Ted Rhodes (1913-1969) was born in Nashville, TN. Rhodes taught himself to play the game since Black people were barred from private and city courses. He worked as a caddy for white golfers at the Belle Meade and Richland courses. He broke the color barrier in golf when he became the first African American professional golfer in 1948. That same year he became the first Black golfer to compete at the US Open. In 1952 the first golf course for African Americans was opened in Nashville, called Cumberland Gold Course, which was renamed for Rhodes after his death in 1969. Rhodes returned to Nashville in the 1960s and remained there until his death. The Ted Rhodes foundation was established in 1970 and continues to support young African American golfers.
Ted Rhodes
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Description
Ted Rhodes (1913-1969) was born in Nashville, TN. Rhodes taught himself to play the game since Black people were barred from private and city courses. He worked as a caddy for white golfers at the Belle Meade and Richland courses. He broke the color barrier in golf when he became the first African American professional golfer in 1948. That same year he became the first Black golfer to compete at the US Open. In 1952 the first golf course for African Americans was opened in Nashville, called Cumberland Gold Course, which was renamed for Rhodes after his death in 1969. Rhodes returned to Nashville in the 1960s and remained there until his death. The Ted Rhodes foundation was established in 1970 and continues to support young African American golfers.