Native Links: The Surprising History of Our First People in Golf | Back Nine Press

Native Links uncovers the hidden threads between Indigenous communities and the game of golf, weaving vivid anecdotes with historical context. Readers will sense the texture of the era—the hush before a key shot, the wind sighing over a manicured green, and the steadfast voices that shaped a sport often overlooked in mainstream histories. The book spotlights pioneering players, the emergence of Native-owned courses, and ongoing conversations about representation on and off the course.

Beyond individual names, the narrative frames a broader story of cultural preservation and community pride. It traces Oscar Smith Bunn, a Shinnecock Montauk golfer who competed in the 1896 and 1899 U.S. Opens, and it highlights the journeys of players like Orville Moody and Gabby Lemieux. This history invites readers to see golf as a mosaic of people, places, and traditions that continue to influence the game today.

The book also explores how Native-owned courses emerged and how these spaces became hubs for mentoring, pride, and local gatherings. Through archival photos, period accounts, and interviews, Native Links connects historical milestones to present-day dialogues about equity and access within the sport. The prose respects the past while inviting readers to consider its relevance to contemporary golf culture.

What you’ll discover

• The life of Oscar Smith Bunn, a Shinnecock Montauk golfer who played in the 1896 and 1899 U.S. Opens.
• The rise of Native-owned courses and their impact on tribal communities and regional golf scenes.
• Profiles of notable Native golfers and the paths they carved in competitive play and leadership.
• Connections between cultural preservation and the sport’s evolving archives and stories.
• Contexts for representation and inclusion that inform conversations among fans, clubs, and communities.

Why this book matters

• Enriches your understanding of golf’s history with Indigenous perspectives.
• Offers well-researched narratives that complement existing archives without claiming certainty.
• Supports inclusive storytelling that can spark dialogue in clubs and classrooms.
• Provides a narrative framework for appreciating the sport’s diverse heritage.

Whether you are a longtime golf enthusiast, a library educator, or a community organizer, Native Links offers thoughtfully compiled insights that invite reflection and discussion. The book presents possibilities rather than promises, letting readers draw their own connections between past events and today’s golf culture. If you value thoughtful storytelling and a fuller picture of the game’s origins, this book could broaden your appreciation for golf’s inclusive potential.