In Search of Information on

Black Golfer 'James "Pat" Ball'

A weekly TV program asks questions about Minnesota history. A recent question concerned a Black golfer from Chicago named James "Pat" Ball. In 1934 Ball competed in the St. Paul Open tournament at the Keller Golf Course in St. Paul. A local African-American newspaper "The Minneapolis Spokesman" said in its issue of 8-17-1934 that Ball was the first Black golfer to enter a major white golf tournament. The Twin Cities mainstream newspapers also noted his presence at the tournament. He finished 42nd out of the 60 golfers in the field.There are also several references in 1936 about Ball possibly coming back for another St. Paul open appearance.

If you have any information about Mr. Ball, please email us at Afrogolf.com ? He certainly seems to be a pioneer in this area.

Sincerely,
Brendan Henehan - Producer (email )

The Almanac on  KTCA-TV a, weekly public TV show in St. Paul, Minnesota