History

The National Negro Golf Association was founded in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, in July of 1965. Its birth was not conceived from the love of golf, but the love of camaraderie and fun. A small group of black professional students felt the need to reunite and relive some of those golden college days. Golf provided the vehicle which brought them back together in Lebanon; a mid-point between New York, Washington and Cleveland. It became apparent that a continuation of their camaraderie and their new found love . . . golf . . . had to be perpetuated.

During the winter of 1965, the Lebanon principals started small groups in their respective cities. Other classmates were informed of the success in Lebanon. In October of 1966, a larger group gathered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the NNGA was on its way.

During the past 39 years, NNGA has grown to more than 200 members in seven chapters: Atlanta, Cleveland, Independents, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond and Washington DC with members from Maine to California. We are always willing to open our doors to those that can share our credo: “Fun, Camaraderie and Golf”. Our ranks have included a Governor and other elected officials, several PhDs, physicians, Fortune 500 executives, attorneys, federal and local judges, pharmacists, educators, past presidents of the National Bar Association and the National Dental Association, a Pulitzer Prize winner, construction workers and laborers – all who love one another.

Though our mission focuses on the enjoyment of our members, NNGA recognizes the need to play a role in our communities.

The National Negro Golf Association’s interest in youth has inspired us to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the United Negro College Fund through sponsorship of celebrity golf tournaments in chapter cities. We have assisted several African American professional golfers seeking to advance their careers.

In 1987, the Cleveland Chapter, under the direction of Dr. Herschel Cochran, an NNGA founder, started the National Minority Inter-Collegiate Golf Tournament. Over four hundred (400) students from 24 minority colleges and universities have received scholarships from the proceeds of this event.

The NNGA also supports the National Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Fund through our national administration and individual contributors.

NNGA IS COMMITTED TO THE CONCEPT OF HELPING OTHERS AND BRINGING PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TOGETHER FOR FUN AND GOLF.