Co-Owner, The Marlton Golf Club
Published Author

GOLF IS THE CARROT BUT EDUCATION IS THE KEY

Born to a migrant farm worker and a timber logger of humble means in Immokalee, Florida, Garvin began his mythical journey playing baseball and beating drums for the Collier County, Florida public school system. At the early age of 16, Garvin was Collier County’s first African American percussionist to be honored with the state of Florida’s prestigious John Phillip Sousa award for band excellence.

A star baseball pitcher and Collier County’s three sport All American, Garvin was heavily recruited to study music, play basketball, football and/or baseball by several universities and colleges throughout the country. Finally, after much debate, his arrival in Washington was determined when Garvin accepted a full athletic scholarship to play baseball and attend Howard University under the tutelage of Chuck Hinton, now deceased, former head Baseball Coach of Howard University and former Washington Senators’ professional baseball player. Between the two, a strong parental bond was formed.

Majoring in therapeutic recreation with a minor in secondary education and music, the seed to give back and help others was firmly planted. Garvin excelled on the baseball diamond, was elected Co-Capitan of the baseball team and Dormitory President during his Howard years. His dream of a major league baseball career fell short when he was stricken with an arm injury that curtailed his professional baseball pursuits. Undeterred, Garvin turned his athletic focus to his new passion, golf. Driven by his relentless spirit to excel in all his endeavors, Jimmy, as he is affectionately called, committed himself to the challenge and now we are at the precipice of witnessing the journey of the Legacy.

With a positive persistent attitude, dedication and a mind set to help others, Jimmy has realized unmeasured dreams, including being inducted into the African American Golfers Hall Of Fame in 2006, being named the first African American President of the twenty plus year old Washington, DC Golf Course Specialists Company in 2007 and in 2014 partnering with three African American entrepreneurs to purchase and become Co-Owner of The Marlton Golf Club in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Jimmy Garvin is involved in many organizations and events that benefit local and international communities and has received numerous accolades, including receiving Community Outreach Awards and Excellence in Education Awards. Jimmy has partnered with Special Olympics, First Tee DC, Kids on Course programs and, Jimmy looks forward to continuing his international initiative of junior golf programs and scholarships assistance.

To all junior golfers, Jimmy stresses his “5-P’s“:

• Planning
• Patience
• Passion
• Persistence
• Possibilities

Wherever he goes he always chants his motto, “Golf is the Carrot But Education is the Key.”

Golf once regarded as a privilege sport is undergoing a major metamorphosis and Garvin’s influence has made a crucial impact in golf’s evolving access to youth.

To learn more about the Jimmy Garvin Legacy, pick up a copy of his intriguing life story chronicled in “The Legacy Of A Common Man, The Walk Was Up Hill” sold at major book stores and at Amazon.com.