The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most notable sporting events, drawing massive crowds and high attendance. It is early February, and the City of Phoenix puts on a show for the annual tournament. The sun is shining, and the days of winter seem far behind as the gates open for what has been a golf tradition since 1932. The weather is what golfers dream of, making for exciting days of competition, both for those on the green and those cheering from behind the ropes.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S
Date: February 6-9, 2025
Course(s): TPC Scottsdale
Format: Stroke play
Length: 7,261 yards (6,639 m)
Organized by: The Thunderbirds
Par: 71
Purse: $9,200,000
I felt a palpable sense of excitement at the opportunity to attend this long-running event, February 6-9, where people come to see and be seen. The crowd was full of energy, the atmosphere was more like a party, and the golfers were top-notch. This year seemed no different from the previous 90 years—except for one glaring absence. Not one single golfer in the tournament was African American.
According to the PGA’s latest statistics, African American golfers make up just 2% of the association. Yet, out of 65 players competing at the Phoenix Open, not one was African American. As both an African American man and a golfer, I found it hard to accept that there was still no representation at such a prestigious event.
As I spent the first day taking in the game and the crowd, I finally spotted someone on the green who looked like me. I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Adam Parmer, an African American caddie for golfer Max Greyserman. Greyserman, a PGA athlete since earning his card in 2023, is currently ranked 34th on the PGA Tour. He is young and talented—and so is his caddie. I was fortunate to spend the next three days observing their relationship and was deeply impressed by their partnership, both on and off the green. There was an undeniable sense of respect, care, and camaraderie between them.
My conversations with Adam reaffirmed my feelings—it is difficult to be one among so many. Adam has built a strong reputation, having previously caddied for Tyson Alexander, who publicly credited much of his success to having such a capable caddie in Parmer.
I felt fortunate to speak with Parmer at the Open and was proud to see him representing African Americans in the PGA. However, it also left me wondering—why is there still such a lack of African American representation in professional golf? With the APGA (Advocates Professional Golf Association) hosting its first tournament in 2010, many hoped that, 15 years later, more golfers of color would have risen to the same status as their peers. While some have come close, the gap remains significant.
What can be done to promote golf within minority communities? Golf is built on history, respect, athleticism, and sportsmanship, yet it remains largely inaccessible in urban areas. We need to introduce golf to more diverse communities and put clubs into the hands of young people. They need to see golf not as an exclusive sport, but as one open to all, filled with skill and opportunity.
The next generation of African American athletes should not experience what I did this past week—standing in awe and admiration of a sport they love, yet seeing only one person of color representing them on the green. It’s time for change.
