Dr. Mark G. Wagner, widely known as “Dr. Mark,” is a teacher, writer, and golf historian who has dedicated his recent years to uncovering the powerful and often overlooked connection between Native American communities and the game of golf. His latest work, Native Links: The Surprising History of Our First People in Golf, is a compelling book released in August 2024, shines a light on over 70 Native tribes that currently own and operate golf courses across the United States.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, and now residing in Dudley, Massachusetts, Wagner’s journey to this topic was both personal and academic. “I’m Irish and German by heritage,” Wagner says, “but Santa Ana Pueblo gave me an honorary title when I covered the Native American Open in 2024. That meant a lot to me.” A lifelong educator and athlete, he played soccer at UMass Amherst before earning his doctorate in education at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia.
Wagner’s love for golf took root during humble family vacations in the Adirondacks, where he learned the game under the gentle guidance of a family friend and Catholic priest, Father George Reilly. “The swing is a pendulum, like a clock,” Father George once told him. “Those summer lessons played out through the years,” Wagner reflects, “even as the church lost its way, Father George held his compass.”
Though golf didn’t become a serious pursuit until later in life, Wagner says, “It would be 40-some-odd years before I had the time and resources to learn, but my memory retains a sense of mercy from those rounds.” Now a member of the USGA President’s Circle and a regular league player at Blackstone National Golf Club, Wagner brings both passion and scholarship to the sport.
The inspiration for his book began when he was writing about Lake of Isles, a Rees Jones-designed course owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe. “I asked myself: how many tribes have golf courses? That led to a two-year journey across the country, gathering oral histories, playing rounds, and learning from Native players and their families,” he says.
In the process, Wagner uncovered powerful stories—like that of Oscar Bunn, a Shinnecock Indian who played in the 1896 U.S. Open, and Orville Moody, a Choctaw Nation member who won the 1969 U.S. Open. “When Moody won, the Choctaw Nation held a big celebration. His mother had walked the Trail of Tears. That’s how deep this history runs,” Wagner shares.
The book blends travelogue with oral history, capturing conversations with living legends like Rod Curl, a Wintu Native and former PGA pro. “I thought we’d just meet for coffee and a few swings,” Wagner recalls with a laugh. “But Rod gave me a three-and-a-half-hour lesson. He said I had 36 things wrong with my swing.”
Wagner believes his book appeals not just to golfers, but to anyone interested in history and recovery. “I believe Native sovereignty and Native economic recovery is one of the great healing stories of our nation. Golf is part of that journey, part of telling the story in a way that’s sunny side up.”
He acknowledges the heavy history—colonialism, displacement, genocide—but frames it with empathy and hope. “I’m sympathetic with Black Lives Matter and #MeToo,” he says, “but Native history is another area where awareness can lead to progress.”
Now in development as a documentary through the Studio of the Americas, Wagner’s work is finding new audiences. With cover art by Navajo artist Cal Nez and widespread availability through Back Nine Press and Amazon, the book is accessible and deeply meaningful.
“The tribes are hiring some of the best architectures such as Rees and Robert Trent Jones ll. Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Notah Begay is now designing. These are works of art, and we are working on plans to encourage Native golf tourism. (See attached pics.) With these courses, there are a a lot of great young players such as Gabby Lemieux, Maddison and Olivia Long and Payton Beans Factor. Aidan Thomas is graduating from NMSU and going pro next year. Notah Begay lll is a guiding light to this new generation,” says Dr. Mark.Â
Dr. Mark is also available for book signings and presentations. “I’m always up for travel and meeting new folks,” he says, adding with a smile, “All I ask is for a free round of golf.”
To reach him, visit drmarkongolf.com or email him at markgwagner@charter.net. Follow on Facebook HERE.
