L-R: Ginger Howard, Mariah Stackhouse, Sadena Parks, Robbi Howard (caddie for her sister Ginger), Cheyenne Woods. Not pictured Shasta Averyhardt) Photo Credit: Ginger Howard
In six decades never before has the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) witnessed having four African American women on its Tour at the same time.
The year was 1964 when prominent athlete Althea Gibson reigned as the very first African American woman to play on the LPGA Tour, followed by Renee Powell (1967) and LaRee Sugg (1995). Now the LPGA tour can count among its ranks these players: Shasta Averyhardt, Sadena Parks, Mariah Stackhouse, Cheyenne Woods and Ginger Howard.
Black women who’ve played Tour golf – past and present.
- Althea Gibson (1963-1978)
- Renee Powell (1967-1981)
- LaRee Sugg (1995-2001)
- Shasta Averyhardt (2011-present)
- Cheyenne Woods (2012-present)
- Sadena Parks (2013-present)
- Ginger Howard (2014-2018)
- Mariah Stackhouse (2017-present)
Shasta Averyhardt she qualified in 2010 for the 2011 tour.
Ginger Howard (@gingerthoward) at age 17, the youngest Black golfer in the world to turn professional and the first Black golfer to earn a spot in the 2010 U.S Junior Ryder Cup. She earned her place on the LPGA Tour in 2016 after completing Q-school.
Sadena Parks became the first Black woman to earn her Tour card through the Symetra Tour.
Cheyenne Woods niece of her famous uncle, Tiger Woods, had her second professional win (and first on a major tour) in 2014 at the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters.
Mariah Stackhouse is a college standout and Stanford graduate, Mariah Stackhouse a KPMG brand ambassador and the youngest Black woman to earn a spot in the field at the U.S. Open, she made her debut as a professional in the Portland Classic in June 2016.
On Tour – highlights and tidbits for the virtual water cooler.
