| Frank Dufina | |
|---|---|
 Dufina circa 1935 | |
| Personal information | |
| Full name | Frank Dufina |
| Born | June 30, 1884 Mackinac Island, Michigan |
| Died | August 11, 1972 (aged 88) Petoskey, Michigan |
| Sporting nationality | Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians |
| Residence | Mackinac Island, Michigan (1884-1969) |
| Spouse | Helen Beauchamp |
| Children | Ursula Allen Rosalie Burger Adelaide Palmateer |
Frank Dufina (June 30, 1884 – August 11, 1972)[1] was a Native American professional golfer of Chippewa descent in the early years of the sport in the United States.
Dufina began his career in 1898 at the just-opened Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where he became the club professional.[2] A member of the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, he was among the first Native Americans to play golf on the professional circuit. Dufina played in the Western Open in 1911 and 1922.
He continued to play and in 1968 was named as the "Longest Working Golf Professional in History" by Golf Digest.[3] He counted many early golf professionals among his friends, including golf legend Walter Hagen. He, along with other notable golfers such as Arnold Palmer, served as a pallbearer at Hagen's funeral. Named for him, the Frank Dufina Match Play Championship is held annually at Wawashkamo Golf Club.
Dufina was included in the 1999 book, Walk a Crooked Trail – A Centennial History of Wawashkamo Golf Club. In 2023, Dufina was featured in the book, The Charming Gentleman of the Game of Golf.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ Schlehuber, R: "Looking Back", Town Crier, 2007.
- ^ Doud, J: "Mackinac Island ", The St. Ignace News, 2005.
- ^ Golf Digest, 1968.
- ^ https://mackinacislandmemories.com/products/the-charming-gentleman-of-the-game-of-golf-book
Further reading[edit]
- Frank Straus, Brian Dunnigan: Walk a Crooked Trail. a Centennial History of Wawashkamo Golf Club (2000)
- Phil Porter: Charming Gentleman of the Game of Golf (2023)