Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
For William and Celestine “Tina” Lee, golf is more than just a game for this married couple—it’s a lifestyle, a shared passion, and a way to give back to the next generation. Residing in Hopewell Junction, New York, the couple lives on a rural homestead nestled in Dutchess County. Together, they’ve spent decades navigating both the challenges and joys of the golf course, supporting each other and helping others discover the game along the way.
William has been golfing for 33 years, while Celestine took up the sport 25 years ago. Her introduction to golf was sparked by curiosity—and a little bit of concern.
“In 1984, my husband began playing golf with work colleagues,” Celestine recalls. “I could not understand why he was away from home for four or more hours each time. I heard about the expression ‘Golf Widow,’ and once defined, I began taking lessons. I was thrilled to participate in a sport side by side with my husband, since both of us gave up tennis due to aging.”
For William, the introduction to golf came through professional channels. “I was introduced to golf during a work seminar by some of the employers—I was a Union VP. They persuaded me to try it. The rest is, as they say, history.”
Over the years, the Lees have developed their individual games, with William playing at an 18 handicap and Celestine at a GHIN score of 22. “I teach better than I play,” she jokes. While neither are currently members of a golf club, they are former members of the United Black Golfers Association and served as presidents of the Roosevelt Golfers Association.
This year, William and Celestine had their first opportunity to work with the Queens Chapter of Jack & Jill of America Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders through leadership development, volunteer service, and civic involvement. The opportunity came through a friend they met after relocating from Long Island.
“A golfer couple we met after moving here introduced us to Jack and Jill,” they explain. “Their adult daughter is affiliated with the organization, and we were invited to participate in the clinic.”
The Jr. Teen Golf Clinic was held on March 22, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the North Shore Towers Country Club. Overall, ten mentors and instructors were paired with 24 teenagers—both boys and girls— for the inaugural event and the Lees were assigned to mentor pairs of teens, many of whom had never played golf before.
“We were tasked with introducing teenagers who have never been exposed to the sport by pairing two teens with one mentor as we were called, going out to a designated hole and instructing them on how to play,” they share. “The country club outfitted the youth with golf clubs. We also took them to the driving range and putting green initially to give more individual and basic instruction.”
Celestine found particular joy in working with the girls. “I was pleased there were so many girls. I prefer teaching girls. I know the importance of participating in sports and the lifelong benefits to both physical and mental health. I like exposing them to the fashion aspect of golf, the way golf enriches travel destinations, and the availability of better equipment, shoes, bags, and clothes than I have ever seen.”
William, meanwhile, focused on the bigger picture. “Just that so many youngsters were introduced to golf at an early age, which later in their life and careers will serve them well.”
The Lees believe in the power of golf as a multigenerational sport and a community builder. Celestine shares how they remained active even during the pandemic by volunteering with the Dutchess County Department of Aging in Poughkeepsie.
“For almost a year, we engaged with seniors indoors in a putting game called Tic-Tac-Golf,” she says. “I enjoyed seeing them get off their walkers and canes to enjoy the competition.”
William reflects on a personal family connection to the game. “When my grandson, Andre Lee, a native of Sweden, moved to America, he trained to be an ice hockey player. He attended college in Boston and lived with my son. I taught Andre the ropes and basics of the game, and whenever he was in New York, we all would play. Andre has accomplished hitting an albatross—three strokes under par—even Tiger Woods has not made one yet. Andre now plays hockey professionally for the L.A. Kings, #47. I like to think his exposure to golf will be a lifelong activity and I am extremely proud.”
The Lees’ story is a testament to the enduring power of golf to connect families, build character, and inspire others. From their early days as a curious couple picking up clubs to their current roles as mentors and community advocates, William and Celestine Lee embody the spirit of the game.
Their advice? Don’t underestimate the transformative power of sport. Whether you’re a senior looking to stay active, a teen trying something new, or a couple seeking a shared hobby, golf offers more than just a scorecard—it offers a path to growth, connection, and joy.
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