A group in Lynchburg this weekend will honor a man called by some as a local golfing legend. But those who learned from Morris Alexander say he never got the proper recognition since he taught the game at a different time.
The African-American caddy master worked at the all-white Oakwood Country Club from 1914, through the late 60’s. He died in 1977. A state historical marker bearing his name will be unveiled ina public ceremony at Oakwood on Saturday.
“(Alexander) taught us the nuances of playing golf,” said Virginia Golf Hall of Fame inductee Vinny Giles, who grew up literally yards from the Oakwood course, and started playing when he was 5. “He was very interested in all the junior golfers. He took a personal interest in watching them develop. He would spend time showing us little things about not so much the golf swing, but how to play, how to chip, and how to putt.”
Giles says many may not be aware of how many learned from Alexander, and that he got close to no recognition as a player. According to the historical marker, Alexander had already tied Oakwood’s course record by 1928, “earning national attention in the black press.”
Giles says before he was born, Alexander had evolved into the role of caddy master/golf pro/shop manager, saying he was particular when it came to caring for the equipment, and keeping kids away from the clubs that didn’t belong to them.
The Morris Alexander Junior Golf Tournament was held at Oakwood in the 1950’s.
“We had a very active junior group, and I would say it was primarily because of Morris’ guidance and leadership,” said Giles. "We loved him. We thought he was our buddy. Even though he was an older man, we thought he was pretty special, even though he got mad at us from time to time.”
Speakers at the induction ceremony will include three other former students and family members of Alexander’s, and Jane Baber White of Lynchburg, who has proposed a number of historical markers in the city. It’s at 1 p.m. Saturday at Oakwood Country Club.
