As part of Black History Month, Mass Golf has produced a series of featuring the stories, achievements, and legacies of African Americans who demonstrated their mastery of the game and dedicated their lives to make it a pursuit for all to enjoy.
Throughout the month of February, we will update the page with findings from these archives and how they relate to Massachusetts.
Riley Morris was a fearsome NFL pass rusher in the early 1960s, and his persistence to sack the quarterback applied to his golf game too. Playing out of Poquoy Brook Golf Course in Lakeville, he urged his fellow Black golfers overcome the perception that they wouldn’t get a fair shake in competitive golf tournaments.
“I just walk in and say, ‘Hello, I’m Riley Morris. I’m here to play.’”
CLICK HERE to read the full story.
Riley Morris was a fearsome #NFL pass rusher, and his persistence to sack QBs applied to golf, too.
Playing out of Poquoy Brook GC, he urged fellow Black golfers overcome the fear of not getting a fair shake in competitive golf. #MassGolf | #BHM https://t.co/F4EcUNeyzu
— Mass Golf (@PlayMassGolf) February 29, 2024
John Shippen competed in his final U.S. Open in 1913 at The Country Club in Brookline, the same year that a young caddie named Francis Ouimet shocked the world at his home club. Well, perhaps it didn’t shock Shippen, for he had nearly pulled off a similar feat as a teenager 17 years earlier at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, the course where he grew up caddying.
Though he didn’t win, the story of Shippen’s 1896 U.S. Open appearance is rather remarkable.
CLICK HERE to read the full story.
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Renee Powell has been a transcending figure in the history of golf, becoming one of the first Black women to join the LPGA Tour and now an award-winning golf professional at the same course her father built to grow the game for Black golfers. Before all that, she came to Massachusetts at the age of 15 and grabbed headlines during the United Golfers Association Championship at Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton.
CLICK HERE to read the full story.
“The golf ball didn’t know the color of your skin, your race or gender”
Renee Powell’s golf legacy has roots dating back to 1961 here in Massachusetts. Her appearance in the United Golf Association Championship was spread across the headlines, and her story didn’t stop there.… pic.twitter.com/LgaiuhGBs8
— Mass Golf (@PlayMassGolf) February 14, 2024
Wareham native Curtis Merritt has long been a competitive and highly-energetic athlete, especially when it comes to golf. Long seeking an opportunity to play Division I golf, he finally reached his goal last year when he landed on the Howard University golf team, revived thanks to a generous donation from NBA champion Steph Curry.
CLICK HERE to read the full story.
Last year, Wareham’s Curtis Merritt (The Kittansett Club) found his way to Howard University, which has become a rising golf program among the college ranks. His journey was among those profiled in an ESPN+ series. #MassGolf | @HUBison_Golf https://t.co/BDiepRzNiP
— Mass Golf (@PlayMassGolf) February 2, 2024
As part of Black History Month, Mass Golf will pay tribute to the stories, achievements, and legacies of African Americans who demonstrated their mastery of the game and dedicated their lives to make it a pursuit for all to enjoy. #MassGolf | #BHM pic.twitter.com/ccNiGg5BR1
— Mass Golf (@PlayMassGolf) February 1, 2024
