Frank Dufina

Who was Frank Dufina?

Frank Dufina was an early American golf professional.

Dufina began his career in 1898 at the just-opened Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where he became the club professional. He was a member of the Mackinac Band of Chippewa Indians and was the first Native American to play golf on the professional circuit. Dufina played in the Western Open in 1911 and was named the "Longest Working Golf Professional in History" by Golf Digest in 1968. He counted many early golf professionals among his friends, including golf legend Walter Hagen. Named for him, the Frank Dufina Match Play Championship is held annually at Wawashkamo Golf Club.