William Lewis
Class of 2000
William Lewis made history on April 26, 1968, while representing the Lee High School golf team. On that day, Lewis became the first African American golfer to compete in an official tournament at an all-white country club in the state of Alabama. For many, the moment carried great historical significance. Lewis, however, viewed it simply as an opportunity to compete.
“I was part of the team, and that is why I was there,” Lewis said at the time — a response that reflected both his humility and his focus on the sport he loved.
At Lee High School, Lewis excelled in both football and golf. On the gridiron he started at guard, but it was on the golf course where he gained the most recognition. He qualified for the Alabama state golf tournament during both his junior and senior years and finished sixth in the state each time, placing him among Alabama’s elite high school golfers.
Lewis continued his career at Alabama A&M University, where he became one of the top collegiate golfers in the region. In a memorable match against David Lipscomb, Lewis shot an astonishing eight-under-par round at the Huntsville Jetport Golf Course, setting a course record that stood for more than twenty years.
During his four years at Alabama A&M, the golf team compiled an impressive record, winning 56 of 74 matches. Lewis captured seven individual trophies and was selected to the small college All-American team from 1970 through 1974.
Coach and athletic director Gene Bright later remarked that Lewis transformed the program. “William Lewis turned our golf program around,” Bright said. “Golf was very competitive in the SIAC then, and because of William we became the team to beat.”
Lewis later enjoyed success as a golf professional, winning both the West Georgia Open and the Atlanta Open in 1979.
He later worked in Georgia as a head golf professional. William and his wife, Sandra, have two daughters, Denisa and Candace.
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