It could have been any year of the 1990s in St. Thomas, or any week. But it was definitely a hot Saturday morning at Mahogany Run Golf Course, where dozens of young Virgin Islanders stood on the practice putting green in red polo shirts.
I know this because I was there. We surrounded a man in golf attire holding a golf club. And holding our close attention.
His energy was electric. Whenever he spoke, you could feel his passion for the game light up our entire group. His voice carried an excitement that drew us young junior golfers in. He smiled as he demonstrated the lesson, and our curiosity turned into joy and inspiration, each of us hanging on to every word he said.
Because this golf lesson was coming from Nevin Phillips, the longtime head golf professional at Mahogany Run Golf Course, and what Nevin shared about golf was “liquid gold.” Not only did you hang on to every word, but after a lesson with Nevin, you felt you could hop on the golf course, play 18 holes and shoot even par. Or, get there one day.
Those days, learning from Nevin and wearing those red junior golf polo shirts feel like yesterday. Nevin, my longtime coach, mentor, trusted friend and colleague with the Virgin Islands Golf Federation, passed away on June 3.
He was the man I called “Coach” for over 35 years. He taught me golf and life lessons. One lesson was when he gave me my first job, folding and steaming golf shirts in the pro shop. In return, I got free practice range balls and a hot dog.
As a kid in elementary school, I thought this was the perfect gig. But it wasn’t about free golf balls and lunch. By working in the pro shop, Nevin was really teaching me the importance of golf attire and “presentation,” as he said. Because back then, I was showing up to the golf course every day in wrinkled golf clothes. He would joke and call me “Rough dry.” The nickname stuck forever. Even off the golf course. Even when my clothes were properly pressed (with starch).
“Coach” had lessons for all of us junior golfers. He was dedicated to helping us succeed. With his guidance, we did. He helped numerous junior golfers and I soar in golf and become champions of the game. Even as an adult and far removed from competing in college golf and tournaments, he was still “Coach.”
He was “Coach” to many of us golfers over generations. Or he was often called “Zeus,” a nickname from his DJ days in St. Thomas.
But most of all, he was “everything.” He meant everything to his family, friends, colleagues, junior golfers, and numerous people all over the world. He was a devoted son, proud father, and an extraordinary person and friend.
The Virgin Islands Golf Federation shared a tribute to Nevin that shares the enormous impact he had on golf in the USVI and the United States. Here’s a portion of it below:
“(Nevin’s) golf journey began in 1980 at Mahogany Run Golf Course, where he started by washing golf carts. But from the start, Nevin was a student of the game. He absorbed everything he could about the golf industry, and through hard work and unwavering dedication, rose to become Head Golf Professional and a proud PGA member. His knowledge was vast, but more than that, he made golf fun and accessible to all.
“As Head Pro, Nevin elevated golf in the Virgin Islands. He organized tournaments that united the best players from the USVI and BVI, supported countless nonprofits with charity golf events, and created community through the game he loved. His annual “Nevin and Friends” tournament in the Dominican Republic became a cherished tradition for many, equal parts competition and celebration.
“But perhaps Nevin’s greatest passion was youth golf. He led over a thousand junior golf clinics over the years, helping many young Virgin Islanders earn college scholarships and chase their dreams. He believed every child deserves a chance to play, and always ensured clubs and balls were available for those who needed them.
Nevin’s impact reached far beyond our shores. He traveled the world, representing USVI golf with pride — from major tournaments to international Olympic committees and events, bringing visibility and respect to our territory. In 1998, he helped establish the Virgin Islands Golf Federation and secured its place within the Caribbean Golf Association. And in 2009, he made history as the first African-American to win the PGA’s National Merchandiser of the Year award — an honor featured on CBS News, the Golf Channel, and more.”
But Nevin was even more than the game he loved and cherished. Our “coach,” “Zeus,” was larger than life. A man who uplifted every room he walked into. A man who always had a conversation roaring with laughter, with friends or people he’d just met. Whether Nevin was “Roasting” you or himself, one thing was sure. You didn’t want the laughter to stop.
He was a man always active in the community, supporting local youth and attending sporting events. He was always on the go, promoting youth golf in the territory, hanging out with friends, playing dominoes, attending cycling classes with friends at Sweet Fit VI, and of course playing golf as much as he could.
“Coach,” “Zeus,” the lessons you shared from golf to everyday life, they will never be forgotten. Your passion for golf and zest for life will never be forgotten. More importantly, they’ll live on in the USVI and every life you touched. Thank you for making life better. With every swing and shot, thank you for making life better, one lesson at a time.
