ORLANDO, Fla. -- 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 in February. Now, for a limited time, the documentary is on-sale to the general public on DVD for $19.95 (plus shipping and handling). Copies can be purchased by visiting www.GolfChannel.com/uneven-fairways or by calling 877-722-4729. Portions of the proceeds will benefit The First Tee program.
"Uneven Fairways was one of the most compelling programs we aired in our network’s history," said GOLF CHANNEL president Page Thompson. "These are inspiring stories of men and women who overcame great odds just to create a tour where they could compete, and we are excited to offer this film to the public."
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.
In conjunction with the DVD sales, Comcast and GOLF CHANNEL also have rolled out a program designed to introduce Uneven Fairways to youth through screenings at select cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore and Boston. Each event includes a screening and discussion with one of the golfers featured in the documentary, and each child attending will receive a DVD and a copy of McDaniel’s book, Uneven Lies: The Heroic Story of African-Americans in Golf.
The first screening will take place Friday at the Drew Charter School at East Lake in Atlanta for 7th and 8th graders. The event will include a screening and discussion with Atlanta residents Leonard Jones – who was featured in the film – and Uneven Lies author McDaniel.
The documentary’s official Web site, www.GolfChannel.com/uneven-fairways, includes bonus interviews not seen in the documentary and news features celebrating many of golf’s trailblazers.
For additional information, contact Jeremy Friedman, GOLF CHANNEL Public Relations at 407-355-4058 or jfriedman@golfchannel.com
