Frank Dufina
Encyclopedia
Frank Dufina was an early American golf professional. He began his career in 1898 at the just-opened Wawashkamo Golf Club
on Mackinac Island
, Michigan, where he became the club professional. He was a member of the Mackinac Band of Chippewa Indians and was the first Native American to play golf on the professional circuit. Frank Dufina played in the Western Open
in 1911 and was named the "Longest Working Golf Professional in History" by Golf Digest
in 1968. He counted many early golf professionals among his friends, including golf legend Walter Hagen
. Named for him, the Frank Dufina Match Play Championship is held annually at Wawashkamo Golf Club. Frank Dufina died in August 1972.
Wawashkamo Golf Club
The Wawashkamo Golf Club is a nine-hole links golf course on Mackinac Island in the U.S. state of Michigan. The course was laid out by Alex Smith in 1898, and is as of 2009 the oldest continuously played golf course in Michigan....
on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is an island and resort area covering in land area, part of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located in Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, between the state's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The island was home to a Native American settlement before European...
, Michigan, where he became the club professional. He was a member of the Mackinac Band of Chippewa Indians and was the first Native American to play golf on the professional circuit. Frank Dufina played in the Western Open
Western Open
The Western Open, a professional golf tournament, was first played in 1899. At the time of its 2006 playing, the Western Open was the 3rd oldest active PGA Tour tournament, after the British Open and U.S. Open...
in 1911 and was named the "Longest Working Golf Professional in History" by Golf Digest
Golf Digest
Golf Digest is a monthly golf magazine published by Condé Nast Publications in the United States. It is a generalist golf publication covering recreational golf and men's and women's competitive golf. Condé Nast Publications also publishes the more specialized , and Golf World Business. The...
in 1968. He counted many early golf professionals among his friends, including golf legend Walter Hagen
Walter Hagen
Walter Charles Hagen was a major figure in golf in the first half of the 20th century. His tally of eleven professional majors is third behind Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods . He won the U.S. Open twice, and in 1922 he became the first native-born American to win the British Open, which he went on...
. Named for him, the Frank Dufina Match Play Championship is held annually at Wawashkamo Golf Club. Frank Dufina died in August 1972.
Further reading
- Frank Straus, Brian Dunniga: Walk a Crooked Trail. a Centennial History of Wawashkamo Golf Club (2000)