PALM CITY, Fla. (BVM) — Stanley Campbell was always destined for greatness. At 19 years old, the Florida A&M student wrote the data reduction and aero-analysis for the Voyager 2 spacecraft. After college he spent time serving in the Navy, but not before working a short stint with NASA. He has filed eight patent submissions across multiple different professional industries. 

Then when the time came for him to retire, deservingly so, Campbell decided to go out with a bang. Just a little something to keep him preoccupied with his work life behind him. The now-Treasure Coast resident, who has done little golfing in his lifetime, bought the Martin Downs Golf Club in Palm City. 

After bidding $1.35 million for the 50-year-old course, Campbell became just one of the few Black golf course owners across the entire nation. In a predominantly white played and owned sport, who other than Campbell to continue pioneering new paths. 

Some of his first steps as owner of Martin Downs were to hire a former greenskeeper who was in charge during the course’s peak in 2015, and to double their water supply to ensure a well-kept course. Then, to combat COVID-19, Campbell asked employees to get vaccinated. He wasted no time in bringing Martin Downs back to life. 

Campbell now joins the legendary Michael Jordan as the only two Black golf course owners in Martin County. Coincidentally, golf legend Tiger Woods is a resident of Martin County. Perhaps the area can now become the national model for golf inclusivity.