THE PLAYERS Celebrates African American Golfers in New Exhibit

This month, THE PLAYERS introduced Foreward Together, a new exhibit highlighting the chronicles, milestones, and impact of African Americans in golf. The exhibit, which highlights Jacksonville leaders’ contributions to the integration of golf, will be on display at TPC Sawgrass during February and will relocate to the atrium of Jacksonville City Hall for display throughout March.

Foreward Together features interactive touch screen displays, timelines, and memorabilia from several of the game’s most celebrated legends and industry trailblazers, highlighted by the three combined PLAYERS Championships won by Tiger Woods and Calvin Peete.

The exhibit will present memorabilia, share stories and display videos that feature THE PLAYERS Championship titles won by Woods in 2001 and 2013, Peete’s ground-breaking win in 1985, the career of World Golf Hall of Fame member Charlie Sifford and also a history of African-Americans in golf on the First Coast, including “The Brentwood Four:” Frank Hampton, Edward Norman, Charles Brown, and Davoye Brown, who took the city of Jacksonville to court after being rejected access to one of the two city-owned courses.

“Calvin [Peete, the first African-American winner of THE PLAYERS Championship] inspired so many young people, especially kids, across the country and across the world to pick up a golf club and start playing this great game,” said Pepper Peete, widow of the late Calvin Peete. “This exhibit is just one way his legacy lives on and future generations can continue to know that golf is a sport anyone can play.”

Foreward Together includes a rich collection of information and items designed to inform and introduce visitors to the many pioneers and advocates who have contributed to the growth and impact of the sport. The origins of the Foreward Together exhibit stem from a Northeast Florida Golf Exhibit that was on display at the Ritz Theater & LaVilla Museum in 2015.

“It’s such an honor to play a part in bringing this exhibit to life,” said Jared Rice, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS. “Golf has such a rich history in our community, and this exhibit – as evidenced by its name – demonstrates our commitment to honoring and building a stronger and more inclusive future.”

“We are honored that THE PLAYERS chose to commission this exhibit and have it on display for all of Jacksonville’s citizens to see and explore,” said Lenny Curry, Mayor, City of Jacksonville. “Jacksonville is home to many African-American trailblazers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the game of golf is more accessible, and this exhibit shines an important spotlight on the leading role our community has played in making sure golf is more inclusive and welcoming to all.”