Lonnie Malone Triumphs at 50th Par Four Golf Club Anniversary Tournament

Pensacola, Florida, USA - The historic celebration of the Par Four Golf Club’s 50th anniversary culminated in a thrilling tournament at the Osceola Golf Course this past weekend. PNJ reports that Lonnie Malone triumphed in the championship flight with a nail-biting one-shot victory. The tournament, originally planned for a full 36 holes, was shortened to 27 due to inclement weather, with players only able to complete nine holes on Sunday.

Malone, a self-taught golfer with 15 years of experience, navigated the challenging course to secure his win, finishing with a score of one over par overall. He showcased impressive skill, shooting a 2-under 33 on the front nine and overcoming a double-bogey on the 13th hole, thanks to three impressive birdies. His 3-over 73 on the full round the previous day laid the groundwork for his victory.

Community Legacy and Historical Context

The significance of this tournament goes beyond the scores. Founded in 1968 as a social organization during a challenging time for African-American golfers, the Par Four Golf Club has since evolved into a beacon of inclusivity and community. Yahoo Sports notes that the tournament was named the Calvin Washington Memorial, in honor of a dedicated figure who championed golf in the Black community and served as tournament chairman for over three decades. Washington was inducted into the Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, acknowledging his pivotal role in the club’s history.

Raymond Griff, one of the club’s original founders, expressed pride in how far the organization has come since its inception. “It’s surprising that we’ve lasted this long,” he remarked. This resilience is particularly poignant considering the challenges posed by segregation in the past, as Willie Lawrence recalled the club’s fight for access to public courses and the camaraderie that has thrived through years of competition.

Competition and Participants

This year’s anniversary tournament featured four flights, including a seniors division, ensuring that golfers of all ages could participate. Notable figures from the community, such as Adrian Stills, former general manager of Osceola Golf Course and a director of tournament operations for the Advocates Professional Golf Association, added to the event’s prestige. The tournament results saw Malone, topping the Championship Flight, followed closely by Nate Bryant and Vell Lee.

The tournament’s vibrant atmosphere, filled with camaraderie and competition, reflects the essence of the Par Four Golf Club’s mission. As the club looks forward to its continued development, participants are already anticipating next year’s events, including the Azalea City Golf Course’s 65th annual tournament scheduled for mid-July. It’s a stirring reminder of how golf can unite communities and celebrate both history and progress.