Many years ago, Blacks could not play the game of golf in this country anywhere because of bigotry, Jim Crow laws, and treatment as less than United States citizens. White Supremacy raged and forced its terror and rules on us back in the day. But some courageous Black men in Minneapolis started the Bronze Golf Tournament.
The legend of the late Jimmy Slemons grew as he went about hustling to gather gifts and prizes for the players for the tournament. He invited the entire community, young and old to come out and celebrate and enjoy Black men competing and playing golf. Many years ago, even the great heavyweight boxing champion Joe Lewis played in the Bronze.
I never had the fortune of meeting Mr. Slemons. He handed the Bronze over to a couple of honorable, educated men, the late Thad Nicolas and Dick Kelly, who for many years continued the Bronze history every summer along with the Twin Cities Golf Club.
Since 2012, Darwin Dean has shouldered the responsibility of managing the Bronze and the continuation of this historic tournament.
Theodore Wirth Golf Course, established back 1916, has for over 100 years hosted the Bronze many times. Wirth has stood the test of time; it’s been one of the most challenging courses to play in the state.
The City of Minneapolis, after nearly two years of planning and construction redesign improvements, completed bunker renovations and the installation of a new irrigation system at Wirth. Now this Golden Valley Greater Northside treasure remains as challenging to play as ever.
The great game of golf has grown in our community. In 2018, we can obviously play virtually anywhere, thanks to the efforts and talents of many who paved the way, including Lee Elder, Calvin Peete, and Tiger Woods.
The 79th Annual Bronze honored two great men Eddie Manderville and Bob Shelton, who have over their careers been great golfers and have competed and contributed to the Bronze legacy for 40 years or more.
I have always enjoyed the Bronze. I’ve played in it many times since 1978 and have hosted many radio shows from the clubhouse during the tournament in other years.
It was great to see so many of you at Wirth on Saturday! Thanks for saying hello and for listening, reading, and watching me cover sports over these many years. Those of you that I know who are golfers and did not participate, remember this tournament is ours. We must learn to prioritize as people and golfers by supporting and maintaining our legacy.
Congratulations to all who played again in the 2018 79th Annual Bronze Tournament. Here are the winners: Men’s Champion Peter Omeke with 74; George Mburu came in second with a 76; Bobby Ongechi was third with 78.
Women’s Champion Gloria Harris had a 88 and edged Vicki Burnes who had 91. Senior Men’s Champion Ron Benford had 83, while second place Everett Pettiford had 90.
Senior Women’s Champion Martha Arradondo had 112, and Golden Senior Champion Bob Shelton had 83.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday and Friday at 9:10 am, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.