Year: 1899

Who: Dr. George Franklin Grant

Where: Cambridge, Massachusetts

In 1899, Dr. George Franklin Grant achieved a remarkable feat that would cement his place in history—not only as a dentist and professor but also as an inventor. Frustrated by the lack of consistency and fairness in golf, a sport he loved, Grant developed and patented the world’s first wooden golf tee. Crafted from wood and rubber, his invention was a quiet revolution in the game, eliminating the need for mounds of sand to prop up golf balls. This simple yet ingenious creation showcased not only his technical skill but also his creativity and persistence in challenging conventional practices.

Dr. Grant’s expertise extended far beyond the golf course. As the first African American professor at Harvard and a pioneer in cleft palate surgery, he made lasting contributions to dentistry and medical education. His presence in these academic and medical spaces defied the intense racial discrimination of the post-Civil War era, breaking barriers in both science and higher education. Through his scholarly work, mentorship, and surgical advancements, Grant exemplified a broader movement of Black excellence and resilience in professional fields where few were welcomed.

Today, Dr. George Franklin Grant’s legacy lives on through both his contributions to medicine and the evolution of modern golf. While his golf tee did not receive wide recognition during his lifetime, it is now honored as a pivotal innovation in sports history. His achievements are preserved in institutional archives and serve as a symbol of ingenuity, perseverance, and quiet defiance of racial barriers. Grant’s story invites reflection on the untold narratives of Black innovators whose work has shaped American history and inspires new generations to pursue brilliance across all fields.

Sources:

Websites:

• Harvard School of Dental Medicine. (2021, July 10). Trailblazer, inventor, scholar: Dr. George Grant takes his place in history. Harvard School of Dental Medicine. https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/news/trailblazer-inventor-scholar-dr-george-grant-takes-his-place-history

• Harvard University Gazette. (2023, July 10). George Franklin Grant, D.M.D. 1870, honored with portrait. Harvard University Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/07/george-franklin-grant-d-m-d-1870-honored-with-portrait/