“Challenge or Be Challenged”: The Personal and Political Importance of Black Women's Golf Clubs

Three Black women pose for a photograph mid play, golf course stretching out behind them. With slight smiles, they squint in the sun at camera, taking break from meditative intensity of game. Two wear skirts, or maybe one is sporting culotte, bobby socks, and least them seems to be wearing regulation cleated shoe. A breeze blows fabric against legs. Each holds her club atop ball, their bodies flagstick casting shadows on putting green (see Figure 1). They are members Par-Links Women's Golf Club, formed California's East Bay 1958. Advertising new Oakland newspaper, California Voice , held its first tournament following year Tilden Park Course Berkeley. “… challenge challenged,” group cheered: “Your place ladder depends your win.”