During the 1950s, playing golf as a Black man or woman was a challenging experience due to the prevalent racial discrimination and segregation that existed in society at that time.

Segregation laws, known as Jim Crow laws, were in effect across many states in the United States, enforcing racial separation in public facilities, including golf courses. Black golfers faced numerous barriers and restrictions when it came to accessing golf courses, joining clubs, and competing in tournaments.

Many golf courses were exclusively for white players, denying Black individuals the opportunity to play. Those few courses that did allow Black players often imposed strict limitations, such as designated days or times for Black golfers to play, separate facilities, or inferior conditions compared to those provided for white players.

One notable example is the story of Charlie Sifford, who became the first African American to play on the PGA Tour. Sifford faced significant discrimination, including being denied entry to tournaments and receiving death threats. Despite these challenges, he persevered and eventually won two PGA Tour events, paving the way for future generations of Black golfers.

References:

• PBS - Golf, Charlie Sifford, and the Civil Rights Movement
• Golf Digest - Charlie Sifford: 1922-2015