Bill Spiller
Bill Spiller (born October 25, 1913 in Tishomingo , Oklahoma , † 1988 in Los Angeles , California ) was an American golfer of African American descent who fought against the racial discrimination of the PGA of America .
After he had qualified for the Richmond Open at the Los Angeles Open in 1948, he was denied participation on the grounds that he was not a member of the PGA. At the time, however, there was a clause in the PGA's statutes that did not allow blacks to join the PGA. Spiller and another African American golfer filed a lawsuit against the PGA. Before there was a trial, however, the PGA promised not to discriminate against blacks any longer. As a result, the PGA held invitation tournaments, but no African-American golfers were invited.
It was not until 1961 that the clause was removed from the PGA's statutes. Spiller had turned to California State Attorney General Stanley Mosk. He then threatened the PGA that public golf courses could no longer be used if this clause persisted.
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Spiller, Bill |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American golfer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | October 25, 1913 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Tishomingo |
| DATE OF DEATH | 1988 |
| Place of death | los Angeles |