CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS CALL FOR INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING COMPLAINT INVOLVING HALL OF FAME GOLF COACH GLADYS M. LEE AT MEADOWBROOK GOLF COURSE.

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS CALL FOR INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING COMPLAINT INVOLVING HALL OF FAME GOLF COACH GLADYS M. LEE AT MEADOWBROOK GOLF COURSE. NBC Story on Gladys Lee: https://www.nbcdfw.com/video/news/call-for-change/gladys-lee-texas-black-sports-hall-fame-golf-inner-city-youth/3916168/

FORT WORTH, Texas — Civil rights leaders are calling for an independent investigation after Hall of Fame golf coach Gladys M. Lee, an LPGA Class A Teaching Professional and one of Texas’ most accomplished youth golf advocates, alleges that she was denied access to the City of Fort Worth’s Meadowbrook Golf Course while attempting to evaluate players (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article295562829.html).

According to Lee, she received a telephone call from Meadowbrook Golf Course golf professional Raymond Briggs informing her that she would not be allowed to use the course for player evaluations. Lee said the decision left her shocked, disappointed, and concerned after nearly four decades of introducing thousands of children and families to the game of golf.

Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., President of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas and former member of the Fort Worth Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, said the incident raises concerns that deserve a fair, impartial, and transparent review (https://blacktexans.blogspot.com/2025/01/coach-gladys-lee-queen-golfer-of-prairie.html).

“Everyone has the right to be right. Everyone has the right to be wrong. But no one has the right to be rude or disrespectful,” said Tatum. “When an 80-year-old Hall of Fame coach who has dedicated her life to serving children believes she has been denied access to a public golf course supported by taxpayer dollars, those concerns deserve to be taken seriously. This is 2026—not 1956. We are asking the City of Fort Worth to conduct a thorough, fair, and transparent investigation.”

The Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas plans to request a meeting with City of Fort Worth officials to discuss the incident and identify policies and training that help ensure every resident is treated with dignity, professionalism, courtesy, and respect at publicly funded recreational facilities.

“This is about more than golf,” Tatum continued. “No one should ever leave a public facility feeling they do not belong. Golf is more than a game—it is a lifestyle that teaches discipline, integrity, perseverance, and character. Our senior citizens, especially those who have spent decades opening doors for others, deserve appreciation rather than discouragement.”

As Coach Lee prepares to celebrate her 81st birthday and marks 40 years of service to the game of golf, supporters say her extraordinary legacy should be celebrated—not overshadowed by controversy (https://blacktexans.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-gift-of-golf-history-under-her.html?m=1).

Many in the community affectionately refer to Lee as “the Opal Lee of Golf” because of her unwavering commitment to opening doors for future generations. She is a Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame inductee, an LPGA Class A Teaching Professional, founder of the Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy, longtime LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Site Director, and PGA Jr. League captain. Her academy received national recognition from Tiger Woods as one of America’s premier junior golf programs and was featured nationally on NBC’s Tom Brokaw: Making a Difference (https://africanamericangolfersdigest.com/gladys-lees-lasting-impact-on-golf-youth-development-and-community-leadership/).

Civil rights leaders noted that this complaint follows another recent matter involving Coach Lee at Texas 9 Golf Course that prompted a community review. They say they are also examining concerns involving other golf facilities in Fort Worth to determine whether broader issues involving the treatment of African American women golfers exist.

“We are not interested in rushing to judgment,” Tatum said. “We are interested in discovering the truth. If there is no wrongdoing, the facts should demonstrate that. If improvements are needed, they should be made. Public golf courses belong to every taxpayer regardless of race, age, or gender.”

Community leaders emphasized that their request is for an objective review of the circumstances surrounding the complaint and constructive dialogue that strengthens fairness, accountability, and public confidence in Fort Worth’s municipal golf system.

“If this conduct occurred as alleged, it should never become acceptable,” Tatum said. “If an 80-year-old grandmother and Hall of Fame coach can walk away feeling disrespected after a lifetime of service, then every citizen should be concerned. We can—and must—do better.”

The Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas expects to announce additional information regarding its review and any meetings with city officials in the coming days.

About Coach Gladys M. Lee

Coach Gladys M. Lee is one of the most accomplished women in Texas golf. During four decades of service, she has introduced thousands of young people to the game through the Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy. She is an LPGA Class A Teaching Professional, Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame inductee, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Site Director, PGA Jr. League captain, and nationally recognized youth mentor whose work has been featured by NBC and recognized by Tiger Woods for expanding opportunities in the game of golf.

Media Contact

Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

President, Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas

Senior Pastor, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church

Fort Worth, Texas

817-966-7625