Native Links
Description
Native Links: The Surprising History of Our First People in Golf unveils the hidden contributions of Indigenous peoples to the sport, from pioneering golfers to the Native-owned courses shaping the game today. This narrative explores themes of cultural preservation, resilience, and the pursuit of equality on and off the green.
Through gripping stories and historical insights, this book addresses the lack of representation of Native Americans in golf history and celebrates their enduring legacy.
- Learn about Oscar Smith Bunn, a Shinnecock Montauk Native who played in the 1896 and 1899 U.S. Opens.
- Explore the rise of Native American-owned golf courses and their impact on tribal communities.
- Discover the inspiring journeys of Native golfers like Orville Moody and Gabby Lemieux.
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Persons
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Dr. MARK WAGNER is the fourth child of eight born to Jack and Pat (Coyle) Wagner. A decorated athlete and educator, Mark has published extensively on golf course architecture and history. In 2021, as he explored the history of Native-owned golf courses, Mark began to realize there were many firsts among our First Peoples in golf, a game he has loved since his childhood outings in the Adirondacks with his family.
The result is Native Links, a travelogue and oral history about and by the Indigenous people who have shaped and played the game. Mark lives with his partner Monica Elefterion on a small farm in Dudley, Massachusetts, where they raised their son Myles and fostered Cody and Jared.