Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses racism.

In Radio Golf, golf is a symbol of success and assimilation. The game, historically associated with wealth, privilege, and exclusivity—including racist exclusivity, as many golf clubs expressly prohibited Black members—reflects a vision of success rooted in conforming to elite, white societal norms.

Both Harmond and Roosevelt are avid golfers and view golf as a means for African Americans to gain access to circles of power and influence. Harmond states, “You teach the kids how to play golf and they have all the rules they need to win at life” (23), drawing a parallel between learning the rules of the game to learning how to navigate societal structures. For him, golf represents opportunity and empowerment.

Roosevelt’s connection to golf is even deeper. He teaches the game and hosts a radio show titled Radio Golf. He recalls the feeling he experienced the first time he played: “I hit my first golf ball, I asked myself where have I been? How’d I miss this? I couldn’t believe it. I felt free. Truly free. For the first time” (13). Golf, for Roosevelt, represents access to spaces and opportunities historically denied to Black Americans. His excitement about playing with an influential figure like Bernie Smith reveals his aspirations for material success and elite acceptance.