Madelyn 'Moochie' Turner

Inducted in 2022

Madelyn “Moochie” Turner got involved in golf when she was 7 years old. 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.”

Turner is the first female African American to be inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame.

A special presentation also was made as part of the induction, with WGA leaders introducing 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.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the game of golf and society through caddying and using caddying as a steppingstone to professional success, Moochie 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.