Game of Privilege: An African American History of Golf | UNC Press

Overview

Game of Privilege offers a sweeping, richly detailed look at how race, class, and public space shaped the game of golf in America. Lane Demas weaves together historical threads—from early innovations in equipment to the modern era—highlighting how Black golfers and communities navigated exclusion, built networks, and pushed for access. The book blends vivid profiles with careful analysis, inviting readers to see golf as more than a sport: a reflection of social tensions, cultural shifts, and the ongoing quest for equal opportunity.

What you’ll discover

• How race, class, and public space influenced the development and accessibility of golf courses across the United States.
• Personal stories of Black golfers and caddies during segregation, including the courage it took to challenge local norms.
• Key legal battles and social campaigns that helped desegregate public courses and redefine belonging on the links.
• The United Golfers Association (UGA) and its enduring impact as a Black sporting organization from 1925 to 1975.
• A broad historical arc—from the invention of the golf tee in 1899 to the era of Tiger Woods—framed to challenge familiar stereotypes about race and golf.

Beyond the narrative

Readers will encounter a nuanced portrait of how civil rights conversations, sports symbolism, and grassroots organizing intersected with golf culture. The book connects local actions to national conversations, showing how players and supporters helped shape the game’s evolving social landscape. It offers contextual insights for scholars, students, and general readers alike who seek a richer understanding of American history through the lens of golf.

Who should read this

This work is well suited for those curious about civil rights history, sports history, and American culture. It provides a scholarly yet accessible account that can support coursework, library collections, and informed reader discussions about race, sport, and public policy.