Native Links: Mark Wagner on the Hidden History of Native Americans in Golf скачать в хорошем качестве

Native Links: Mark Wagner on the Hidden History of Native Americans in Golf

Episode Summary: In this special episode of the NDN All-Stars Podcast, host Bill Black shifts the focus from a single Native athlete to an entire sport — golf. Author and historian Mark Wagner joins the show to discuss his groundbreaking new book, Native Links: The Surprising History of Our First People in Golf. Wagner shares the remarkable, little-known stories of Native American golf pioneers, tribal-owned golf courses, and the role golf plays in Indigenous economies and land use today. The episode uncovers forgotten figures like Oscar Bunn, a Shinnecock-Montauk golfer who competed in two U.S. Opens and once defeated British legend Harry Vardon. It also explores the rise of tribal-owned golf courses, Native-designed championship layouts, and how golf is helping some communities reclaim space and identity. 🔍 Topics Covered: The story of Oscar Bunn, the first Native American to play in the U.S. Open (1896, 1899) How tribes like the Mashantucket Pequot and Santa Ana Pueblo use golf as part of cultural and economic revival The growth of Native-owned golf courses — from 55 to over 70 nationwide Notable designers behind tribal courses, including Rees Jones and Robert Trent Jones II The overlooked history of Native athletes in golf like Frank Dufina (Chippewa), who taught for 63 years Wagner’s research process, including help from tribal historians and museum archives Why Native American golf history has been hidden for so long — and why it matters 👤 About the Guest: Mark Wagner is a historian and adjunct professor at Worcester State University. A lifelong athlete and avid golfer, his new book Native Links explores the intersection of golf, Native American land, and Indigenous sports history. The book is available now from Back Nine Press - https://back9press.com/products/nativ... 🔗 Resources & Links: Order the Book: Native Links: The Surprising History of Our First People in Golf - https://back9press.com/products/nativ... Explore More Native Athletes: NDN All-Stars Blog - https://ndnallstars.com/blog Follow on Instagram: @ndnallstars If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the NDN All-Stars Podcast and leave a review on your favorite platform. Share this episode with a golf fan or history buff — especially someone who might not know that Native Americans helped shape the game.