Up to Par: Women work to introduce the love of golf
The image of the typical golfer has traditionally been of a middle-age male of notable pedigree and considerable status and means.
That image will continue to change and be more inclusive, if retired educator Ethel Lee has her way.
Although a few African-American men, such as Calvin Pete and Lee Elder, were able to carve out some success as professional golfers, it has still been a long road for women, especially women of color.
In reality, women have been taking to the courses and "getting their swing on" since the late 1800s. In fact, according to www.livestrong. com, "Women began competing in golf matches as early as 1895, the year the U.S. Golf Association held the first Women's Amateur Championship Tournament."
When Lee was a child, she played the same sports, like basketball, that her brothers did.
"The only thing that I knew about golf was that my brothers would go to the Pensacola Country Club to caddie," she says.
DISPELLING MYTHS
Lee is no longer teaching young people in a classroom setting.
This avid golfer is using the golf course as her classroom — much like men have used the course as an annex to the boardroom — to teach children and women about the sport she so dearly loves.
She is especially passionate about introducing the game of golf to other African-Americans. Sadly, despite the success and fame of young record-breakers, such as Tiger Woods and Ginger Howard, some still feel that this sport is off limits to them.
Lee's affinity for golf began in the 1980s when Par Four held a clinic. She tried bowling, but that was not the right fit for her schedule as a teacher and her duties as a parent.
"I started off bowling, but people were not as patient, and I had younger children who needed my attention. Plus, I have always liked a challenge. I fell in love with golf the first day I played."
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Ericka Lee, now working in accounting-finance in Atlanta, says that her mother's insistence that she and her brother, Erik, spend a good bit of their weekend and summer vacation time as children on area golf courses has paid off for her.
Ericka Lee laughingly recalls the times when her mom would summon them by saying, "You are going to the golf course either because you want to or because you have to."
The lessons learned, among many — practice makes perfect and nothing is beyond her reach.
Matt Harrison, manager at Stonebrook Golf Club, agrees that golf can be a metaphor for life. He mentions a book called "Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect" that his father gave to him when he was 14 years old and becoming more serious about his golf game.
"My father told me to put the word life in place of golf."
Golf, like life, is about using your skills and knowledge to make the best choices, he says. Even when something goes awry, and it will, one has to be able to remain focused, patient and willing to try again.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
With time and money being more limited for many, golf is a way for families to bond. This is not missed by those in charge at area golf courses like Osceola in Pensacola and Stonebrook in Pace.
"Golf has been perceived as a sport only for the elite, and this is not true anymore," Harrison says. "Golf is more affordable now than it has been."
This removes barriers to entry for many.
"If you get the kids, you are likely to get mom or dad — if not both," Harrison says.
"Equipment and supplies can be found at reasonable prices and in many instances seasoned players will donate used equipment,'' says, Par Four member, Enoch Leatherwood. "Interested parties should contact friends who play, professionals at the various golf courses or a Par Four member."
According to Lee, "All associations have golf pros, and some have First Tee Programs and clinics for women."
Lee is one of the few female members of Par Four, an organization started in 1968 by nine black male golfers, and she takes to heart the part of the charity's mission statement that pledges, "To serve the community through volunteerism and providing financial support to deserving youth oriented activities and organizations. Our goal is to lead by example and direct our efforts toward programs that instill self-esteem, self-respect and positive attitudes in our youth."
Par Four works diligently to put on clinics and tournaments to bring awareness of the sport to young black people and women.
To remove excuses and barriers, Lee says, "Just show up. We will provide clubs, shoes and gloves."
Lee's first set of clubs actually belonged to her son, who had won them in a tournament. She played with them until she could afford to purchase better ones.
Lee and several other women of color have been playing local and out-of-town courses for decades, yet they still draw attention from others, mostly white men, who are surprised to see them. For the most part, the response has been positive.
Lee recalls one experience when a Caucasian man approached her and told her that he had not ever seen a black female golfer and that he was happy to see her. She told him that she had been playing for a long time and that there were others who play consistently on local courses.
It is encounters such as this that compel Lee to use her resources to bring more African-American women and children into the fold.
Barbara Holloway, President of the Osceola Ladies Golf Club, has been golfing for almost 20 years. She learned to play in Cleveland, Ohio, where there are numerous female golf associations and clubs.
"When I moved to Pensacola, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of females on the courses," she says.
Holloway believes that the perception of golfers still poses a barrier for some.
She does, however, know that, with better marketing and better publicity, this can be countered. It can be difficult for people, especially young women, to become very excited about golfing when it seems that so few people, specifically ones who resemble them, are finding success doing so.
To Holloway's point, there are young women, even African-American, who are turning pro and being admitted into the Ladies Professional Golfing Association (LPGA), but few nongolfers get the memo.
"As with females in basketball, the interest just is not there, and so many think the 'girls' can't measure up," she says.
Lee lights up when she describes the camaraderie that she feels when interacting with other female golfers, like Dorothy J. Johnson, who has been golfing for over 20 years. She looks forward to the Team Plays and Home-and-Home matches. She especially enjoys the well-attended annual event in Myrtle Beach, S.C., that is hosted by the Browns Mill Women's Golf Association, which was founded in 1996 by a group of African-American female golfers.
GIRL ON FIRE
Not many doubt or discount Lee's passion for golf or her commitment to making other women and young people aware of the sport.
Holloway says of her friend, "Ethel has such a strong passion regarding golf. It can't get too hot, too cold and, sometimes, not even too wet for Ethel to play golf. I just love to watch her play."
Golf is intended to be challenging. It requires technical proficiency, patience, timing and ambition.
Never one to be daunted by a challenge, Lee dove in with a "can and will" attitude that has not wavered. She encourages others to do the same.
"Yes, you may have bad days but stay with it because it gets better. Keep going. Concentrate on the game."
Holloway recalls Lee vowing to become club champion at the end of one of their gold seasons. Holloway knew that this would require that Lee improve her game by this time.
Being true to her word, Lee became club champion by practicing.
"There is something about Ethel that is contagious. I think it's the respect she has for the game which in turn has others doling out that same kind of respect toward her. Everybody loves Ms. Lee."
GETTING STARTED
For those interested in learning to play, Lee advises that they refrain from starting in the summer because the heat can be stifling and may potentially cause many to become discouraged. Starting in a cooler season, like fall, is a better idea. She also recommends buying shoes that are green-friendly, comfortable and inexpensive.
Johnson, who walked with Tiger Woods at the 2007 Augusta Masters, adds, "To women interested in the game, I say find a clinic at low cost or no cost to attend to learn the basics. Take a few lessons and practice, practice, practice!"
STAYING THE COURSE
Aside from the bonds formed on the golf course, Lee cites the health advantage as being a major draw for her, too. Walking in the fresh air is a great way to improve overall physical and mental well-being.
She uses golf as exercise and time to set everything else aside, and she feels "blessed to be able to get up and go play."
ABOUT PAR FOUR
Par Four Golf Club was formed in Pensacola in 1968. The driving force behind the formation of this club was a love for the game of golf, a desire to promote its growth within the black community and a hope for removal of barriers regarding play.
• Website:www.ParFour.org
• Membership Application:www.parfour.org/Par_Four_
• Address: Par Four Golf Club, P.O. Box 17273, Pensacola, FL 32522
ETIQUETTE
Nowadays, it is pretty common, and cool, to see women around town who are dressed in their "golf garb."
This uniform usually consists of a collared polo-style shirt (zip-top, button-down or V-neck with long-sleeves, short-sleeves or sleeveless) and a skort, knee-length shorts or slacks (long, cropped or capri) topped off with a visor or sunhat. Although each course has its own set of rules regarding attire, these pass muster on most courses. Note: most courses prohibit jeans, athletic pants and sundresses.
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