Bartow to Honor 106-Year-Old Golf Legend Herbert Dixon

The city will celebrate Herbert Dixon Day on April 11 and host a charity golf tournament in his name.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:04pm

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An abstract expressionist painting using bold, neon-colored brushstrokes to depict the dynamic motion of an elderly golfer swinging a club, conveying the vibrant energy and skill of this centenarian athlete.At 106 years old, local golfing legend Herbert Dixon continues to swing with power and precision, inspiring the Bartow community.Bartow Today

The City of Bartow, Florida will once again honor local golfing legend Herbert Dixon on April 11, his 106th birthday. Dixon, who was born in 1919 in Dade City and moved to Bartow at age 8, began his love of golf as a 14-year-old caddie at the Bartow Golf Course. He went on to have a successful professional career, winning 63 tournaments, and has been inducted into several golf halls of fame. At 106 years old, Dixon continues to play amateur golf at a high level. The city will host the 13th Annual Herbert Dixon Charity Golf Tournament on his birthday, with proceeds benefiting the Bartow Deacons & Stewards Alliance, Inc. Scholarship Fund.

Why it matters

Herbert Dixon's long and accomplished career as a professional golfer, as well as his continued active participation in the sport at 106 years old, make him a beloved figure in the Bartow community. The city's annual celebration of his birthday and the charity golf tournament in his honor highlight the importance of recognizing local sports legends and using their legacies to support the community.

The details

Dixon began playing golf at age 14 when he took a job as a caddie at the Bartow Golf Course, earning 50 cents per day and occasional tips up to 25 cents. He launched his professional golfing career at 32 and went on to win 63 tournaments, often traveling to events across the country with the support of his sponsors, Dr. Butch and Dr. Roberts, as well as his friend and fellow pro Richard Lewis. Dixon's professional career ended in 1961, but his success earned him induction into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 1998, the African American Golfers Hall of Fame Legacy Award in 2012, and the West Palm Beach Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2014.

  • Herbert Dixon was born on April 11, 1919 in Dade City, Florida.
  • Dixon began playing golf at age 14 as a caddie at the Bartow Golf Course.
  • Dixon launched his professional golfing career at age 32.
  • Dixon's professional career ended in 1961.
  • The 13th Annual Herbert Dixon Charity Golf Tournament will be held on April 11, 2026.

The players

Herbert Dixon

A 106-year-old local golfing legend from Bartow, Florida who began playing golf as a caddie at age 14 and went on to have a successful professional career, winning 63 tournaments.

Dr. Butch

One of Dixon's sponsors who supported his professional golfing career.

Dr. Roberts

One of Dixon's sponsors who supported his professional golfing career.

Richard Lewis

A fellow professional golfer who was a friend of Dixon's and taught him much about the game.

Carver Young

A representative of the Bartow Deacons and Stewards Alliance, Inc. who attended the city commission meeting with Dixon.

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What’s next

The 13th Annual Herbert Dixon Charity Golf Tournament will be held on April 11, 2026 at the Bartow Golf Course, with proceeds benefiting the Bartow Deacons & Stewards Alliance, Inc. Scholarship Fund.

The takeaway

Herbert Dixon's remarkable 106-year life and enduring passion for golf have made him a beloved figure in Bartow. The city's annual celebration of his birthday and the charity tournament in his honor demonstrate the power of recognizing local sports legends and using their legacies to support the community.