“It Takes A Village” Encourages and Grows African American Professional men and women on professional tours.
I recently penned an article (minoritygolfmag.com “Feature Articles”) highlighting the rueful absence of African American professionals in the Players Championship. Given that there were ninety-five entrants in the 2025 Masters, the lack of even one African American Professional became even more painfully apparent.
Professional golf has historically been perceived as exclusive sport for whites only, as was the Masters until Lee Elder became the first African to win the Monsanto Open in 1974, with barriers that have historically limited diversity. However, the landscape has changed, and there is a growing movement to encourage and support Black professional golfers. The dearth of African Americans on the PGA Tour is both a paradox and a mystery, affording the casual observer with few answers to the most burning questions of the moment: Why aren’t there more African Americans on the PGA Tour? Much has been written about the unrealistic expectations of Tiger Woods and outreach programs to affect a more significant movement of African Americans toward a career in the professional ranks. This article presents a few ways to foster this growth, focusing on what the Black community can do to ensure the sport becomes more inclusive and representative of diverse talents.
1. Grassroots Programs and Community Engagement.
The First Tee and the PGA’s diversity initiatives have provided access to golf for underrepresented groups. These programs focus on teaching the fundamentals of the game and life skills such as integrity, sportsmanship, and perseverance. By engaging with local communities and schools, these initiatives can inspire a new generation of African American golfers. The generational effectiveness of the First Tee program is a chapter not yet written. Still, all indications are that success is not beyond the reach of young aspiring African American professional golfers.
2. Scholarships and Financial Support.
Golf is expensive, with equipment, training, and tournament participation costs. Providing scholarships and financial support can alleviate some of these barriers. Organizations and sponsors can establish funds to support African American golfers, ensuring they have the resources to pursue their passion. This financial backing can cover everything from junior golf programs to collegiate scholarships, paving the way for talented individuals to advance in the sport. The five million plus African Americans who play golf (National Golf Foundation) play with equipment manufactured and marketed by White or foreign-owned companies. It is apparent to this writer that there is little or no apparent effort on the part of the golf equipment and apparel industry to aggressively seek a commercial partnership with the Black golf community through minority-owned media outlets.
3. Mentorship and Role Models.
Having role models and mentors can significantly impact aspiring golfers. Black professional golfers like Tiger Woods, Harold Varner III, and Cheyenne Woods, and others have already paved the way, showing that success is possible. Establishing mentorship programs where young golfers connect with seasoned professionals can provide guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights into the sport. These relationships help young players navigate the challenges of a golfing career and inspire them to reach their full potential.
4. Media Representation and Awareness.
Increasing the visibility of African American golfers in the media can help change perceptions and inspire future generations. Highlighting their achievements in tournaments, interviews, and documentaries can raise awareness and showcase the diversity within the sport. Media outlets and golf organizations can collaborate to tell these stories, emphasizing the importance of representation and its impact on aspiring athletes.
5. Inclusive Golf Clubs and Facilities.
Creating an inclusive environment within private golf clubs and facilities is crucial. Clubs can implement policies promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring all members feel welcome and valued. This effort includes offering complementary memberships to African American men and women professional golfers. By fostering an inclusive culture, clubs can attract a broader range of players and create a supportive community for African American golfers. A vast majority of the PGA Tour players are members of private clubs around the country where they can play and practice using the best of conditions and challenging venues, which serves to hone their skills. Contrary to the belief of some, diversity and inclusive programs are not benevolent programs that may tend to favor one’s character over ability. However, many such programs have proven highly profitable by promoting brand and label loyalties from a very generous segment of the marketplace.
6. Not least of these is the realization that African American professional golfers are not unlike any public performers. They feed on audience reaction, praise, and connection.
Minority Golf Magazine (minoritygolfmag.com) encourages you to find the APGA, Korn Ferry, or LPGA schedule, and if an event is within a hundred miles of where you live, get a carload or go by yourself to spend a day watching some of the best golf you’ll ever see for FREE. Your presence and interaction on the course encourages the players to play better today and next week. Additionally, we suggest the myriad of local clubs, UGA, Western States, Diamonds On The Greens, Desert Mashie, and many other organizations around the country to adopt an LPGA or APGA player and make that person an honorary member and organize groups to travel to an event within the region to support their player with cheering, donations, accommodations, etc. and in return invite the player to visit your club sometime during the year to conduct a clinic or an appearance at your club championship tournament or banquet. Having a touring professional at your next club championship to provide tips and exhibit their skills is priceless.
We also have a growing number of Black Golf Business owners; there is the possibility of brand representation on the tour, and this could be a win-win situation for both the player and the Black Golf Business owner.
The African American golf community is rich with influencers who can come together at the next Black Golf Expo or the annual PGA Show to lend their knowledge and expertise in a combined effort to increase the number of Black Professional men and women golfers on the respective tours, PGA and LPGA.
Encouraging and growing African American professional golfers requires a multifaceted approach that addresses financial, social, and cultural barriers. By investing in grassroots programs, providing financial support, fostering mentorship, creating inclusive environments, and increasing media representation, the golf community can ensure that the sport becomes more diverse and inclusive. This approach enriches the game and allows talented individuals to contribute to the sport’s future.
African Americans can no longer depend on a generous majority market to achieve our collective goals. The door of opportunity is open; we can do this.
hi