ScHoolboy Q has disclosed how his interest in golf turned into a lucrative endeavor, despite facing racial discrimination within the sport.
During an appearance on Lil Yachty’s A Safe Place Podcast, the TDE artist delved into his unexpected financial success in golf, which he picked up as a hobby five years ago. Q revealed that his earnings from golf provided him with a substantial income during the extended hiatus between his albums CrasH Talk and Blue Lips.
“I didn’t make that much money off rap,” he shared. “I made a lot of money off rap, but I would say golfing helped me a lot in times where I probably needed it.”
Detailing his substantial golf-related earnings, Q emphasized the financial opportunities that arose from connections made on the golf course. He disclosed that he earned more than many professional golfers, attributing his success to fortuitous timing and lucrative offers that came his way.
However, amidst his golfing triumphs, Q also revealed the unsettling experiences of racial discrimination he encountered within the predominantly white world of golf. He shared instances where he felt pressured to conform to stereotypical expectations of blackness, such as wearing grills, which made him question his place in the sport.
These encounters with racism inspired Q’s latest album, Blue Lips, which addresses themes of racial identity and societal pressure. Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Q expressed frustration with the systemic racism ingrained within golf and his decision to distance himself from certain aspects of the sport.
While acknowledging the financial gains he achieved through golf, Q highlighted the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles associated with professional golfers and the financial struggles that many endure. He emphasized the disparity in earnings between top-tier golfers and the harsh realities faced by those striving to make a living in the sport.
In sharing his experiences, ScHoolboy Q sheds light on the intersection of race, wealth, and opportunity in the world of golf, providing insight into the complexities of navigating a predominantly white industry as a black artist.
Through his candid revelations, Q continues to challenge societal norms and shed light on the systemic inequalities that persist in various facets of life, including the seemingly exclusive world of golf.