Do You Know... African American Golf History Trivia

Questions

1. What is the name of the person who played in the U.S. Open in 1896? Did he have a top ten finish? If yes, where did he place on the final leaderboard?

2. What are the names of the African American professional golfers that received honorary degrees from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland? In what year did they receive their degrees?

3. What is the name of the first African American LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Class A Member? In what year did she receive this member status?

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Did You Know...

In 1934, a Caucasian-only clause - limiting membership to professional golfers of the Caucasian race - was added to The PGA of America Bylaws.

Section 1 of Article III - Members. . . "Male professional golfers of the Caucasian race, over the age of eighteen years (18), residing in North or South America, who can qualify under the terms and conditions hereinafter specified, shall be eligible for membership or "H" Apprentice status."

The Caucasian-only clause of The PGA of America Bylaws was challenged in 1960 by then California Attorney General Stanley Mosk. He confronted the PGA about what he considered "illegal to bar a competitor because of his race".

In November 1961, The PGA of America passed a resolution to remove the Caucasian-only clause from its bylaws.

In 1962, The PGA of America removed from its bylaws- Section 1, of Article III, also known as the Caucasian-only clause.

African American Golf History Trivia

Answers

1. John Shippen Jr.; yes; tied fifth.

2. Dr. Renee Powell, Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (2003)

Dr. Charlie Sifford, Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (2006)

3. Carrie Russell;1974. Russell was the first African American to receive LPGA Master Life Professional Member status, which is the highest honor for LPGA Teaching & Club Professional Membership.

Learn More

(1929 - 2012) Carrie Russell was the first golf coach at Delaware State University; she coached men's golf from 1972 to 1980. She also taught junior golf at Dover Air Force Base golf course and served as a teaching professional at Garrisons Lake (Kent County, Delaware).