Golf has long been a sport of tradition, prestige, and exclusivity, but Jewel Love is working to change that narrative for minority junior golfers. As the founder of The Golf Fund, Love is on a mission to create a community where African American and other minority junior golfers can compete, thrive, and support one another.
A Vision for Minority Golfers
The idea for The Golf Fund came from Love’s deep understanding of the challenges young minority golfers face. “I believe it’s important for minority junior golfers who play competitively to have a sense of community,” Love explains. “This provides the opportunity to be with peers who look like them and have the same lived experiences, which strengthens their confidence and carries onto the golf course.”
In 2023, Love hosted the first tournament to assess the number of competitive minority junior golfers in the Charlotte (NC) area. What started as a single event quickly expanded into ten tournaments across 2023 (four) and 2024 (six), proving the demand for such an initiative. To date, competitions have been held in Charlotte, NC; Shelby, NC; Thomasville, NC; and Lancaster, SC.
Growing Impact and Community Support
Initially, Love estimated about 30 competitive minority junior golfers in the Charlotte region. By the end of the first year, 24 players had participated, and by the start of the second year, that number grew to 28. The program has become more than just a series of tournaments—it’s a platform for young golfers to develop skills, gain exposure, and pursue collegiate opportunities.
The Golf Fund is based in Rock Hill, SC, about twenty minutes from Charlotte and operates under SoulStirring, LLC, Love’s personal company. Funding comes from her own investment, along with support from the Black golf community and individual donors. “In addition to my personal funds, the Black golf community has been supportive, and certainly dear friends who see the importance of this work and want to help,” Love shares.
Beyond tournaments, The Golf Fund supports its junior golfers in numerous ways, including:
• Connecting students with college coaches
• Ensuring national minority junior tournament directors recognize their scores and achievements
• Introducing young golfers to golf brand representatives for potential sponsorships
• Recommending professional coaching and proper club fittings
• Hosting information sessions for parents and juniors navigating the golf world
These efforts have already yielded tangible results. “Last year, we had four juniors who played with The Golf Fund go off to college on scholarships to play golf,” Love proudly shares.
Expanding Opportunities and Fundraising
As The Golf Fund enters its third year, Love is focused on securing sustainable funding and potentially expanding to new markets. One of the biggest fundraising initiatives for 2025 is the Captain’s Choice tournament at Cowan’s Ford Golf Club on March 12. The proceeds will provide crucial financial support for junior golfers.
Additionally, The Golf Fund offers multiple ways for supporters to contribute, including:
1. Covering registration fees for junior tournaments
2. Sponsoring professional coaching sessions
3. Providing travel support for competitions
4. Funding clothing and accessories for young golfers
For instance, a $5,000 contribution can cover 30 tournament registration fees, 15 coaching sessions, and travel expenses for three tournaments, making a significant impact on a young golfer’s career.
Looking Ahead
As The Golf Fund continues to grow, Love remains committed to her mission. “When I decided to implement the first tournament, it was about assessing the minority talent in the area,” she says. “After the juniors played and had a great experience, they said, ‘Ms. Jewel, can we do this again?’ That’s what you want to hear—kids letting you know they enjoyed the experience.”
Love envisions a future where The Golf Fund’s model could be expanded beyond Charlotte, providing even more young golfers with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Through her dedication, The Golf Fund is not only breaking barriers in golf but also creating a lasting impact on the next generation of minority golfers—one tournament at a time. For more information on the program contact Jewel Love at jlove246@gmail.com and follow on Instagram at @TheGolfFund.
