The inaugural Sapphire Golf Tour arrived at the Country Club at Woodmore in Prince George’s County, Maryland on August 26. The arrival marked a historic moment—this professional tour is the first of its kind created specifically to elevate Black women in competitive golf. This premier event brought together professional women from the United States, Bermuda, and the United Kingdom for a weekend of elite competition that culminated with a final tee-off and the crowning of the tournament champion, signaling both athletic triumph and cultural breakthrough.
Standout player Cami March celebrated for delivering a triumphant win that marked a monumental moment for her and the Sapphire community. Her victory stands as a powerful testament to the Tour’s mission—providing visibility and competitive opportunity to Black women golfers.
“Cami’s triumph marks a bold step forward for Black women in golf, reminding us that excellence, representation, and resilience belong on every fairway,” said Sapphire Golf Tour Commissioner Tarek DeLavallade on his LinkedIn page. “Her performance today echoes far beyond the scorecard—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the future we’re building together.”
Tournament players expressed excitement and anticipation ahead of competition. This sense of camaraderie highlighted the deeper purpose of the Tour—golfers ready to claim both opportunity and recognition.
Players came from all across the nation, and as far away at the U.K. Professional golfer Natasha Ainsley Thomas, originally from Northamptonshire, England, brought a dynamic blend of global perspective, athletic excellence, and coaching passion to the fairway, saying to Fox 5 “As a woman of color, I’ve always felt that I really didn’t really belonged in a lot of golf tournaments, and this golf tournament is the first one where I haven’t had to think about how I look or, if they’re looking at me for the wrong reasons, or anything like that, and I’ve been able to just relax and focus on the golf.”
Winner Cami March said, “I think to have a tour like this, so other young girls can see, hey, there are girls playing this sport look like me and can help me along my journey, if we can be a resource to them, that’s what this is all about. It’s all about giving back.” March, a Los Angeles native, built her athletic foundation at the Marlborough School, excelling in both golf and softball. She earned four varsity golf letters, twice making All-League first team, while also captaining the softball team and earning MVP honors.
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March carried her golf career to Washington State University, where she steadily improved across four seasons with the Cougars. Highlights included a season-low 74 as a sophomore, an even-par 72 at the Fresno State Classic, and a senior scoring average of 78.57 over seven rounds. March also served as team captain and was active on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, balancing athletics with her pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Digital Technology and Culture.
Turning professional in 2023, March joined the Minor League Golf Tour (MLGT), where she quickly found success in the Training Division. She has collected multiple wins, including victories at The Florida Club and PGA National, while continuing to refine her game in competitive play.
At the helm of this groundbreaking initiative is Tarek DeLavallade, often referred to as the brainchild and Tour Commissioner behind the Sapphire Golf Tour. Under his leadership, the Tour embodies a bold vision to put Black women in and around the top, reshaping the landscape of professional golf.
From a broader perspective, DeLavallade has emphasized that this is more than a golf tour—it is the launching of futures. As Executive Director of the United Golfers Association, he stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation. The Sapphire Golf Tour, backed by the UGA’s long-standing advocacy for Black golfers, provides a national stage, competitive purses, visibility, and a pipeline toward LPGA and international play.
Upcoming stops on the Sapphire Golf Tour include September 29 – 30 at Chateau Elan Golf Club – Chateau Course, Atlanta, Ga., Followed by Houston (Tx) and Jacksonville (Fla).
For those interested in learning more, getting involved, or supporting the Tour, contact Tarek DeLavallade, Tour Commissioner, Mobile: 407-625-0300, Email: ty@sapphiregolftour.com.
For tournament scores, visit the official website—rich with information on upcoming events, sponsorship opportunities, and the Tour’s mission at www.SapphireGolfTour.com.
