Merriam Webster defines mecca as “a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest.” The term is usually associated with a pilgrimage of some sort. For most golfers, the term surely conjures up thoughts and images of St. Andrews, Augusta National, Pebble Beach, or any other top golf course. Unbeknownst to many, there is a 9-hole course located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey which many African Americans considered the Mecca of Black golf in the 1900s, with a history as rich as any other.
Shady Rest Golf and Country Club. If you are unfamiliar with this name, you are not alone. Not many people have heard of this golf club. I just became aware of its existence over the summer when All Access Golf, a company started by Kelley Pierre (CEO), Winston Gordon (COO), and myself (CFO), held our annual golf outing there. What is so special about this little inconspicuous golf course in located Union County? Why should I care about it?
Read the entire article by Leonard “Larry” Brown at
Subscribe and support by purchasing a digital or print subscription of the African American Golfer’s Digest at
