He was the first American-born golf professional (also the first American to compete in a U.S. Open) and the first African-American man to play in the U.S. Open. In 1895. He played in five more of them. His best finish was fifth in 1902. He tutored Walter J. Travis, who won the 1904 British Amateur Tournament, and competed in the United Golfers Association, a professional association for black players.

In 1931, he began work at the Shady Rest Golf Club, the first African-American course in the United States. He gave lessons, served as caddie master, repaired equipment, and provided greenkeeping consultations to other courses. He helped build golf courses in Maryland and Washington, D.C. He died in 1968. One of the clubs he made and played with is enshrined in the USGA museum.