The African American Woman Golfer

All of the good and positive scores, in golf, are in terms of birds -- Double Eagle, Eagle, and Birdie. The Double Eagle is the rarest score to obtain in golf. This is the term to express the presence of the rare African American Woman Golfer. As a rarity among the rare, she is the most unknown and silent athlete in the arena of this sport. The African American woman is really an omission in the annals of the history of golf in America. The African American Woman Golfer is HERSTORY.

Synopsis

The African American Woman Golfer: Her Legacy is divided into five main areas of descriptive content – 1) analysis of literature, 2) the effect of Title Nine, 3) Club impact, 4) personal profiles and 5) a view point.

1. An analysis of the content in 26 premiere ethnic references, 5 golf related ethnic books and 2 ethnic newspapers provided information as to the progress and status of the African American woman in the sport over the past 70 plus years. The content analysis provided the evidence as to how remiss the media was in reporting the basic information about the women. Most of the written reports have trivialized the merits as an afterthought or a footnote which led to an accumulation of "one liners" of individual identity, athletic ability, sports contribution or achievement.


2. Legally, the enactment of Title VI and Title IX alleviated some of the racial and financial burdens for young women in high school and college. The Acts allowed them to participate in all sports regardless of race, creed or gender.


3. The organizational acumen of the women’s Clubs enhanced their ability to compete in the male dominated elitist sport. Their skill also provided a stability within the splintered governance of the male organizations, which helped to meld the various groups into more functional and profitable governing bodies.


4. The profiles identify some of the notable women as the pioneers, the barrier breakers, the innovators and the new breed. Mini-biographies and photographs of the women represent the past and present stalwarts in the history of golf. The African American Woman Golfer: Her Legacy reveals the impact they have had on the game and society.


5. The Nineteenth Hole summarizes factors that are associated with the progress of the African American woman in establishing a niche in the game. The generalized misinformation, society apathy, financial encumbrances and multiple Halls of Fame inadequacies are discussed. Also posited are projected solutions for funding the future golf aspirants, ensuring that the golf memorabilia is saved and that the information gatekeepers maintain the records to ensure the Legacy of the woman golfer.

THE FANTASTIC FIVE

The Fantastic Five are the women who won the most United Golfers National Open Women’s Championship titles.

1. Marie Thompson was a cut above the rest since she took her game to the men and captured the initial UGA National Open Women's Championship in 1930. She made history by defending the title in 1931.


2. Lucy Williams Mitchum was the person, male or female who won four United Golfers Association National Open Women’s Championship titles, 1932, 1934, 1937 and 1946.


3. Thelma Cowans was the first woman to win five of the UGA National Open Women’s Championship and three of those were in consecutive years, 1947, 1949, 1954, 1955 and 1956.


4. Ann Gregory also holds a record of five UGA National Open Women’s Championship wins, 1950, 1953, 1957, 1965 and 1966.


5. Ethel Funches is the reigning UGA National Open Women’s Championship winner of all time with seven titles 1959, 1960, 1963, 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1973.

Editorial Reviews

M. Mikell Johnson, through an unprecedented search for primary sources, has provided a clear roadmap for understanding the illusive account of African American women in golf. This rich log of sources can easily be mined and future scholars can elaborate on the solid groundwork done here by granting due attention to the hundreds of unknown Black women golfers presented in this book. This book advances the understanding that, though marginalized, Black women have been determined to experience everything that life had to offer. For those who would ask the question, Do Black women golf? Yes, we do that too!

-- Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans, Assistant Professor, University of Florida
Author of Black Women in the Ivory Tower,
1850-1954: An Intellectual History

The contents of The African American Woman Golfer, is indeed the most appealing subject matter to date referencing golf that I have read. It is profoundly detailed and a valued historical collection of information that has surpassed any other. My recommendation is surely a must read, The African American Woman Golfer, will both educate and elevate each reader.

-- Veronica Gore-Kennedy, Assistant Golfer Professional
Merchandise Manager at the Reserve Golf Course
First Tee Coach of Brunswick County NC