MUNI
(2020, Bonesteel Films)
June 18th through July 18th
For one month this summer, beginning June 18th through July 18th, the Asheville Museum of History will screen Paul Bonesteel’s important documentary on Asheville’s Municipal Golf Course, Muni. The film will play in our gallery every hour at the Museum.
Narrated by popular rock and country singer (and golfer) Darius Rucker, Muni is a documentary film of intimate and interwoven stories about the game of golf and life. Told by a collection of people who have played at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course for decades, the film gives voice to people who simply wanted to play the game, on a good course, for a fair price.
Designed by legendary architect Donald Ross and opened in 1927, Asheville’s Muni has always been a public course. But here, Black players were prohibited from playing openly until 1954, when it became the first racially integrated golf course in the Southeast. Black caddies became the players, and a vibrant integrated golf culture grew at Muni, highlighted by the notable Skyview Golf Tournament. Beginning in 1960, the Skyview hosted the most prominent Black golfers of the day playing to compete in the PGA Tour, and it continues today with a diverse and talented field.
Run Time: 45 minutes
Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of the Asheville Citizen Times, Gannett Co., Inc.
This important exhibition and community-accessible programming are only possible thanks to your support and generosity! To help support our mission, see the link below. For more information, contact Polly Rolman-Smith, Executive Director, director@ashevillehistory.org, or call 828-253-9231.