Why is Tiger the only black man on tour?

[Garthmo]

I havent read through all the posts yet but Im always a little upset with the fact that people still even think in Black and White. Like when I watch golf I dont think hey that black or white man is good! I only see people and untill someone brings this weird observation up, do probobly me and most of the young kids out in the world even notice or even care. But the more adults make comments like this the more we train the kids to notice the differences on the outside. I just notice this kind of thought around alot and just think people should stop thinking this way.Who cares what color the human is or what background or religion or whatever the differences are, lets just admire the skill and not even bring this old world thinking up.

[TheNextBen]

I havent read through all the posts yet but Im always a little upset with the fact that people still even think in Black and White. Like when I watch golf I dont think hey that black or white man is good! I only see people and untill someone brings this weird observation up, do probobly me and most of the young kids out in the world even notice or even care. But the more adults make comments like this the more we train the kids to notice the differences on the outside. I just notice this kind of thought around alot and just think people should stop thinking this way.Who cares what color the human is or what background or religion or whatever the differences are, lets just admire the skill and not even bring this old world thinking up.

I agree. I myself only thought about the fact that Tiger is black, the first time I saw him. Now I've just forgot about it, and who cares anyway...

[Chas]

Maybe on the professional levels of golf, but on the recreational side I see black people and other ethnicies playing the game all the time. Its a good thing. An all black 4-some was behind us a few weeks ago when I played. One of these players banging around muni's is bound to make it sooner or later.

I see pretty good representation of blacks on courses and ranges as well, not to mention other non-Caucasians (how quaint that sounds ...). I think that the racial disparity in modern golf is exaggerated. As to economics, these days the income disparity is less than it used to be (far more middle/upper middle income types than decades ago), and I don't see golf as prohibitively expensive if you've been given the right introduction/motivation. You can pick up a decent set of second hand clubs for a paltry sum and, unlike with most other sports, you can get excellent practice rather easily and for next to nothing. Try that in many other sports.

To me it's more sociological than anything else. It's about what your friends and colleagues are doing.

[Tim S]

Good comments.

I don't think race should be the only feature you track in a player, if you're into that sort of confrontation. Look at social upbringing, availability of golf in school, whether parents played golf, income, talent, etc. Beyond all that, I just have to chuckle at people who try their very best to dent Tiger's armor or insinuate misconduct.

The days of embracing heroes and forgiving them for being human are over. It seems the opposite it true, that when we have a hero we insist in making him flawed and human as a means to make him equal. Too cynical? :)

[pat8]

maybe young black people see golf as an elite, upper-class sport. as a result, they think they are not able to try it so never get started in he first place. I really have no idea why Tiger is the only black man on tour, especially when players of other ethnicities are becoming more and more prevalent. Just a thought.

[JaY_B]

I havent read through all the posts yet but Im always a little upset with the fact that people still even think in Black and White. Like when I watch golf I dont think hey that black or white man is good! I only see people and untill someone brings this weird observation up, do probobly me and most of the young kids out in the world even notice or even care. But the more adults make comments like this the more we train the kids to notice the differences on the outside. I just notice this kind of thought around alot and just think people should stop thinking this way.Who cares what color the human is or what background or religion or whatever the differences are, lets just admire the skill and not even bring this old world thinking up.

Agreed with everything you just said.

[mikelz]

He's the only black guy with a tour card (except Jim Dent).