Frank Dufina (June 30, 1884 – August 11, 1972) was an American professional golfer of Chippewa descent in the early years of the sport in the United States. Dufina began his career in 1898 at the just-opened Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where he became the club professional. A member of the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, he was the first Native American to play golf on the professional circuit. Dufina played in the

Western Open The Western Open was a professional golf tournament in the United States, for most of its history an event on the PGA Tour. The tournament's founding in 1899 actually pre-dated the start of the Tour, which is generally dated from 1916, the ye ...

in 1911 and 1922. He continued to play and in 1968 was named as the "Longest Working Golf Professional in History" by '' Golf Digest.''''Golf Digest,'' 1968. He counted many early golf professionals among his friends, including golf legend

Walter Hagen Walter Charles Hagen (December 21, 1892 – October 6, 1969) was an American professional golfer and a major figure in golf in the first half of the 20th century. His tally of 11 professional majors is third behind Jack Nicklaus (18) and Tig ...

. He, along with other notable golfers such as

Arnold Palmer Arnold Daniel Palmer (September 10, 1929 – September 25, 2016) was an American professional golfer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most charismatic players in the sport's history. Dating back to 1955, he won numerous ev ...

, served as a pallbearer at Hagen's funeral. Named for him, the Frank Dufina Match Play Championship is held annually at Wawashkamo Golf Club.

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