Held
April 5, 2012
Masters Week in
Augusta, Georgia
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DR. MICHAEL COOPER
Blog: May 2012
Race Matters
Dr. Cornell West authored a brilliant and profound book titled
Race Matters. In one of my favorite chapters he described W.E.B.
Du Bois’s notion of double-consciousness; a world which
yields Black Americans “no true self-consciousness, but
only lets him see himself through the revelation of the other
world…this sense of always looking at one’s self through
the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape
of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity.”
He would further use the concept of double-consciousness to describe
those of us who live “betwixt and between the Black and
White worlds – traversing the borders between them yet never
settled in either…they crave peer acceptance in both, receive
genuine approval from neither.”
In a smaller sense, traversing betwixt and between two separate
worlds accurately describes my 30+ years in the golf business.
Betwixt and between two distinct cultures; the one I was introduced
to at the age of 12, at Pipe O Peace golf course in Chicago, and
a mainstream culture that is far different, and less accepting.
I was introduced to the game by my Dad, with the help of the Chicago
Women’s Golf Club and the Bob O Links, which the women created
for junior golfers. At the time, my golfing world was full of
Black role models, teachers, and mentors. There was Charlie Sifford,
Cliff Brown, Pete Brown, James Black, Ann Gregory, and Ms. Ann
Robinson, just to name a few. Our greens superintendent was a
Black man. So were the Head Pro, teaching professional, and concessionaire.
Following college I decided to remain in the golf industry. I
was fortunate enough to land my first full-time job in the golf
industry in 1979. It was as an assistant golf professional at
Rocky Point Golf Course, in Tampa, FL. Since that day, I have
lived in a professional world where Black leaders, role models,
teachers, and mentors have been few and far between, or virtually
invisible.
The mainstream golf culture is so dominate, that I get teary-eyed
reflecting on the culture that I once knew; for it is a tragic
reminder of a history and culture being wasted, with great stories
of talent, triumph, perseverance, and battling injustices buried
and soon to be forgotten. Thankfully, there are a few individuals
and organizations trying to recognize this soon to be forgotten
culture. There are a few trying to reintroduce young people to
the game in a positive way. A few Black leaders, role models,
teachers, and mentors. A few, but sadly enough, too few.
When it comes to jobs within the golf industry, we remain virtually
invisible. A few organizations appear to be trying to help with
employment; but once again it’s too few. How difficult is
it to hire someone of color? I certainly know many individuals
and organizations trying to get in the industry, but can’t.
Trying to help reach and teach our young, middle aged, and old;
but gaining no acceptance or support. Betwixt and between. Traversing
the boundaries of both worlds. “Seeking acceptance in both,
and receiving genuine approval from neither.”
How naïve I must be to think we can rekindle the old Pipe
O Peace culture. Yet I remain hopeful. If not rekindle it, then
tell the stories, at the least, and preserve its rich heritage,
culture, and history of days gone by.
I recently had a conversation with a dear friend, who knows our
history as well as anyone. I asked her to document the history,
and/or pass it along. As we spoke, she was surprised that I did
not recall several of the names and stories of which she spoke.
Am I to be blamed for not knowing, or is she to be blamed for
not telling? If you know our history, or know someone who knows
our history, please document it, and/or pass it along. Our pioneers
deserve it, as do the generations to follow. Please share your
thoughts with me at urbangolf.mc@gmail.com.
Please share your thoughts by contacting me at urbangolf@aol.com,
and stay tuned for future blogs.
Send Michael A Comment!
ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D.
Dr. Michael Cooper is the Director of Southeast Region Affairs
for The First Tee. He also teaches Social Change and Leadership
at Springfield College – Tampa, FL campus.
