The old age adage that every parent wishes for a better world full of ample opportunities for their children was no different for my family. As a young African American boy growing up in New York City in the 1960’s, I can remember a world that often pointed out the stark realties of being a minority.
My father, Hiram Sapp Sr., was an African American golfer. He worked hard to provide for his growing family and gave us a safe and comfortable upbringing. My father was a wise man who loved sports and taught me many lessons out on the green. His mantra during those formative years still rings in my ears today- golf in America in 1965 was not a game for a Black man. While he was a notably talented player- his dreams of making it to the PGA Master’s were never within reach. Instead, he fostered in my brother and I the possibility of one of us attending the Master’s one day.
Fast forward to the Master’s this April- more than 50 years later. Have the dreams of my father evolved for African American golfers today? The national statistic for African American golfers is that they make up 8.9% of the sport. However, during the Master’s only 3.4% of those playing were African American. For the first time ever, the world stopped and watched as three Black men took to the green- Tiger Woods, Harold Varner III, and Cameron Champ. These three Black men made history making it to the most prestigious tournament.
The very first Black golfer to play in the Masters was on April 10, 1975 when Lee Elder made the cut to the Master’s. Years later we are marveling at three golfers out of eighty-eight making it to the Master’s. Is this enough representation for African Americans? It is well below the national average and doesn’t seem to add up.
Of those three African American men, none had an African American caddy. There were very few caddies in general who were of color being represented this year. In a time where we are teaching inclusion to our children- wishing a better future for them- are they being included in professional sports?
This Master’s left me feeling proud of the men who represented African Americans everywhere. Cameron Champ didn’t make the cut after preliminaries, but Tiger Woods and Harold Varner III did. They played hard in terrible weather and Tiger eventually succumbed to his injuries. His presence as perhaps the most notable minority in golf left a void in the programming. Amongst the pride I also felt disheartened. So many years after my Dad wished for a Master’s that showcased equality and it did not feel close to equal.
Perhaps it is time we stop and examine if the playing field is truly equal for African American golfers. Are the opportunities for training and publicity and recognition the same for everyone? It doesn’t appear that way. 50 years after my father shared his dreams for Black representation at the Master’s and I am dreaming the same dream.
