Herstory & Milestones

Our Founding

In 1980, eight visionary African American women—Joan Bright, Joy Fernandes, Anna Hill Wheaton, Louise King, Lillian “Babe” Martin, Marian Savage, Delores Scales, and Margaret Walton—established the Dufferettes of NJ Golf Club. Inspired by their own love of golf and encouraged by the Garden State Duffers, they set out to create a space where women could learn, play, and grow in the game. The club was built on the principles of friendship, skill development, and community impact - a legacy that continues today.

The Dufferettes began meeting at the Garden State Duffers’ clubhouse in East Orange, NJ, where meetings opened with the Dufferettes’ Prayer, created by the founding members. As the club evolved, meetings moved to various venues including Priory Restaurant, Jaymes Restaurant, East Orange Golf Course, and currently, Sandwiches Unlimited Restaurant in Orange, NJ.

Early Growth & Playing Legacy

From humble beginnings, the club quickly grew. The first official president, Sandra Jeffers (1980), set the stage for leadership that would continue to expand opportunities for women in golf. Members initially played on Sundays in front of supportive Duffers but soon developed their own schedule, traveling across New Jersey and Pennsylvania to courses including Weequahic Golf Course, Hendricks Field, Francis Byrne Golf Course, East Orange Golf Course, Meadows Golf Course, Bunker Hill, and Shawnee Golf Course in Pennsylvania.

Members proudly wore the club colors of green and white and quickly developed their golf skills, achieving milestones such as longest drives, birdies, eagles, and multiple hole-in-ones. Notable accomplishments include Pat Moore’s victories in the 4-ball NJ State Golf Association Tournament (2017) and West Essex Women’s Golf League (2016, 2020), helping to establish the Dufferettes’ reputation in New Jersey and beyond.

Skill Development & Community Engagement

The Dufferettes are committed to advancing women’s golf skills through USGA Handicaps, clinics at The Galloping Hill Learning Center, and participation in Women’s International Golf Day events. Members also compete in club championships, open play, and interclub leagues at local courses such as Galloping Hill, Ashbrook, Warrenbrook, Quailbrook, and their home course Weequahic Golf Course.

The club’s mission extends beyond the course. Through scholarship tournaments, the Dufferettes have supported financially challenged youth pursuing college education since 1985. Members also volunteer and participate in tournaments and programs that support women and youth in golf, including the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program and national events like the US Junior Amateur National and the President’s Cup at Liberty National Golf Course.

Travel, Social Life, & Intergenerational Legacy

The Dufferettes enjoy a rich tradition of travel and social events, including multi-day golf trips across the U.S., Bermuda, and the Dominican Republic. Members have attended professional tournaments as spectators, including the 2019 Solheim Cup in Scotland.

The club is proudly intergenerational, with daughters of members following in their mothers’ footsteps: Denise Muhammad and Jazmeen Muhammad, Elizabeth Slade and Patt Slade, Bettye Carson and Charlynne Carson-Coley, Diane Grant and Dana Grant, among others. This continuity ensures that the Dufferettes’ passion for golf and community endures for future generations.

Milestones at a Glance

  • 1980 – Club founded by eight African American women

  • 1985 – First Scholarship Tournament hosted at Bunker Hill Golf Course

  • 1990s–2000s – Expanded play to courses across NJ and PA; growth in membership and tournaments

  • 2016 – 27th Scholarship Tournament raises funds for college-bound youth

  • 2017–2020 – Members win NJ tournaments and achieve national recognition

  • 2019 – Members attend the Solheim Cup in Scotland

  • 2020 – Celebrated 40th Anniversary with 38 active members

  • 2025 – Unveiling of the club’s new Afrocentric female golfer logo in celebration of its 45th Anniversary

Passing It Forward

Through friendship, mentorship, and community service, the Dufferettes of NJ continue to grow the game of golf while uplifting one another and supporting the next generation. The club remains a vibrant sisterhood that celebrates its African American heritage, its founders’ vision, and the joy of the game.