Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Long before players like Tiger Woods would triumph in major competitions, America’s practice of racial segregation created a looming barrier for people of color to play professionally, no matter how skilled or knowledgeable they were about the game. If you weren’t white, you couldn’t play at a PGA tournament, let alone serve in any other professional capacity on the tour. It’s why Black golfers, for many years, organized their own tournaments and sharpened their skills in spaces where they were able to compete and enjoy playing.
That all changed after years of persistent advocacy and legal battles led by trailblazing Black golfers such as Bill Spiller and Ted Rhodes. September 11, 1961 stands as a pivotal moment in golf history because it’s the day that the PGA of America revoked its exclusionary policy, known as the Caucasian-only clause. This marked a transformative milestone, ushering in a new era for Black golf professionals and for people of various racial backgrounds.
While 1961 may seem like ages ago, the reality is that many of our parents and grandparents lived through this era, and they are still alive to tell the tale. If racial discrimination had not prevented many Black players from joining the PGA Tour during the prime of their careers, athletes like Charles Sifford, who earned the distinction of being the first African American to participate on the PGA Tour, might have had a greater opportunity to contribute to the sport of golf and its cultural impact across the nation.
Aiming for equality, especially that which can stem the tide of racism, has long been a fight that continues through generations, and it’s important that we not forget this history as we continue to move forward.
It’s important to continue driving the…
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