer Joe Louis, who sponsored his career. Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame (1998); posthumous PGA membership (2009). Died July 4, 1969.
Sources
- Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame; Fried Egg Golf
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