Atlanta, GA-Sadena Parks, a Raleigh, North Carolina native, made history at the Sept. 18-20 SYMETRA Tour Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida becoming only the fifth African American female to receive her “Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)“ tour card. At this tournament, the top 10 money winners on the 2014 Symetra Tour are awarded the prestigious LPGA card that provides full access to 2015 LPGA tournaments. Sadena ranked number 4 on the Symetra Tour money list with 2 victories and several top 10 finishes earning over $61, 000 this year. She’s the fifth black woman to play on the LPGA Tour: Althea Gibson, Renee Powell, LaRee Pearl Sugg, Shasta Averyhardt; now Sadena.
With her father as a guiding force, Sadena realized during her junior year in college, that golf was what she wanted to do as a career. She was motivated by her father’s desire for her to play but once she was away and by herself she realized that golf was something she really wanted to succeed at. Sadena played intercollegiate golf at the University of Washington (UW) where she had 17 top 25 finishes and 3 top 10 finishes.
She boasts two of the lowest rounds in the school’s history, shooting a 5-under-par 66 in the second round of the 2011 NCAA West Regional tying the women’s course record. During her senior year at UW, her scoring average of 74.79 ranked as the 8th best average in UW single season history. She was the team’s top finisher in four events and was second in two others.
Playing a year without a caddy, her dad suggested Jonathan Moore, an African American classmate and longtime friend, to serve as her caddy. They have been together since her 2013 rookie season. It was also at the University where she met her current coach and mentor, Lewis Green.
(photo: picture with Sadena is Mike Whan, LPGA Commissioner (l) and Chairman Moon of the Volvik Company (r).
Photo By EyeSeeImages Media
Mr. Green asserted confidently, “She will be a force on the LPGA.” This team is confident of Sadena’s future in golf.
Sadena is also breaking into television and is playing in the Big Break Invitational next week at Reynolds Plantation outside Atlanta.
In the annals of African American golf history, tennis great Althea Gibson was the first female to play on the LPGA tour. Gibson broke the race barrier in 1963 and played in 171 tournaments. Following in Gibson’s footsteps was Renee Powell who held her LPGA tour card from 1967-1980. Most recently, LaRee Pearl Sugg played full-time from in 1995 to 2001. Gibson and Powell have been inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
When asked, “Who was the African American golfer that most influenced her?” Sadena answered, “LaRee Suggs, because she not only has a goal for her game, she has a purpose. Her purpose is to attract more young people of color to the game. I want to do that too. “ says Sadena. “I want to inspire and be a role model for them.”
Sadena Parks was born May 4, 1990 in Raleigh NC and raised by her single father, Washington Parks, who introduced her to the game of golf at age 9. At age twelve she was out-driving him and according to him, it was then he knew she might have a future in the game. “At first it was more important to me than it was to her”, said Mr. Parks.
Moments before the ceremony where his daughter would receive her LPGA Tour Card, Parks was asked how he was feeling, Mr. Parks replied, “I expected her to make it but I am still surprised. I am very proud.”
“This girl can flat out play. ” says John Simpson, Director, Marketing & Memberships for the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
Sadena is looking forward to an exciting career in golf and her fans are equally excited. There is no question that many young people will be inspired by this bright young talent. We will all be watching and praying as she makes her mark in the game of golf.
Sadena’s first LPGA tournament will take place January 28-31 at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. To keep up with Sadena Parks and other Blacks in golf, visit the National Black Hall of Fame website.
