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About Us Par Four Golf Club


In 1968, nine black men formed Par Four Golf Club in Pensacola, Florida as a Golf/Social Club. Its initial meeting was held at 1024 East Strong Street, at the home of one of its members. During this period blacks could work and caddie at many golf courses but were only allowed to play at some of the city/government owned golf courses.

The driving force behind the formation of this club was a love for the game of golf, a desire to promote its growth within the black community and a hope for removal of barriers regarding play.

Par Four Charities Pensacola, FLIn 1976 the organization was incorporated. At that time, in an effort to promote the game and network with blacks from other cities, Par Four Golf Club began to sponsor an annual golf tournament. It was fashioned after others in existence at the time in that it was a 2-day stroke play event. Other similar tournaments have existed over the years in other cities such as: Mobile, AL, Montgomery, AL, Birmingham, AL, Dothan, AL, Selma, AL, New Orleans, LA, Houma, LA, Monroe, LA, Lafayette, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, Meridian, MS, Jackson, MS, Hattiesburg, MS, and Biloxi, MS.

In its heyday, Par Four Golf Club could boast of having over 200 tournament golfers each year not counting 20-30 on a waiting list. During that time our database contained more than 800 names. Participants traveled from as far away as Seattle, Washington.

Funds from the annual tournaments have been used to support various charities and charitable causes in the Pensacola community. In 1996, Par Four Charities, Inc. was created. This is a separate 501(c)3 foundation that allows for a more efficient collection and use of funds raised to support charitable causes. It is not unusual for Par Four Golf Club to step in and lend financial support to charitable causes.

During this period, focus was placed on support of youth oriented activities. Between 1996 and 2003, Par Four Charities sponsored a Summer Youth Golf Clinic. Beginning a week after school is out and ending a week before school starts, Par Four members provided golf lessons for youth each Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. Clinic participants ranged in age from 4 to 18. The clinics attracted a very diverse group and were almost equally represented by gender. A summer session sometimes included a trip to the golf course and culminated with a banquet or cookout. All clinic expenses were paid by Par Four Charities and included golf clubs, balls and shirts. In keeping with its goal to help youth, Par Four Charities also sponsored several activities at the local Boys & Girls Club. These ranged from fundraisers to purchase uniforms for teams and cheerleaders to tournament entry fees.

The practice facility where we hosted our summer clinics closed but we were able to find another venue. In 2003, Par Four Charities stepped up and was one of the first to support efforts to create a First Tee Program in Pensacola. Since then the First Tee program has remained a prime benefactor of our annual tournament. Many qualifying youth have their fees paid for Par Four Charities. In addition, several Par Four members proudly serve as coaches and some serve on the board of directors of First Tee.

The interaction with our youth is as rewarding for our members as it is for the youth. Over the years, many friendships have been forged and many lessons learned. The beautiful thing is that many of the lessons have had nothing to do with golf but everything to do with helping our youth become responsible citizens.