Apex: The Black Masters documentary celebrates Truro golf tournament

The annual Apex Invitational Golf Tournament holds a special place in Brittney Gavin’s heart, as it has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. She even jokes that she was almost born at the Truro Golf Club, where the tournament takes place each summer.

Gavin shared a unique connection to the tournament, as both she and her mother were pregnant during the event. Reflecting on this coincidence, she expressed how it felt like a full circle moment for her family.

As one of the co-directors of the new documentary “Apex: The Black Masters,” Gavin is dedicated to commemorating the tournament’s 50th anniversary in August 2024. The documentary sheds light on the racism that Black golfers faced in their efforts to become members of the club decades ago.

One of the key figures in the documentary is Darrell Maxwell, a talented Black golfer who grew up near the Truro Golf Club in one of the town’s historic Black communities. Maxwell’s journey from a young caddy at the club to becoming a driving force behind the creation of the Apex tournament is highlighted in the film.

Maxwell’s impact on the golfing community was significant, as he was the first Black member of the Truro Golf Club at the age of 14. His achievements, including being named Nova Scotia golfer of the year in 1965, paved the way for other Black golfers in the region.

The Apex tournament, initially conceived as the Black Golf Tournament by Maxwell, aimed to promote Black golf in Truro. Over the years, the event evolved in size and scope, eventually opening up to all golfers regardless of race.

In the documentary, Maxwell reflects on the tournament’s evolution and suggests the name “Black Masters” as an alternative title for the event. This name pays homage to the tournament’s roots while acknowledging its inclusive nature today.

Co-director Amy Mielke shared that creating the documentary was a profound experience, as it highlighted the challenges faced by Black community members in accessing the golf course in the past. The film captures firsthand accounts of individuals who lived near the club and were denied access due to racial barriers.

The documentary “Apex: The Black Masters” is now available on CBC Gem as part of a new season of Absolutely Canadian. It serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of Black Canadians in the sporting world and beyond.

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians, including discussions on anti-Black racism and success stories within the Black community, viewers can explore the CBC project “Being Black in Canada.” This initiative aims to provide a platform for Black Canadians to share their stories and celebrate their achievements.