Advancing the struggle for golf integration in the twin cities
Early Years
Born in 1908 in the segregated south, Solomon Hughes’ start in golf came caddying on the courses of Alabama at age 12.
Quickly becoming proficient at caddying, Hughes rose to the position of caddy master.
Sol, as he became known, also became an exceptional player during his caddying years and began teaching club members at the urging of a local Professional.
Due to the Caucasians Only clause in the PGA constitution, Hughes competed on the UGA Tour which was run by African Americans as an alternative to the PGA Tour.
Hughes success on the UGA included a win at the National Negro Open in 1935.
His fame on the UGA tour led to friendships with prominent Black Americans at the time including Joe Louis, and Sugar Ray Robinson.
Move from the South
In 1943 Hughes moved his family from the south to Minneapolis.
Despite being an golf professional Hughes was unable to secure a position in the game at any of the public courses or private clubs in Minneapolis.
Hughes was able to find a job as a Pullman for the railroad, but when not tending the railyard, he was on the driving range giving golf lessons.
Attempted Integration
In 1948, Hughes tried to enter the St. Paul Open which sparked the battle to integrate the event, similar to Bill Spiller’s fight at the Richmond Open the same year.
However in 1952 Hughes, and fellow UGA Star Ted Rhodes, would tee off the St. Paul Open competing along with white players marking the first time Black American would participate in a PGA Tour Event.
The PGA would eventually remove the Caucasians Only clause from its constitution in 1961.
Legacy
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