"Challenge or Be Challenged": The Personal and Political Importance of Black Women's Golf Clubs. Issue 3 (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Austin, Paula C.
• Is Part Of: Modern American history. Volume 5:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 339
• Page End: 368
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: West -- Sports -- Social Movements and Protest -- Leisure and Consumption -- African American; United States -- History -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- History -- 20th century -- Periodicals; United States -- History -- 21st century -- Periodicals; 973.9005
• DOI: 10.1017/mah.2022.20
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2515-0456

Abstract

Abstract : Three Black women pose for a photograph mid play, a golf course stretching out behind them. With slight smiles, they squint in the sun at the camera, taking a break from the meditative intensity of the game. Two women wear skirts, or maybe one is sporting a culotte, bobby socks, and at least one of them seems to be wearing a regulation cleated shoe. A breeze blows fabric against legs. Each holds her club atop a golf ball, their bodies and the flagstick casting shadows on the putting green (see Figure 1). They are members of the Par-Links Black Women's Golf Club, formed in California's East Bay in 1958. Advertising for new members in the Oakland Black newspaper, the California Voice, the club held its first tournament the following year at Tilden Park Golf Course in Berkeley. "… challenge or be challenged, " the group cheered: "Your place on the ladder depends on your win."