We Black We Golf, a nonprofit organization based in Milwaukee, was founded by Marshall Martin about six years ago after experiencing discrimination on a golf course. The group has since grown to over 7,500 followers worldwide and aims to increase participation in the sport, while also developing networking and philanthropy skills. We Black We Golf recently hosted its 4th annual Midwest Golf Open, which featured not only golf but also food, games, a DJ, comedian, and live bands, welcoming people of all backgrounds to participate.
Richard Badger, the director of We Black We Golf, shared his own journey into the sport, starting with purchasing a set of golf clubs on a whim years ago. He credits his development in the sport to watching the Golf Channel religiously, taking notes on different golf lesson shows, and continuously improving his game through lessons and practice. Badger emphasizes that golf teaches valuable life skills such as patience, negotiation, and navigating obstacles, making it more than just a game.
Despite the perception that golf is only for the wealthy and privileged, data shows that Black participation in the sport has been increasing in recent years. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of Black people playing golf in the United States has risen to 4.1 million in 2021, compared to 2.6 million in 2011. We Black We Golf aims to make the sport more accessible by bringing golf to communities through events like Juneteenth celebrations with mobile driving ranges, introducing people to the game in a comfortable setting.
While the sport of golf has made strides in diversifying its participant base, representation on the professional level still lags behind. Despite the success of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, who broke barriers as a Black and Asian golfer, fewer than 1% of Professional Golfers Association members are Black. Some attribute this disparity to cultural popularity, lack of representation, and historical barriers that denied opportunities to people of color. Woods himself faced racism as a young golfer at country clubs and sought to change perceptions through his success.
We Black We Golf recognizes the opportunities that come with playing golf, including the ability to make deals and connections on the golf course. Badger emphasizes the importance of putting oneself in the environment where business deals are often made, as golf is an integrity sport that reveals a lot about a person’s character. By engaging more Black people, especially youth, in the sport of golf, We Black We Golf hopes to showcase the potential opportunities and life skills that can be gained through playing the game.
In conclusion, We Black We Golf is a community-focused nonprofit organization that aims to increase Black participation in golf while promoting networking, philanthropy, and life skill development. Through events like the Midwest Golf Open and community outreach programs, the organization strives to make golf more accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds. By highlighting the success of trailblazers like Tiger Woods and recognizing the opportunities that come with playing golf, We Black We Golf seeks to inspire more Black Americans to engage in the centuries-old sport.
