Invisible golfers: african-americans' pga tour-quest
(2021)

Nonfiction

eBook

Provider: hoopla

Details

PUBLISHED
[United States] : BookBaby, 2021
Made available through hoopla
DESCRIPTION

1 online resource

ISBN/ISSN
9781098399443 (electronic bk.) MWT14561869, 1098399447 (electronic bk.) 14561869
LANGUAGE
English
NOTES

Since the game's introduction to America in the latter part of the 19th century, African-Americans maintained an affinity for the sport. The infamous "Caucasian Only" clause had kept blacks stagnated for sixty years; but it has been over three decades since the elimination of that clause, and, obviously, the void remains. In addition to this, there were several other issues that needed to be addressed. Many golf enthusiasts had misconceptions, or simply did not understand the necessary measures that one has to take in order to become a tour-caliber player. Today, the lack of finances and/or sponsorship support seemingly play a major role toward allowing players to gain necessary tournament experiences in order to have a greater chance to make it onto the PGA Tour, and excel at golf's highest competitive level. Still, many had received some type of financial support at one time or another but failed to produce at the crucial time - they didn't seize the opportunity - and their support vanished. But why didn't they produce when they had the chance? What was really stopping them from getting past that final obstacle? Was there something missing in their training and mental process? Based on these questions and other ones, readers will discover that there may exist latent problems within African-Americans' games and psyche that were being overlooked constantly, which, inadvertently, has kept them from ascending to the next level. There are particular games within professional golf that one must play - and African-Americans simply had not been playing those games very well: They range from the players' self-determinism, work ethics, and business skills, to communication and community support. The context of this book begins with the early professionals, John Shippen and Dewey Brown. Later, the story progresses through eras that featured legendary Black professionals such as Bill Spiller, Teddy Rhodes, and Charlie Sifford; and ending with tour players Lee Elder, Calvin Peete, Jim Thorpe, Jim Dent, and Tiger Woods. Certain qualities and skills that made these men special are noted in this investigative golf book. Most of the vital information, however, emerged from interviews conducted by the author with past pro players spanning five decades from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90's (who are affectionately called "veterans"), who either competed briefly on tour or made several attempts at it. In addition, amateur players who won numerous tournaments and have been involved with the game for a number of years (some for more than five decades), who witnessed the skills of those great veterans - when they were in their prime -- share their commentaries. And, of course, those presently making their tour-quest, as well as those who have recently dropped out were interviewed. These knowledgeable golfers' valuable hindsight provides wisdom and foresight for present and future professionals. This is the one book that addresses the Financial, Sociological, and Psychological issues explaining why African Americans are virtually "Invisible" on the PGA Tour

Mode of access: World Wide Web

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