The Virginia Highway Marker unveiled at the Lynchburg, Va. property on December 7th is dedicated to Morris S. Alexander, the first caddymaster and longtime golf professional at the 105-year-old club. Alexander, an African-American, held his position even as the club was all-white and set a course record that earned national attention. Oakwood’s golf course was closed in 2008 and the club now focuses on providing tennis, swimming, fitness and dining for its members.
Oakwood County Club in Lynchburg, Va. unveiled a new Virginia Historical Highway Marker on its property on December 7th, The News & Advance of Lynchburg reported.
The marker was dedicated to Morris S. Alexander, the first caddymaster and longtime golf professional at the club, which opened in 1914, The News & Advance reported.
For more than 50 years, The News & Advance reported, the African-American golfer taught fundamentals and golf etiquette at the club, which was all-white during the segregation era.
According to the marker, Alexander tied the course record in 1928, earning national attention in the black press, The News & Advance reported.
Four of his students later won Virginia state championships, and two were United States and British Amateur Champions, The News & Advance reported.
As part of the unveiling of the historical marker, The News & Advance reported, Edwin Walker, Alexander’s grandson-in-law, lent a golf club made in 1911 by Alexander out of persimmon wood to Oakwood. The club will now be on display in Oakwood’s grill room.
Oakwood’s golf course closed in 2008 and the club was purchased in 2010 by new ownership that also owns Ivy Hill Golf Club in nearby Forest, Va. The Oakwood golf course was then sold for housing development and members were offered opportunities for discounted membership and golf rounds at Ivy Hill.
Oakwood CC now offers tennis, swimming, fitness and dining to its membership.
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