Southern Pines, NC is a small quaint rural town of 15,000 residents with its more recognizable neighboring golf community, Pinehurst, home to several PGA Open championships. But once a year, since 2012, it is home for one week to a golf club of over 70 men who migrate from 18 states across the country. The Elite Golf Club has become a close knit group of black men from all walks of life who fully embrace the clubs mantra of “Brothers United……. Connected For Life!
Without question, ‘the spoke of the wheel’ for bringing these distinguished men together is its club President Charles ‘Block’ Bagwell. In 2012 a small group of 23 gathered in Southern Pines for a 4 day golf, fellowship, and sharing life experiences – the good, bad and ugly. From there, because of their bond that was established built on trust, respect and love for each other, the group expanded. As everyone returned to their homes and shared how inspiring it was to meet men who became a part of an informal brotherhood which has now become over 65 members. Interestingly the group was concerned and sensitive to growing the club because the connection and trust so deeply woven that he didn’t want to disrupt the dynamics.
However, good people know good people’ and any time you have good black men who have a great experience they want to share those same experiences with those who are closest to them. So, slowly but incrementally over the past 10 years, the group grew 20s, 30s and now into the 60s. Bagwell wants to cap it at that number…but he’s said that many times before, so don’t count on it. At the end of the day, Bagwell is a ‘connector of people whose leadership humility and accountability ensure that everyone stays grounded. The best example of what exemplifies an Elite Golf Club member is ‘John ‘Butch’ Dickerson, their unparalleled best golfer who is a three handicapper who will often play in crocs, buys women golf balls because they’re on sale and has clubs over 20 years old! Dickerson is a NASA testing officer who lives on a golf course and has every right to be braggart of what he has accomplished, but instead, he’s incredibly humble, kind and as fun as anyone you’d ever meet.
The week begins with a Monday evening meet and greet under the Pavilion in which new golfers introduce themselves to the group. One cannot be thin-skinned as insults and humiliation will fly in good manner. Bagwell will then cover expectations and announcements as guys settle into storytelling, libations, cigars, card playing and chess. Later, guys will adjourn to their patios or rooms for a night cap, where the stories become so epic that guys shed tears from laughter and stomachs ache from stories shared by the likes of Barry Watson, Darrell Fosque and Ken Wooling to name a few.
Oh, and yes, there is the golf tournament and four fight winner, four 2 man best ball champions and skins winners tailored by Administrator, Phil Manley, who so happens to be the first black quarterback at Yale and encompasses the same humble attributes of Dickerson, But to a man, each member will say that golf has become secondary to the camaraderie and fellowship. And as much as they laugh, they also learn from the historians and deep thinkers like Hildred White and Cletis Dozier, who brings depth and insights which are thought provoking, informative and inspiring. When members pass the age of 55-60, they are able to council with long time member Pastor T.J. Henderson, who has an appropriate mix of spirituality and self-awareness, that enable guys to enjoy themselves around him without judgment.
So, by week’s end, after all the laughter, tears, experience and awards, the members all dap each other up, hug and leave with renewed sense of pride in old and new relationships which will be everlasting as; “Brothers United……. Connected For Life”
