Text of interview:

THE GAY GOLF PLAYER

JIM RIEDEL

Jim Riedel, 36, lives in Columbus, Ohio and is a member and director of the Rainbow Golf League and the USGA.

Are you openly gay at the clubs you play?

Yes.  In fact, as Director of our gay & lesbian golf league, I made sure the management at our course was made fully aware of the nature of our league prior to playing there.

Do you think golf is homophobic?

Yes, but more so with regard to male golfers than female.  The LPGA has for years had stories about gay women in its ranks, but I suspect that the men’s side of the game will likely be one of the last places in sport where a player can be openly gay.

Do you think it is harder for female instructors/players than for male?

I’d guess that it is equally difficult for openly gay players/instructors, whether male or female, to be themselves and get the same kind of respect their straight counterparts might receive.

Have you experienced any opposition?

As our league is in Central Ohio, we are more likely to encounter opposition to our way of life than we may find in larger communities.  On a few rare occasions, members of our league have been subjected to verbal abuse and taunts over the years, but by and large we have been treated well.

Do you think golf has a bad image?

No. In fact, just the opposite. It’s a game of rules, honor, heritage and responsibility.

Do you think golf is more popular with gay men or lesbians?

I don’t know to be honest, but I would suspect that it is more popular with lesbians due to the visibility of lesbian golfers in the LPGA.  They have great role models to follow there who prove that they can compete and win at that level.

Do you think there could ever be an all-gay course?

Yes, I can imagine that.  However, exclusivity and restriction are things that our community has been trying for years to break down, and I do not foresee any club, whether gay owned or not, limiting membership to gays only.  Since we work so hard to be inclusive and tolerant, I’d expect nothing less of any club.

The Rainbow Golf league can be found at www.rainbowgolf.org