The Atlanta Chapter of Pro-Duffers USA was founded at the behest of Johnny Thomas (a Pro-Duffer at large) and Ocie Irons following their attendance at the 1995 Pro-Duffers’ National Convention in Jamaica. The rationale for the formation of the Atlanta Chapter was to serve the members common interest in golf. In addition, it was felt that there was a community need to involve underprivileged youth who may not otherwise be exposed to the game of golf.

C. C. Jones, a Memphis Pro-Duffer, formally installed the Atlanta Chapter of Pro-Duffers USA, on January 19, 1996. The sponsor for the Atlanta Chapter was Pro-Duffers USA, South Memphis. Pro-Duffers from the Memphis and Dallas Chapters present were Dan Evans, Wilson Clayton, Foster Kidd, Leon Griffin, C. C. Jones, Charles Campbell, Clyde Saunders, Larry Colbert, Bill Terrell, and J. McClure.

Sixteen charter members were inducted into the Atlanta Pro-Duffers. They were Thomas Arnold, Mark Brinkley, Obie Clayton, Francis Davis, Carver Fortson, Earle Harris, Ocie Irons, James Johnson, Bobby G. Jordan, Wilbur Leaphart, Robert Manley, William Shropshire, Leo Smith, Johnny Thomas, Ira Turner, and Craig Williams.

Our chapter was a proud bunch of men. We were looking forward to being a stalwart in Pro-Duffers USA. Our play indicated otherwise. Our first club champion was a transplant from the Dallas Chapter. He left after the first year. Our next club championship had a first day leader by 18 strokes and lost by three. That same year we hosted the Nationals (1997) and were admonished as being great dressers but poor golfers. Well, we have come a long way as our chapter won the 2003 National Club Championship.

The Atlanta Pro-Duffers Constitution provides for three (3) general meetings at the beginning of each year, the 2nd Saturday of January, February and March. An Annual Awards Meeting is also authorized. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed. The president presides according to the conditions at hand and pursuant to an approved agenda. At this time, new members are considered and accepted or rejected. Dues, annual budget, play schedule and particular community and scholarship activities we plan to support are discussed, voted on and approved or modified. Pursuant to the National Constitution, the Atlanta Pro-Duffers’ Annual Tournament is cosponsored with the Marriott Marquis Bell Staff in June. This tournament provides a percentage of the funding for community projects that we sponsor. The projects we presently support are these:

For each of the past six years, the Atlanta Chapter of the Pro-Duffers USA has sponsored 20 to 30 youngsters in the “Hook-a-Kid on Golf Program.” The youngsters receive a week of golf instruction, a starter set of golf clubs, and other materials needed to help them learn the game. Clinics are highlighted by special talks about golf course maintenance, rules, and etiquette, as well as alcohol and drug awareness. These young people continue to improve their golf skills through the Atlanta Pro-Duffers Saturday Golf Academy and Youth sponsored tournaments. The Golf Academy for intra and intercity youth is conducted by the Atlanta Pro-Duffers and supervised by a PGA-certified professional.

The president appoints a tournament director and a tournament committee. The committee’s responsibility is to select regional public and private courses and to schedule play to determine three divisional championships, one club champion, and other mixed formatted plays. At least three 19th hole celebrations are scheduled yearly at the discretion of the ommittee. In addition, we have a yearly club competition with the Ebony Drivers Golf Group, Warner Robins, Georgia, on a home to home basis. This tournament utilizes a floating trophy which is presented at a festive 19th hole.

The Club Championship play, conducted over a two-day period, establishes the best golfer, based on a net score for the year. This golfer receives a trophy as do the divisional champions. These trophies are presented annually at our Annual Awards Meeting.

Our records reflect the following Club Champions:

The Annual Awards Meeting is held the first week of December. We invite wives, significant others, and special guests to this meeting at which trophies are presented. This affair is as elite as we can make it. Dress is semiformal and is usually held at a four-star facility. We honor our wives and significant others by presenting them with special gifts as tokens of their forbearance. The president makes acknowledgments and special awards at this time.

A highlight of our membership in the National Organization has been our participation in the Annual Spring Fling and National Tournaments. This has afforded us an opportunity to interact and establish lasting friendships with many other golfers from other chapters.

Former Presidents

Ocie Irons
Bobby Jordan
Earle Harris
Wilbur Leaphart

At this juncture in our history, we respectfully acknowledge the loss of the following members:

In Memoriam

Charles Funderburg
Ocie J. Irons
Carver J. Fortson
Walter J. Johnson
Thomas A. Arnold
Clayton Carter
J. Bernard Arnold
Leo Smith