March 26, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
Launched as an initiative aimed to bring more interest and participation of African Americans to the sport and recreation of golf, National Black Golf Month was first announced in April 2011 by the African American Golfer’s Digest. Each year since then the concept has been bringing hundreds of new players to golf courses around the country to learn, play and gain a better understanding of the game.
According to the United States Golf Association’s 2019 report, golf’s overall reach is at 101 million, on-and-off the course, that’s one out of every 3 Americans age 6+. Yet, African-Americans still only make up around 5% of the nation’s golfers and a tiny fraction of the high-level amateurs and professionals.
“From our initial concept, we have seen the interest in golf get a strong foothold in our Black communities around the country, attracting individuals who currently play the game, or are curious about it,” says AAGD Publisher Debert Cook.
“Myself, as a teenager, I was exposed to an experience on the driving range by two of my uncles who were Vietnam veterans, living in San Diego, Calif. The sport intrigued me, I had never held a golf club before, but it wasn’t until nearly 30-years later that I actually took instruction and started playing. Otherwise, I never had exposure to the game. Giving youngsters and adults exposure to golf is what National Black Golf Month is achieving.”
The aim of National Black Golf Month is to capture the attention of those in the Black community who are unfamiliar with the sport. Organizers hope the effort will continue to attract new people through a message and environment they can feel comfortable with.
During the entire month of April, golf centers, community organizations, clubs, instructors, and others are welcomed to submit their FREE golf programs and events to the AAGD NATIONAL BLACK GOLF MONTH Calendar where items will also appear on the NATIONAL BLACK GOLF MONTH Facebook Page. “It’s an ideal opportunity for golf instructors, coaches, and golf clubs and organizations who are looking to increase their memberships, client base, or program options,” says Ms. Cook.
Over the last decade of National Black Golf Month programs hosted by organizations, clubs and coaches across the country have included a variety of events including morning golf clinics, half-day on-course instruction, golf etiquette, youth sessions, age Golf 101 meet-ups, and more.
To be listed programs and events are required to be FREE to attend, yet, some may require fees for equipment, snacks, meals, etc.
Events can be listed HERE at https://africanamericangolfersdigest.com/submit-an-event/
Updates and information may also be found on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/National-Black-Golf-Month-107836248068633
NATIONAL BLACK GOLF MONTH celebrates and encourages African Americans and their families to become active participants in golf and the impact of this $84 billion dollar industry.
Annually, in America there are several months dedicated to recognizing and honoring African American efforts and achievements:
- February: Black History Month
- April: National Black Golf Month
- June: Black Music Month
- July: Black Family Month
“Programs and events that are centered on learning the game while growing participation in golf on a national scale for families and individuals will make a difference for changing the landscape of golf,” says Ms. Cook.
ABOUT
National Black Golf Month is an effort conceived in 2011 and designed to attract more African Americans to the game of golf and to garner greater awareness of the sport and its many health and career benefits.
