Detroit Golf Club elects first black president

DETROIT, Mich. --Walter C. Elliott Jr. has been elected the first African American President of Detroit Golf Club. Elliott, 51, has been a member at the club since 1991 and has served on Detroit Golf Club's Board of Directors.

"Growing up just one mile from Detroit Golf Club I knew about this great place but never had any idea I would become a member. Growing up in the city I played urban sports. The only time got to use a golf club was when I found one that someone discarded and I used it to hit rocks," said Elliott, who began playing golf in 1989. "I'm proud to be elected President because it allows me to give back to a place that has given me so many great memories."

Elliott, a graduate of Detroit's Mumford High School and Eastern Michigan University, is a married father of four and a Detroit native. He is currently Director of Targeted Business Development Group/First Vice-President for Standard Federal Bank. He began his accomplished banking career at the branch level in 1970. Elliott has served the community in various charity and professional and economic development capacities.

"My wife and youngest sons play golf and golf provides a great activity for the four of us to spend time doing together," said Elliott. "The membership at DGC is very special an the wonderful people we have met there are part of our extended family. I am proud to have my name associated with the history of DGC.

Nancy Clavel was elected the club's first female President in 2000.

"I am proud to be a member of a club that elects those people to leadership positions who are best suited for those positions. We have a diverse membership and it's a natural result that we have a diverse leadership as well," said Clavel. "Walter Elliott is well-liked and respected, has a strong background in finance, is an accomplished and persuasive speaker, and a good listener. I voted for him and am excited about the upcoming year of his leadership."

Historic Detroit Golf Club was founded in 1899. Its members enjoy two Donald Ross-designed golf courses and a clubhouse built by famed architect Albert Kahn. Alex Ross served as the club's first professional, and was followed in 1945 by Horton Smith, winner of the first and third Masters Tournament. Smith shot the course record 29-33-62 on DGC's North Course in 1948, and was honored at a DGC dinner attended by Robert Tyre Jones Jr. Past-PGA Champion Walter Burkemo began a term as club professional in 1963.

For more information on Detroit Golf Club, phone (313) 345-4400, or log on to www.DetroitGolfClub.org.

January 21, 2003