November 13, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
Serving the goals of the organization to stimulate the interest in golf for men and women, United Black Golfers Association (UBGA) President Vernel Bennett and esteemed UBGA member Davida Davis spoke with Brother Esquire on his All Men Are Not Created Equal podcast. Streaming live, Bennett and Davis engaged in a lively conversation while discussing the challenges facing Blacks on the links, and, how and why the UBGA has developed, as an effort to help create a safe space for Black golfers to enjoy the game of golf while networking.
Often conceived as a “white man’s sport” golf is often not a reflection of the diversity of America and the minority groups that make us the nation. In March 2014 Bennett saw the need for creating an organization that would bring together like-minded Black golfers and thus started the UBGA. The membership-based group has a full calendar of events (prior to COVID-19) and travel opportunities and is open to golfers across America.
Davis included in her personal opinions of the game, mentioning how women are often intimidated when playing the sport, along with citing the time constraints that are required to complete 18-holes. However, Davis says that women are being enlightened by the organization, starting to “get the hang of things” and are discovering that the activity is “just a good for women as it is for men.”
Bennett mentioned that UBGA is special, because the organization is more than just about golfing, but about networking, providing scholarships and learning for each other. “We never want our member to ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable on any golf course,” said Bennett who’s UBGA has provided scholarships to over 36 students, giving more than $24,800 in educational funds.
One of the main purposes of the organization is to teach networking and personal growth and development. With a current roster of 70 members, the Laurelton, Queens (NY) based group is one of the few co-ed clubs in the United States. “We keep our robust database of members informed of activities, but we also welcome non-members to our events.”
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“We have one of the most dynamic teams of golfers that you have ever seen,” said the Harlem born and raised Bennett. The 6-year-old club has associates members across the nation and breaks down by gender at 60 male, 40% female. The group’s members are made up of corporate workers and semi-retirees and retirees. “Golf is great for networking and the game is ‘ageless’, at 80-years old, you’re still playing,” said Bennett. Just think of the face-to-face opportunity that you have playing 18-holes and being on the course with someone for 5-hours.”
UBGA MEMBERSHIP
Annual membership is $20 monthly and there is a $100 one-time initiation fee. The groups official colors are orange and black and members receive a short sleeve golf shirt along with a UBGA logo golf cap are a part of their membership.
When it comes to cost and the amount of money that is required to play the game, Davis comforted those who have been reluctant to learn the game by saying, “Anything that you want to go after and learn, you always have to put out a little.” She also shared ways in which a new golfer can reduce the amount of money they spend to get involved in golf.
For more information to join the organization contact United Black Golfers Association at https://www.unitedblackgolfers.org/
