Becomes first female African American to be inducted
Washington, DC. – Madelyn “Moochie” Turner was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame on Monday, June 27, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the game of golf and society through caddying - and using caddying as a steppingstone to professional success.
She is the first female African American to be inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame, which highlights the tradition and importance of caddying by celebrating individuals who have devoted their lives to the game of golf through caddying or by supporting the role of caddies, and those who have used their experience as a youth caddie for future professional success.
Established in 1999 by the Professional Caddies Association, the Caddie Hall of Fame has been administered by the Western Golf Association since 2011.
Turner was inducted during a reception at the Renee Powell Clearview Legacy Benefit at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C. The event included an LPGA pro meet and greet, presentations from the Mayor’s Office and National Links Trust, as well as a diversity in golf panel. WGA leaders were on site at the event to present Turner her CHOF plaque.
“We are honored to welcome Moochie Turner as the newest member of the Caddie Hall of Fame,” said Jeff Harrison, WGA senior vice president of advisory and special initiatives. “Moochie is a trailblazer and embodies the gold standard of hard work and professionalism. From personifying the values she learned as a caddie to showing young women everywhere how far the game of golf can take you in life – and now as the first female African American inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame – she is a true inspiration to us all.”
Since she was 7 years old, Moochie Turner has been involved in golf. She notably caddied as a youth for her mother, Vernice Turner, during the late 1950s and early 1960s, because it was difficult to find anyone who would carry a bag for a Black female golfer.
Together, they won numerous United Golfers Association (UGA) Championships around the country with Turner on the bag. They were inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 2021 as the only mother-daughter duo to win a UGA Championship in the same year – Turner won the girls’ junior division, then later in the week caddied for her mother, who won the women’s division.
Turner caddied for her mother until she went to college, then went on to have a distinguished 34-year career in the FBI as a physical instructor teaching self-defense tactics. Now retired, she spends her summers in East Canton, Ohio, at the historic Clearview Golf Club, helping give instruction to youth, women and veterans.
She often tells them: “Caddying was one of my greatest experiences. I learned about honesty, sportsmanship, loyalty and how to play the game. I hope more females start to caddie because of all the opportunities it offers.”
In a letter nominating her friend Moochie for induction into the Caddie Hall of Fame, Renee Powell wrote: “Certainly, her induction will serve as a beacon of light for those who maybe did not realize that golf is for everyone and how being introduced to it through caddying can open many doors.”
A special presentation also was made as part of the induction, with WGA leaders introducing Moochie Turner to four young female caddies who are working at Langston Golf Course this summer. The WGA and National Links Trust are overseeing a youth caddie program for underserved students who hope to one day earn a college scholarship.
“These young women will be able to follow in Moochie’s footsteps and learn the game of golf through caddying,” Harrison said. “This is the future of the game – and it wouldn’t have been possible without the path that Moochie created.”
Past CHOF inductees include Jim Dent, Charles “Chick” Evans, Joe LaCava, Carl Jackson, Jack Nicklaus, Frances Ouimet, Charles Schwab, Peter Ueberroth, Tom Watson and Steve Williams.