There were the IBE Pro and Amateur Golf Tournaments

There were the IBE Pro and Amateur Golf Tournaments During the era of racial segregation, Blacks were not allowed to participate in the Professional Golf Association. Many Black golfers whose skills had exceeded the amateur standards, but were denied the opportunity of registering as PGA professionals, simply declared themselves "professionals". Although a by-law was repealed that allowed Blacks to enter the PGA in the early sixties, few Blacks were able to qualify and obtain sponsors. To demonstrate its support of a Black professional golfing tour, Indiana Black Expo gave aspiring Black golfers the opportunity to train in preparation for the professional league. IBE held both Pro and Amateur Golf Tournaments in 1972-'74. The IBE Pro purse of $25,000 was considerably the largest professional purse ever before offered in a black-sponsored tournament. A few of the Black Expo Golf Participants who went on to the PGA Tour were: Jim Thorpe, Charles Owens, Bobby Stroble and Ron Terry. Charles Owens of Winter Haven, Florida was the professional champion in 1972. 3145 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis IN 46208 (317) 923-3041 Fax: (317) 925-6624 www.indianablackexpo.com