Atlanta, Georgia – On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the National Black Golf Hall of Fame (NBGHF) will celebrate its 39th Anniversary by inducting a distinguished class of honorees in a ceremony that will take place at 7 p.m. in Atlanta, Georgia.
This year’s ceremony will spotlight four groundbreaking individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the game of golf, as well as those who have tirelessly worked to diversify the golf industry.
Leading the charge this year is Dr. Michael Cooper, Senior Advisor for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Initiatives for the United States Golf Association (USGA). Known affectionately as “Coop,” Dr. Cooper has long been an advocate for diversifying the game and the golf industry, dedicating his career to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. Dr. Cooper’s work has paved the way for future generations of golfers and golf professionals.
Another remarkable honoree is the late Carrie Russell, the first African American Master Professional in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Carrie, a Delaware State graduate, began her golf journey in the 1960s, taking up the sport alongside her husband as they took advantage of Air Force-affiliated courses. Despite facing numerous challenges, Carrie Russell’s legacy in the LPGA remains a beacon of excellence and an inspiration for women of color in golf.
The NBGHF will also honor Debert Cook, Founder & CEO of America’s leading publication and online portal focused on African American golfers. With a readership over 180,000 and a circulation exceeding 20,000, the publication has become the premier source for covering the African American golf experience. Cook’s commitment to highlighting the achievements and stories of Black golfers continues to shape the narrative around diversity and inclusion in the sport.
Shady Rest Country Club, located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, will also be recognized. Established in 1921, Shady Rest is the first golf club in the United States to be owned by African Americans. A historic landmark in African American culture, the club served as a hub for recreation, social gatherings, and sports—breaking racial barriers and creating a lasting legacy of community and empowerment.
The weekend festivities will be hosted by the NBGHF’s Chairman, Jeff Dunovant, PGA, who is the son of the NBGHF’s Founder, the late Harold Dunovant, also a PGA member. Jeff Dunovant, reflecting on his father’s legacy, shared, “My father would be so proud of what has been accomplished from that little idea he had in the early 1980s to recognize Black players and others who have done the most to promote golf in the Black community.”
The mission of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame is to celebrate and honor the exceptional achievements of African Americans in the golf industry. The organization also recognizes leaders from all backgrounds who are committed to ensuring that African Americans have opportunities to participate in every facet of the game—from playing and coaching to administration and business. Founded in 1986 by Harold Dunovant, the NBGHF’s work continues to highlight the contributions of African Americans to the sport, recognizing individuals and organizations that have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of golfers.
For additional information on the event and ticketing details, please visit www.blackgolfhalloffame.org.
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