Black Pioneers In Golf
In celebration of Black History Month and recognition of the African American golfers’ legacy and contributions to the game, The 19th Hole Magazine introduces The Front Nine ─ Black Pioneers In Golf, a special nine-part editorial series.
Beginning February thru April 2021, journalist Randy O. Williams tees up the inspirational stories of nine extraordinary individuals who endured racial disparities and overcame adversity to become champions and heroes of the game.
Golf Pioneer Charlie Sifford © Getty Images
The Front Nine ─ Black Pioneers In Golf series begins this Month with Charlie Sifford, the first Black golfer to break the color barrier and play on the PGA Tour in 1961. In April, the series concludes with a look at Lee Elder, the first Black American to play in the Masters Tournament in Augusta, GA, in 1976.
Below are the nine-part series lineup and schedule. You can read Charlie Sifford’s incredible story here.
The Front Nine ─ Black Pioneers In Golf
February 2021
Charlie Sifford
Calvin Peete
Bill Spiller
March 2021
Althea Gibson
Ted Rhoades
Jim Dent
April 2021
Lee Elder
Jim Thorpe
Joe Louis
