Uneven Fairways

Sports Illustrated called it a "monumental achievement." Newsday called it a "revelation, one that tells us something new." GolfObserver.com rated it 11 on a scale from one to 10. The critical acclaim for "Uneven Fairways", the Golf Channel documentary that reveals the story of the little-known, but rich history of African-Americans in golf, was generous after its debut on the network. Everybody knows Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, but not many know golf has an equivalent African-American pioneer. Likewise, few people know that the PGA of America, which once ran the PGA Tour, had a "Caucasian only" clause that excluded minorities from playing on the tour. Take a rare glimpse into the Negro Golf Leagues, and the African American men who were forbidden to play golf at its highest level, but refused to take no for an answer. Rather than giving up their dreams, they built their own courses, their own tour, and ultimately, their own place in history. While the prize money was slim, each man won something that money couldn't buy: the chance to play. Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson and produced in association with Moxie Pictures, "Uneven Fairways" is based on the books "Uneven Lies" by Pete McDaniel and "Forbidden Fairways" by Calvin H. Sinnette. The documentary chronicles an era when honor and fair play took a backseat to segregation and honors the golfers who confronted prejudice and endured indignities for the right to play golf at its highest level. Through never-before-seen archival footage and featuring rare interviews with family members of golf pioneers John Shippen, Bill Spiller, Ted Rhodes and Joe Louis and numerous golf legends including Charlie Sifford, Jim Thorpe and Calvin Peete, the documentary recounts both painful memories that caused heartbreak and lighter moments that created goodwill and laughter. Tiger Woods pays a personal tribute, and Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer shed light on their respect for the pioneers.