Fifteen golfers from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis’ Mathews‑Dickey Club made their mark in Chicago on Saturday, August 8, earning top finishes across multiple age divisions at the Ted Rhodes Foundation Youth Golf Tournament. They competed against young golfers from throughout the Midwest — and represented St. Louis with distinction.
The annual tournament honors the legacy of Ted Rhodes, the first African American professional golfer to compete in the 1948 U.S. Open.
They didn’t just show up. They placed — across multiple age divisions — while competing against youth golfers from throughout the Midwest.
“Our golfers continue to demonstrate hard work, discipline and dedication both on and off the course,” said Brandon Williams, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.
The annual Ted Rhodes Foundation Youth Golf Tournament is more than a competition. It is a tribute to a man whose career opened doors for generations of minority golfers. His daughter, Peggy Rhodes‑White, and granddaughter, Tiffany White, continue that work through the foundation — expanding access, building opportunity and keeping his story alive for young players who are still learning what it means to stand on his shoulders.
For BGCSTL, golf is as much a classroom as it is a sport. One that teaches patience, focus, sportsmanship and leadership. And for many of these young golfers, the Ted Rhodes tournament has become an annual benchmark.
“This is their seventh year traveling to the Ted Rhodes event,” said Head Golf Coach Anthony Coleman. “They have virtually placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all age divisions each year.”
Coleman has watched them grow.
“Some started with us at the age of eight, and now they’re 13,” he said. “As they’ve grown, they’ve made friends from different states. So, it makes for a very competitive event. They know who they’re going after.”
The competition is only part of the experience. Coleman said the tournament also draws several HBCU coaches who are looking for emerging talent.
“They’re looking for the next great golfer from this particular group that they may be able to provide a four‑year scholarship,” he said.
And the trip offered more than golf. “Most of the kids were able to visit the Obama Presidential Center after the tournament,” Coleman added — a moment that connected history, leadership and possibility.
This year’s field included 80 to 90 participants — predominantly Black youth golfers. For Coleman, that representation shows young players that they belong in a sport where access has not always been equitable.
BGCSTL credits Coleman, founder of Diversity Golf – along with volunteer coaches from Tee Masters St. Louis – for shaping a program that prepares young people for success on the course and in life.
Through year‑round programming and partnerships, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis continues to give young golfers the chance to build confidence, perseverance and leadership skills that will serve them well beyond the fairway.
“Competing in tournaments like this gives our young people the opportunity to test their skills, build confidence and represent St. Louis with pride,” Williams said. “We are incredibly proud of each of them.”