Who was the first African American Member of the PGA?

The first African American member of the PGA was John Shippen Jr. He played a significant role in golf history as one of the earliest African Americans to compete in professional golf. Shippen's participation in the 1913 U.S. Open and other tournaments laid the groundwork for future generations of golfers. His contributions to the game and his status as a trailblazer make him an important figure in the context of diversity in professional sports.

Dewey Brown, while notable, was not the first African American member, and his career did not have the same level of historical significance in breaking racial barriers in golf. Charlie Sifford and Lee Elder are also significant figures, but they came later in history, with Sifford being the first to gain full membership in the PGA after the organization removed its Caucasian-only clause in 1961, and Elder being the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament in 1975. Understanding Shippen’s early impact and role helps contextualize the ongoing struggle for equality and representation in the sport.