Black History Month: The Legacy Of Walter King

In commemoration of Black History Month, Port Royal Golf Course — a public golf course operated by the Bermuda Government Consolidated Board of Trustees — pays homage to its first Golf Professional Walter E. King, 1970 – 1976.

A spokesperson said, “At that time (1970) the Golf Professional at Port Royal was a concessionaire who operated his own Pro Shop, Driving Range and oversaw golf operations on a contractual basis for the Trustees. Walter came to Port Royal from Castle Harbour Resort where he befriended the late Dai Rees the 1957 Ryder Cup Captain and 3-time runner-up in the British Open. In addition, Walter’s charisma and charm afforded him the opportunity to socialize with many golf greats and world leaders – most notably the legendary Gary Player who represented The Castle Harbour Resort in the 1960′s.

“Walter King made history in 1970 by becoming the first Bermudian to win the reintroduced Bermuda Open. The Bermuda Open became one of the first integrated golf tournaments and Walter beat out a strong field at the Belmont Hotel, Golf & Country Club.

“Walter was a versatile athlete who two years prior in 1968 was a reserve on St. George’s Cricket Club Cup Match team and a mainstay for Baileys Bay County Cricket Club.

“Walter’s legacy was the social re-engineering he cultivated by bringing people from diverse communities together at Port Royal during his tenure. In addition, he was able to inspire young people and his good works are evidenced today through those he encouraged. He would later serve one term as a Member of Parliament in the Hamilton East constituency for the Progressive Labour Party 1976 – 1980.

Chairman of the Bermuda Government Trustees Kim Swan shared, “Walter King inspired me and I learned by being in his presence. At age 14 he had me opening the Pro Shop, organizing golf events and I was desirous of becoming a Golf Professional at an early age. In many ways I followed his footsteps in golf, politics, and the tourism/hospitality industry. Walter’s impact on myself and many other young people during his tenure as a Golf Professional was legendary. Port Royal and Bermuda were well served by his contribution as a Golf Professional.”

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