The History of African Americans in Golf

The History of African American's in Golf is a strange and winding tale of racism, discrimination and segregation. Golf has always had an air of mystique and the general population's perception saw it as the game of the rich and famous. Well, African Americans have excelled in every aspect of life and of course golf is no exception, but the institutional segregation of courses, associations and country clubs made it impossible for African Americans to display their talents and just as important to earn a living. Until resent history African Americans were stuck in the roles of caddies and country club staff. Oh, but times are a changing………

We will feature some aspect of African American Golf History from the African American Perspective on a regular basis, take look at "Charlie Sifford".

History

1899 - Gr. George Grant - Invented the golf tee, it was the first to be registered by the US Patent office.

*date un clear - John Shippen is reported to be the first African American-born golfer in the U.S., and also the first to earn money as a contestant in a U.S. Open.*date un clear -under research.

*date un clear - Ann Gregory is reputed to be the first black woman to enter a USGA event.*date un clear -under research.

1934 - In search of information about 'James "Pat" Ball'?

1935 - Women's Eastern Champion -Rhonda Fowler was a pioneering black woman golfer.

1946 - Bill Powell designs and opens Clearview G.C.

1948 - Theodore "Rags" Rhodes, Bill Spiller and Madison Gunther filed a civil lawsuit against the PGA, for civil rights violations. The PGA changes to an 'invitation only" format to avoid its legal and moral obligations to let these black men play in the PGA tournaments. But by standing up and taking a stance these men made significant in-roads and gained empathy for the movement.

1950 - Ann Gregory wins the National UGA Tournament in Washington, D.C., she won a total of six championships of the seven tournaments that she entered.

1954 - Harold Dunovant turned pro and was one of the first black golfers to attend the PGA Business School in Long Beach, California. He is the head pro at Minorcas Golf Course in Winston Salem and the founder of the National Black Golfers Hall of Fame.

1956- Ann Gregory becomes the first African American to enter the U.S. Amateur Championship held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

1962 - Charlie Sifford becomes the first African American PGA Tour member.

1963 - Althea Gibson broke the color line, and as it is well documented was highly successful as a tennis professional.

1964 - Pete Brown Win's the Waco Open.

1967 - Renee Powell Joined the LPGA Tour and was a active competitor for 13 years. Now She works with the golfing industry promoting minority golf and running Clearview Golf Course founded by her father.

1975 - Lee Elder becomes the first black to play at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

1979 - Lee Elder played on the U.S. Ryder Cup Team

1991 - First Black member of Augusta National admitted.

1997 - Eldrick " Tiger" Woods becomes the first African-American Masters Champion

A great historical poster by Leo Rucker is available. "A Moment in the Fairways"

This poster and accompanying diagram feature 22 of the black historical figures in golf with a description of their accomplishments.

"A Moment in the Fairways"

We are constantly, researching for more facts and information regarding the history of golfers of African-American descent. Please forward information to: or Snail Mail it to us at Reginald Grant Box 15602, Los Angeles, CA 90015