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Did anyone watch the World Golf Hall of Fame inductions services on the Golf Channel tonight?. It was great to see Charles Sifford inducted into the Golf World Hall of Fame he was the Nations Premier African-American Golfer it was great to see him honored for his achievements in a very dark time of this Nation's past, and it was good to see the other new members also.

Halk, it wasn't a "very dark time of this Nation's past" at all; it was a very white time.

It is regrettable that talented black golfers weren't able to display their talents on the PGA tour because of the racial rules in place in the early years that excluded blacks. All we can do now is to recognize the accomplishments of those who did manage to play and succeed despite the restrictions placed on them. Perhaps there should be a special section in the Hall of Fame for golfers of African-American heritage who distinguished themselves in the game outside of the PGA Tour to atone for the slights of the past.

That's an admirable idea Valeogut, and one that the Hall of Fame should do more than just consider. I've always thought that golf should follow the actions of Major League Baseball. MLB's efforts to recognize the great Negro League players have enlightened us all to the prejudices of sport, as well as, the great athletes that were never afforded the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

As much as I love the game of golf, it still sickens me to see many of these same prejudices at courses today.

Feel the same way, LG. (And great post, v-man.)

I've never been to Scotland (which many of us think of as the home of golf), but from what I understand, golf there is very much a game for the common man (and woman). I'm sure Scotland has exclusive courses for the wealthy privileged, but I've heard that in Scotland being a golfer doesn't necessarily mean being upper class or even upper middle class. I'm a white guy who lives in the 'burbs, but I enjoy playing urban muni's because I like the demographic that I encounter there; seems more in keeping with the Scottish spirit.

When my buddy Larry and I play, we sign up as a 2-some and part of our fun is seeing who we meet. Several times we've been paired with African Americans, some of whom are just taking up the game. We have not had a single bad experience. In fact, just the opposite. Golf has helped me spend time with people who are different from me not only in race, but also in age, gender, income, and other ways. It's amazing how this game can provide a way for people to meet who might not otherwise meet. One of the best things about this sport, IMO.

Man, that really got to me. First, TK starts talkin' about Harvey and I bawl every time 'cause that man stood for just about everything I believe in golf. And he was a Texan...you know how we are. And like Tom said, his influence will be felt for a long time to come.

So I'm barely getting over that when Charlie takes the stand. When he started talking about Gary Player getting doused yet standing there and taking up for him...I gotta tell ya, I was a blubbering mass. What a great game. How it brings out the greatness in its people.

I'm really not as soft as it sounds...lol...but sometimes certain aspects of this pasttime we share can really touch me deep.

OK, I'll dry up now.

Shade

I agree shaderunner golf is a game that does bring out the greatness in its people, although golf did not completely break out of its color barrier until the earlier seventies it did have it heros such as Gary Player and others. Sadly to say that until the PGA Tour came to Birmingham, Alabama in 1992 (i Belive) the PGA Tour had to threaten to pull out of Shoal Creek because there were no African Americans that were members. Even as late as that there were elite clubs that did have (or should I say allow) African Americans to belong to there clubs. Yes the world has come a long way since Charlie Sifford first played on the PGA tour in 1961 but also still has a long way to go but this same argument can be said for people all over the world it jus not African Americans it is any people that have different beliefs which is evident just by watching the World News any night of the week. Sorry about rambling folks just my two cents worth on world affairs.

Shade buddy, I'm sending a big box of tissues...Special Delivery...to the van! I hope it's ok if a few tissues are missing ....I watched it too!

I really wish I had the Golf Channel so I could have seen it...sounded like a very touching ceremony. Congrats to all the newest World Golf Hall of Fame members!