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July 19, 2020
On Episode #71 of At The Turn podcast, Nick and Joe speak with African American Golfer’s Digest Executive Editor James Beatty to talk about an issue that is happening all across the United States. Based in Portland, Oregon, Joe and Nick have now witnessed the 50th night of protests and violence in their city that has surrounded the death of George Floyd.
With golf being perceived as a rich white man’s sport, the reflection of its lack of diversity in the game, not only among Black players at its highest level but also within the industry’s boardrooms, executive jobs, and overall leadership is clearly visible.
“According to the National Golf Foundation, golf is an $84 billion industry, yet less than 3% of management and staff is occupied by people of color,” says Beatty. “For golf, there is an opportunity to expand the game, to grow the game, the business and management of golf, to get more people involved in the game.”
Listen to this informative podcast and discover what solutions could be implemented to make the game of golf more diverse.
During the podcast you will discover the numerous community based programs that are involved in introducing the game to young people. Organizations, primarily run by volunteers, who are doing a great job in taking on the role and responsibility for creating opportunities for Blacks to be involved in golf.
“It all comes back to additional resources, funding, time and talent that is needed to continue to grow these programs,” says Beatty.
There are many careers in golf which have not been looked at seriously by many Blacks. Because they have not had the exposure to the sport or know of many others who look like themselves who are involved in the golf industry.
In growing the involvement of Blacks in the sport, Beatty says that he believes “The will is out there to do it, in some cases more than others, and we have to take advantage of it. We have to be in positions of management, and in positions of authority to help make the difference.”
