This 20 x 26 pencil drawing is a pictorial account of a few courageous black men and women who made their presence known on the fairways, although there are many more. Twenty-two are featured in this pictorial account. Never before has an artist attempted to depict the history, spirit and courage it promotes in remembering the black athletes in the sport of golf. Their indomitable will to play despite the odds against them and the poise they displayed while waging an actual battle to make golf a part of their lives. In doing so, they opened the doors to future generations of minorities to prevail as signi6icant contributors to the game of golf. Leo Rucker, is a Greensboro artist and a casual golfer, He started golfing about seven years ago, and participated in his first tournament the Ray Agnew Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament, held every year at the Winston Lake golf course in Winston-Salem, NC every Father's Day. Leo began reading and researching about black golfers of the past and, found a way to salute their efforts, by creating " A MOMENT IN THE FAIRWAYS ". Tiger Woods is presently today's inspiration to people of all ethnic backgrounds. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, without having to read a history book, but it is so important to do so, I have made it possible to introduce today's generation to the bold efforts of a few from a artistic point of view.

When asked, Leo says he is very pleased to find individuals as well as certain corporations and organizations, wanting to own this part of history, some recognizable names included are Jim Dent, nicknamed" Big Boy " , Charlie Sifford who officially became the first black to receive a PGA players card, Althea Gibson, framed tennis player who also became the first black LPGA player in 1963. Few people know that Dr. George Grant invented the golf tee in 1899, and Ann Gregory was the first black woman to enter a USGA event. Mr. Rucker also included Joseph Bartholomew, a golf course builder and the first African American to be inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 1972.   By combining his artistic talent and keen sense of purpose, Mr. Rucker hope's that people will realize these milestones in black history, and perhaps perpetuate a sense of pride and accomplishment in the black community as well as generate respect and admiration from others. By making this (Tribute Print to Black Golfers) a part of your collection you share with others the power displayed by those who have over-come insurmountable obstacles.