ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando dentist has spent the last 33 years introducing children from Parramore to the game of golf and to swing for success. Now Orlando leaders are honoring Dr. Tommy J. Dorsey, Sr. for a lifetime of mentoring teens.
City leaders are dedicating a plaque to tell his life’s story at the Callahan Neighborhood Center in Parramore.
Dorsey said, “I really don’t do honors too well. I’m grateful that people think of you in those terms.”
Dorsey spent the last three decades teaching 1,600 of Parramore’s boys and girls how to golf. Dorsey believes golf is a great way for young people to build confidence and character.
He adds, “It teaches you about self-discipline, self-respect, structure. It teaches you about integrity.”
Dorsey founded the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association in 1991, and he has been mentoring teens ever since. Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose says he has helped 50 students get golf scholarships for college, and he has sent hundreds more to classes with the life skills to succeed.
Rose says, “He created access to golfing for minorities at a time where it wasn’t thought of, the kids that have gone onto college, the professionals.”
Dorsey mentored Joshua Siplin, positioned him to get a full golf scholarship at Howard University and taught him many life lessons.
“From a young age, it taught me time management,” Siplin said. “So after school you had to come back, do your homework, and then head out to golf practice.”
Dorsey grew up in a segregated Parramore in the 1950s. He has overcome many barriers and taught today’s generation to do the same through the game he loves.
He points out, “I just think it’s, it’s great to help kids.”
The O.M.Y.G.A offers its golf program each year from February through October. Beginners practice Saturday morning at the Callahan Center and more advanced teen golfers play at Dubsdread Golf Course on Sundays.