Uneven Lies on a Level Playing Field: Editors' Blog: Golf Digest

Uneven Lies on a Level Playing Field

Monday, February 9, 2009 Comments

Golf World's Lipouts recently included a quote from Jackson State coach Eddie Payton on the dearth of African-American players on tour and the effect that would have a future black golfers. Marshall Stewart of Fort Worth took exception.

Dear Editor,

I may be confused by Coach Payton’s comment, or maybe its intent. However, saying "If we don’t get some black players on tour soon, we’re going to lose a generation of potential African-American golfers" is out of bounds. First, I dare say that he should make reference to "American" golfers be they of African descent, from Sweden, or Mars for that matter. The term keeps segregation going when we would best be served by integration with no mention of race or national origin. As for getting some black players on tour I will ask "Who is ‘we’?" And last I heard a player can join the tour by meeting the rules of qualification. Affirmative action doesn’t play in the game of golf.

Marshall Stewart
Fort Worth, Texas

Here's the point, I think. Is golf getting the best athletes, black, white or other? Maybe not. On February 11 at 9 p.m., check out the new Golf Channel documentary, "Uneven Fairways," based in part on the book by Golf World's Pete McDaniel. It does a remarkable job of telling the story of competitive black golfers who were not allowed a place on the PGA tour prior to 1961 and who formed their own tours as a result. These were some serious players and although you're right, Marshall, in urging us all to get beyond the issue of race, the documentary makes clear that we're still living with the consequences of decisions made those decades ago. As a consequence, it may be easier for whites to put aside memories of the "Caucasian-only" tour than blacks. In the end, I'd like to see all talented young athletes consider golf. What Coach Payton is saying is, that's not happening. It will. What Tiger's doing and what the First Tee is building will eventually make golf truly integrated. But it will take time.

--Bob Carney

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Archived Comments (2) Click to expand

We might be missing out on future versions of Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods because only a fraction of all kids are able to play golf. With the expenses that go into tournament golf (clubs, entry fees, mileage, memberships, etc.), kids from inner cities and poor neighborhoods just can't do it- not without lots of stars lining up at the same time.

Granted, the TWLF and The First Tee are exceptional programs to help right the ship, but there should definitely be more done to make golf accessible.

I'm afraid of one day waking up and realizing that all golfers came from the same golf high schools, all trained by a Top 10 instructor, all playing exactly the same way, all giving bland PC answers. Make golf more accessible and we might find a future version of Lee Trevino, with a homemade swing and a personality like no one else.

Posted by justin66 February 10, 2009 10:33 AM

We might be missing out on future versions of Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods because only a fraction of all kids are able to play golf. With the expenses that go into tournament golf (clubs, entry fees, mileage, memberships, etc.), kids from inner cities and poor neighborhoods just can't do it- not without lots of stars lining up at the same time.

Granted, the TWLF and The First Tee are exceptional programs to help right the ship, but there should definitely be more done to make golf accessible.

I'm afraid of one day waking up and realizing that all professional golfers came from the same golf high schools, all trained by a Top 10 instructor, all playing exactly the same way, all giving bland PC answers. Make golf more accessible and we might find a future version of Lee Trevino, with a homemade swing and a personality like no one else.

Posted by justin66 February 10, 2009 10:48 AM