The Jackson Park Golf Association (JPGA) was founded in the early 1990s by a group of golfers led by Elmer Beard and Dick Matthews to create an alliance with the Chicago Park District on behalf of minority golfers’ long-standing usage of the course.
Additionally, the JPGA junior golf program for youth ages 6-17, was created to further enhance the growth of golf among minority youth.
Most notably, in 1993, JPGA hosted a clinic and raised funds to support a rising junior champion, Tiger Woods, before his ascension to professional golfer.
Tiger’s clinic showcased not only his exceptionalism but also inspired countless juniors, in particular African American youth, to view golf as a fun, enriching, and attainable sport.