"I believe golf is designed to price black people out"

Adena Andrews at ESPNW has the story of the Jackson sisters, labeled the "Venus and Serena" of golf because of their success at just 12 and 14 years old. And, perhaps because dad displays some of the same wonderful traits as Richard Williams.

In discussing the $40,000 a year Eric Jackson says his daughters' golf career costs, including the $1000 he recently spent on a club for one of his daughters (is there a $1000 club in golf, or a $1000 junior set?), he says…

In the winter months, they use an $11,000 golf simulator in the basement that the girls are rapidly outgrowing. Between practice, tournament fees, traveling, lodging, coaching and equipment, the family spends about $40,000 a year for the girls to compete.

"This is an expensive sport, and the better you get, the more expensive it becomes. The last club I bought Erica cost $1,000," Eric said. "I believe golf is designed to price black people out, and if these girls don't get the financial backing they need, it could be the end of them competing."

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but oftentimes golf prices just about everyone out. Especially at the prices quoted in this story.

More important, as for the girls, Myah and Erica, they sound delightful.

Erica hopes to attend Howard University, and Myah wants to study veterinary science at Georgetown or Cornell.

"I wouldn't quit golf until I didn't need it anymore. It's a tool to help me get where I want to go in life," said Erica, who wants to coach someday.

Although golf has become the family business, with the girls missing as many as 20 days of school a year for tournaments, they maintain 3.4 grade-point averages.

They also have interests in addition to golf. They volunteer at church and sing in the choir. They also enjoy taekwondo; each is a second-degree black belt.

"Burnout will not be an issue for my girls," Eric said "We don't even watch golf in my house. They probably couldn't tell you what is happening in the golf world right now."