PGA renaming award named for Horton Smith due to his racist policy

On Thursday, the PGA of America Board announced that it voted to rename the Horton Smith Award and replace it with the PGA Professional Development Award, which honors a member for outstanding contributions to professional education. 

Smith was a known defender of the Caucasian-only clause that existed in PGA bylaws from 1934-61. The two-time champion of The Masters tournament served as PGA President from 1952-54.  

In the official statement, PGA President Suzy Whaley said: 

“In renaming the Horton Smith Award, the PGA of America is taking ownership of a failed chapter in our history that resulted in excluding many from achieving their dreams of earning the coveted PGA Member badge and advancing the game of golf. We need to do all we can to ensure the PGA of America is defined by inclusion. Part of our mission to grow the game is about welcoming all and bringing diversity to the sport. With the new PGA Professional Development Award, we will recognize effective inclusion efforts and honor those across our 41 PGA Sections who continue to promote and improve our educational programs. We look forward to doing more of both as we move forward.”

In 2008, ESPN documented how Smith once banned former heavyweight champion Joe Louis from playing in the 1952 San Diego Open. Louis ultimately competed in the tournament.