“It’s an honor to sponsor this ordinance that names this pavilion after Jim Hickman. It’s my honor and privilege to know him as a friend,” said former Commissioner Mallory Jones.

Jim Hickman was a friend to just about everyone he met. That was the shared sentiment from everyone who knew him and spoke at his Pavilion Dedication Ceremony at the Historic Bowden Golf Course on July 25.

“He was a man who created waves to give back to his community,” said Pastor Bob Bell. “He taught many the rules of golf, as well as the right behavior among members of the golf world. He united people by making all feel a sense of belonging, regardless of race or color.”

Hickman devoted more than four decades to the game of golf. He began as the assistant PGA professional at River North in 1975, eventually becoming Head Professional. He later managed Bowden Golf Course for 15 years before retiring from the City of Macon to develop another private golf club—but he remained actively involved at Bowden and throughout the local golf community.

“Jim was my friend. He led a very successful operation here at Bowden. He was nothing but gracious with his time and was a huge help in my transition to Bowden as the Head Golf Pro,” said Bowden Pro Jack Dean.

In 2024, then-District 4 Commissioner Mallory Jones sponsored an ordinance to dedicate a new pavilion at Bowden Golf Course in Hickman’s honor. This followed the Commission’s decision to name a portion of Millerfield Road as Jim Hickman Way.

“Jim Hickman is more than deserving of this recognition,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “It wasn’t just his passion and love for golf—it was his love for his community and making it a better place.”

“For over 40 years, my father dedicated himself to the game of golf—not just as a professional, but with passion. He was more than a golf professional; he was a mentor, a teacher, and a friend to countless individuals who crossed his path,” said Hickman’s son, Drew Hickman.

“He was so generous with his time and love, and taught me so many things—not just about golf and sunsets, but about loving others and making them feel seen,” said Hickman’s 14-year-old granddaughter, Kate Shippey. “He knew how to make everyone feel known and heard.”

“I want all of you to remember my father not just for his accolades, but for the heart and soul he poured into everything he did. Let us continue to honor his legacy by embracing the values he represented: integrity, compassion, and a relentless passion for life and the game of golf,” said Drew.

About Jim Hickman

James Allen “Jim” Hickman was born in Sistersville, West Virginia, where he excelled at football, basketball, and golf, as well as being an avid musician. He often performed impromptu trumpet concerts for friends and neighbors. He further developed his natural talent for golf at West Liberty College, captaining the golf team in 1969 and 1970, leading the tale to the WVIAC West Virginia Championships and representing the school in the 1970 NAIA College Championship.

After graduating from West Liberty, he took up golf full time, working at numerous golf clubs before hearing about the opening of River North. He moved to Macon with his three sons to become the assistant PGA Professional at River North in 1975 and quickly became the Head Professional.

In 1980, he married his wife Len, expanding their family with two daughters and another son.

Hickman was instrumental in the creation of the Macon Pro-Am Paul Walsh Nissan Classic, which raised money for Multiple Sclerosis research and become a popular stop on the PGA’s Ben Hogan Tour, now known as the Korn Ferry Tour. In addition to making Macon a golf destination on the PGA tour, he also served as the golf coach at Mercer University,

After 15 years at River North, Hickman joined the City of Macon to manage Bowden Golf Course for 15 years. As a result of his work, Hickman received numerous awards, including the NAACP Service to Mankind Award from the Macon Evening Sertoma Club in 1989, and the Christian Athlete Award in 1996 from Hamilton Bowden Men’s Golf Associations.

Jim Hickman passed away on June 14, 2022.