Member-only story

An African American History of Golf: The John Hope Franklin in African American Golf

Rubén Darío

·17k Followers· Follow

Published in Game Of Privilege: An African American History Of Golf (The John Hope Franklin In African American History And Culture)

5 min read

920 View Claps

59 Respond

Save

Listen

The history of African Americans in golf is a story of resilience, determination, and triumph. Despite facing discrimination and exclusion, African Americans have made significant contributions to the game of golf. From the early pioneers who broke down barriers to the modern-day stars who continue to inspire, African Americans have played an important role in the history of golf.

The Early Years

The first African American to play golf in the United States was John Shippen, a slave who played at the St. Andrews Golf Club in Yonkers, New York, in the 1890s. Shippen was a talented golfer, and he often played against white golfers, including Francis Ouimet, who would later win the U.S. Open in 1913.

Game of Privilege: An African American History of Golf (The John Hope Franklin in African American History and Culture)

Game of Privilege: An African American History of Golf (The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture)

by Lane Demas

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12037 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages

In the early 1900s, a number of African American golfers began to emerge, including John Hope Franklin. Franklin was born in Oklahoma in 1895, and he began playing golf as a teenager. In 1916, he won the Oklahoma State Colored Golf Championship, and he went on to win the national championship in 1923.

Franklin was a pioneer in the game of golf, and he helped to pave the way for other African American golfers. He was a talented golfer, and he competed against the best white golfers of his day. In 1939, he became the first African American to play in the U.S. Open.

The Era of Exclusion

In the 1940s and 1950s, African Americans were excluded from most golf courses and tournaments. The PGA of America, which was the governing body of golf in the United States, had a "Caucasian only" clause in its bylaws. This clause prevented African Americans from joining the PGA and from playing in PGA tournaments.

Despite these barriers, African Americans continued to play golf. They formed their own golf clubs and tournaments, and they continued to compete against each other. In 1956, the United States Golf Association (USGA) finally lifted its "Caucasian only" clause, and African Americans were allowed to join the USGA and to play in USGA tournaments.

The Modern Era

In the modern era, African Americans have made significant contributions to the game of golf. Lee Elder became the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament in 1975, and Tiger Woods became the first African American to win the Masters Tournament in 1997.

Today, there are a number of African American golfers who are among the best in the world. These golfers include Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Rickie Fowler. These golfers are role models for young African Americans, and they are helping to break down the barriers of discrimination and exclusion that have existed in golf for so long.

The John Hope Franklin in African American Golf

The John Hope Franklin in African American Golf is a museum that celebrates the history of African Americans in golf. The museum is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and it features exhibits on the early pioneers of the game, the era of exclusion, and the modern era of African American golf.

The museum is named after John Hope Franklin, who was one of the most important historians of African American history. Franklin was also a passionate golfer, and he was a strong advocate for the inclusion of African Americans in the game.

The John Hope Franklin in African American Golf is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in the history of golf and the history of African Americans in the United States. The museum is a tribute to the resilience, determination, and triumph of African Americans in golf.

Game of Privilege: An African American History of Golf (The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture)

by Lane Demas

4.6 out of 5