Game of Privilege: An African American History of Golf

by Lane Demas

This groundbreaking history of African Americans and golf explores the role of race, class, and public space in golf course development, the stories of individual black golfers during the age of segregation, the legal battle to integrate public golf courses, and the little-known history of the United Golfers Association (UGA)--a black golf tour that operated from 1925 to 1975. Lane Demas charts how African Americans nationwide organized social campaigns, filed lawsuits, and went to jail in order to desegregate courses; he also provides dramatic stories of golfers who boldly confronted wider segregation more broadly in their local communities. As national civil rights organizations debated golf's symbolism and whether or not to pursue the game's integration, black players and caddies took matters into their own hands and helped shape its subculture, while UGA participants forged one of the most durable black sporting organizations in American history as they fought to join the white Professional Golfers' Association (PGA).

From George F. Grant's invention of the golf tee in 1899 to the dominance of superstar Tiger Woods in the 1990s, this revelatory and comprehensive work challenges stereotypes and indeed the fundamental story of race and golf in American culture.

Genres: Sports

384 pages, Hardcover

Published September 11, 2017

Reviews

[Andrew Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative look into the rich history of African American golf. Some of these stories have been told, many more have not. The game of golf has a shameful history of racial barriers, which lasted way too long and continue to this day. Nonetheless, the game's African American pioneers get their just due in this comprehensive account of the many loyal and devoted African American golf lovers who have always sought to pass the game down to the next generation as more accessible and open. Still a lot of work to do.

[Hans Ostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific. Well researched, gracefully written. Shows how long and complicated African Americans' connection to golf has been. For instance, an African American invented and patented the wooden tee. Much more here than the familiar names of Sifford, Elder, and Woods. Also uses golf as a lens through which to look at society. From an academic press but accessible to a broad range of readers. You don't need to be a golfer to enjoy it, but golfers should definitely read it.