Frank Dufina

Frank Dufina (June 30, 1884 – August 11, 1972)[1] was an American professional golfer of Chippewa descent in the early years of the sport in the United States.

Frank Dufina
Dufina circa 1935
Personal information
Full name	Frank Dufina
Born	(1884-06-30)June 30, 1884 Mackinac Island, Michigan
Died	August 11, 1972(1972-08-11) (aged 88) Petoskey, Michigan
Sporting nationality	Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians
Residence	Mackinac Island, Michigan (1884-1969)
Spouse	Helen Beauchamp
Children	Ursula Allen Rosalie Burger Adelaide Palmateer

Dufina began his career in 1898 at the just-opened Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where he became the club professional.[2] A member of the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, he was among the first Native Americans to play golf on the professional circuit. Oscar Smith Bunn, a Shinnecock Montauk tribal member and trustee, played in both the 1896 and 1899 U.S. Opens, at Shinnecock Hills and Roland Park Baltimore respectively. Dufina played in the Western Open in 1911 and 1922.

He continued to play and in 1968 was named as the "Longest Working Golf Professional in History" by Golf Digest.[3] He counted many early golf professionals among his friends, including golf legend Walter Hagen. He, along with other notable golfers such as Arnold Palmer, served as a pallbearer at Hagen's funeral. Named for him, the Frank Dufina Match Play Championship is held annually at Wawashkamo Golf Club.