Breaking Par: Hiawatha Golf Course, Diversity, and Youth Golf

Abstract

This article examines the history of Hiawatha Golf Course in Minneapolis and builds off previous literature, three oral history interviews, newspaper articles, and magazine articles to understand the function the golf course has played for Black people, with a particular focus on youth. As the golf course has been a point of contention between the Minneapolis Park Board and grassroots groups advocating for its preservation, this paper seeks to illuminate the historical value of the course. While significant figures in the course’s history are appropriately recognized for their key contributions, the findings indicate the importance of the course for all members of the local community. Ultimately, it is argued that considerations of youth golf must be incorporated into this debate along with those of traditionally marginalized golfers.