A History Lesson for Tiger

Tiger Woods. Already I hear the collective moans, jeers and sneers when seeing his name. People claim they're weary of the excessive news coverage regarding Wood's mistresses or lost endorsement deals. But one group I have yet to hear from are senior African-American golfers.

As a child, I knew Blacks who played golf. They bursted with pride when Lee Elders and Calvin Peete finally broke the color barrier when they were admitted into the Professional Golfers Association. And whenever Elders, Peete, or Lee Trevino played in any tournament in the 1970's, my family gathered around the tv set to cheer them on.

When I mentioned this to my friend, Amy, she told me how African-American golfers confronted discrimination in Baltimore in the 1940's. Blacks were relegated to playing on tiny, ill-kept public links while white golfers played on larger,well-manicured courses with more amenities. Since everyone's tax dollars supported the upkeep of every club in the city, Black golfers demanded equal access. The mayor's solution? "Negro Day". It was one day every summer when both Blacks and Whites were allowed to legally play on the same courses anywhere in the city.

Yes, I know Tiger considers himself to be 'cablasian'. But many who looked like him fought for decades for the very opportunuties he and others take for granted now. Even if Woods pleads ignorance, I'm sure his Black father knew it every time he watched his son tee off at the very same country clubs which denied admittance to people of color for years. And who can forget the existance of discriminatory practices of some country clubs even today? Sure these practices aren't as overt as they once were, but I've heard stories of weekend golfers who still experience discrimination the same as in generations past.

I have two prayers for Tiger. The first is to make amends to his family. Secondly, I pray he pulls the blinders off when it comes to acknowleging those who cried and died to give him the opportunity to be the best golfer in the world. No one's expecting him to be perfect. But I'm sure these same senior golfers of color would like to hear him finally say a heartfelt 'Thank You' before they die.