Tiger Woods made history eight years ago when he became the first African-American golfer to win a major event at the Masters.
Woods also became the youngest player at 21 to don the green jacket. In overwhelming fashion, he left everyone in the dust. He defeated the nearest competitor by 12 strokes, the largest margin of victory in the tournament’s history.
But the limelight switched to Fuzzy Zoeller, a white golfer who uttered a racist remark and disrespected Woods’ accomplishment.
“That little boy is driving well, and he’s putting well,” Zoeller said while a CNN camera was rolling. “He’s doing everything it takes to win. So you know what you guys do when he gets here? You pat him on the back and say ‘Congratulations and enjoy it.’ And tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it? … or collard greens or whatever they serve.”
Zoeller — a one-hit wonder who won the Masters in 1979 — tried to brush off the statement in jest. But he clearly stereotyped Woods as a soul-food eating African-American.
But Woods doesn’t respond to personal attacks with words. He just sinks putts.
After Woods dropped the birdie putt against Chris DiMarco on the first playoff hole Sunday, he put himself in another elite group of company. Woods tied Arnold Palmer for second place all-time in Masters championship history.
Palmer won four green jackets from 1958-64, while Jack Nicklaus occupies first place with six victories from 1963-86.
Woods already is known as the greatest golfer in the modern era. But after joining the company of all-time greats Palmer and Nicklaus on Sunday, where will he stand in the great scheme of golf history? Will he be known as the greatest golfer ever or the greatest black golfer?
This question is nonsense in America’s more popular sports — football, baseball and basketball. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball 58 years ago. Black athletes have excelled in these major sports ever since.
But in a country club sport like golf, the distinction between races is clearly made. A history of African-American born golfers on www.afrogolf.com tells the story.
Charlie Sifford broke the PGA’s color barrier and became the first black tour member in 1962. Two years later Pete Brown became the first black golfer to win a tour event at the Waco Open.
The first major movement didn’t come until 1975 when Lee Elder became the first black to play in the Masters at Augusta. He came the closest to superstar status in 1979 when he earned a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup Team.
With that previous record by black golfers, Woods’ first Masters title would have earned him a place in the history books just because of his pigmentation.
If Woods wants first place, he has to gun for Nicklaus. There’s no question Woods has enough time and talent to contend. Woods’ eight major championships at age 29 already ranks above Nicklaus, who had seven at the same age.
But major championships will be only one distinction between Woods and other PGA all-time greats. The numbers and his skin color won’t be able to tell the story.
Everyone will remember how Woods responded to the “fried chicken” insults that came up by just being himself — driving the long ball and sinking putts.
While Woods remains a gentleman on his way to becoming the greatest golfer ever, I’ll respond to Zoeller’s statement.
Mr. Zoeller, there’s nothing wrong with fried chicken. And now that Woods has earned his fourth green jacket, he deserves some mashed potatoes. What else would he do with all the extra gravy that comes with winning multiple Masters championships?