Rafe Botts, trailblazer in world of golf, leaves behind legacy in the valley
Rafe Botts, a golfer who joined the PGA in 1961 passed away at 86 years old on January 11th, 2024.
Shortly after serving in the army from 1961-1963, Botts became the first black man to win the Southern California PGA Championship in 1971. While also serving in the military, Botts was also the golf instructor on the base.
Rafe Botts, who became the second black player ever to compete on the PGA Tour and the first black player to win the Southern California PGA Championship passed away in January. Here is a close friend of his talking about the Coachella Valley. @KESQ @BlakeArthur24 pic.twitter.com/PNmbgbDgnc
— Kenji Ito (@KenjiitoKESQ) February 3, 2024
Known as humble, friendly, and a storyteller from friends and family, his legacy will live on forever.
Botts' celebration of life is Saturday, February 3rd. The service takes place at Desert Chapel in Palm Springs and starts at 1 p.m.
