Ted Rhodes Golf Course and Conclusion

So for our last stop, let’s stick with the sports theme and head to the golf course. If you’d rather head back downtown, listen to this stop as you take Jefferson Street back to the Farmer’s Market. It’s a straight shot—stay on Jefferson Street until you reach Rosa Parks Blvd. Take a right and the Farmer’s Market is immediately on your left. 

Now, back to our story of community leadership in North Nashville. We’ve all heard of Tiger Woods, but have you ever heard of Ted Rhodes? Born in 1913, Ted Rhodes was a trailblazer in the world of professional golf. Due to segregation, he was barred from private and city courses. But that didn’t stop Ted Rhodes. He developed his skills as a caddie at local country clubs with White-only membership. 

In 1948, Rhodes made history as the first African American professional golfer to compete in the U.S. Open, breaking barriers in a sport long dominated by racial exclusion. He was also the personal golf instructor of heavyweight boxing champ Joe Louis. 

In 1952, Nashville opened its first golf course specifically for African Americans, originally called the Cumberland Golf Course. After Rhodes's passing in 1969, the course was renamed the Ted Rhodes Golf Course. Rhodes returned to Nashville in the 1960s, where he mentored young golfers and advocated for greater opportunities for African American athletes. His efforts not only changed the landscape of professional golf but also made a lasting impact on the local community.

In 1970, the Ted Rhodes Foundation was established with a mission to promote the game of golf among young people. Today, the foundation continues to sponsor educational events, golf clinics, and tournaments. The foundation also supports students at HBCUs, including those in Nashville. Rhodes’s daughter, Peggy Rhodes-White said: "I can think of no better way of preserving my dad’s legacy than by helping advance the game of golf for other young minority players." If you have time during your visit, consider playing a round at Ted Rhodes Golf Course. 

Congratulations! You’ve completed the tour! Together, we’ve witnessed the remarkable contributions of North Nashville’s Black leaders—past and present. Most importantly, we’ve learned that leadership comes in many forms. From civil rights icons to entrepreneurs—from athletes to medical professionals—from publishers to preachers. The stories you’ve heard about on this tour remind us of the power of resiliency and the importance of leadership. Whether starting a Girl Scout troop or opening a business or leading a movement, our actions matter, and we are compelled to act and to lead.

Follow us @NashvilleSites, explore our other tours, and consider making a small donation to help us tell more stories. Thank you for traveling with me on this journey. I hope you’ve learned as much as I have… this is Dr. James Pratt, Jr. signing off.