The African American Woman Golfer: Her Legacy

The African American Woman Golfer: Her Legacy gives a brief historical overview of African American women in golf and examines the sport to uncover all African American women who have been involved in golf over the past 75 years. M. Mikell Johnson shows how these women-who were seemingly far removed from the white, male, privileged world of the country club-broke both color and gender barriers to become golfers. This book traces the history of how African American women got involved in golf. Title VI and Title IX alleviated some of the racial and financial burdens for some young women in high school and college athletics, allowing them to participate in all sports regardless of race, creed, or gender. Women’s clubs also provided a stable foundation for female athletes in male-dominated sports. The misinformation, social apathy, financial encumbrances, and, finally, the role of the media in both promoting and preventing black women’s opportunities in golf are discussed.

The African American Woman Golfer: Her Legacy identifies over 300 women and their lives in golf. The author also profiles prominent golfers such as Althea Gibson, who crossed the LPGA color line; Helen Webb Harris, who created the first club for black women golfers; and Ann Gregory, who broke the USGA whites only clause in women’s golf.