ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Thomas Foster has attended the annual Skyview Golf Tournament for several decades because of his father.
“He was a big supporter of the tournament. He was a very avid golfer, and he got my brothers and I involved in golfing,” Foster, 74, said.
His father played in this tournament and eventually Foster participated as well, cementing his love for the sport.
“[The] competition amongst all of the players, the camaraderie that they have,” Foster said. “They come from all over the country. I can remember my dad even bringing some fellas from Canada.”
The competition, which ran July 11-13 at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course, is the longest-running Black-owned golf tournament in the country.
Mike Baten won the open, his first such title, the Skyview Golf Association announced Thursday.
Foster came from Michigan to be here this week, and he says says he could feel his dad’s presence.
“I think he’d be pretty proud. And the fellas that remember him — it’s just been amazing to talk to so many of them,” Foster said.
The tournament started in 1960. During its first year, 50 Black players participated, and in its second year, two white doctors joined. It has been integrated ever since.
Foster remembers traveling to the tournament and being warned by his father about how to act in the South.
“It was not uncommon for him to pull over as we crossed over the Mason-Dixon and said, ‘OK guys, this is how you’re going to have to behave and act while you’re here,’” Foster said.
But things are different now, especially for the sport.
“There are more and more of us playing in the game now, and it’s really exciting and encouraging,” Foster said.
Last year, the city of Asheville allocated $2.9 million to renovate the course.
Work began in January, and crews have removed 110 trees, repaired all 18 holes, fixed several tee boxes, replaced bunkers, re-grassed four airways and made basic updates in the clubhouse. The renovations will keep the Donald Ross design intact.
Next week the remaining tee boxes and bunkers will be fixed, and in November, pipes under the course will be repaired.