Throughout history, Black women have made significant contributions to the world of sports, including golf. These athletes are actively breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. In 2019, the National Gold Foundation reported, among juniors, only 36 percent were girls and a little over 25 percent more were “non-Caucasian.” Golf is historically a white sport, but things are slowly changing. If you want to educate yourself on the elegant sport, here’s ten trailblazing Black female golfers who have left an indelible mark on the practice.
Ann Gregory
Known as the “Queen of Negro Women’s Golf,” Ann Gregory was a pioneering figure in amateur golf. In 1956, she became the first African American woman to compete in a national championship conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) during the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Throughout her illustrious career, Gregory won almost 300 tournaments, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. Her legacy continues to inspire golfers worldwide.
Althea Gibson
Althea Gibson is known for breaking racial barriers in tennis. However, the athlete also made significant and notable strides in golf. In 1963, Gibson became the first Black woman to compete on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. Her participation not only showcased her versatility as an athlete but also opened doors for Black women in professional golf.
Renee Powell
Renee Powell’s passion for golf was evident from a young age. She became the second African American woman to play on the LPGA Tour, following Althea Gibson. Beyond her playing career, Powell has been a staunch advocate for inclusivity in golf. She dedicates her life to teaching and promoting the sport, especially among underrepresented communities. Her Renee Powell Grant supports LPGA-USGA Girls Golf programs from the Black community.
Mariah Stackhouse
Mariah Stackhouse has been a prominent figure in modern golf. She gained national attention during her collegiate career at Stanford University and later earned her LPGA Tour card, becoming one of the few African American women to achieve this milestone. During college at stamford University,won more than 100 junior golf tournaments as an amateur player. Stackhouse continues to inspire young golfers with her skill and dedication to the sport.
Nettie George Speedy
Nettie George Speedy was a trailblazer in both journalism and golf. As the first Black woman to play golf in Chicago, she co-founded the Chicago Women’s Golf Club in 1937, promoting the sport among African American women. Her efforts extended beyond the greens, as she was also a respected journalist advocating for African American women’s rights. Speedy’s previous roles include working at the “Chicago Defender” and “The Metropolitan Post.”
Ethel Funches
Ethel Funches was a dominant force in the United Golfers Association (UGA), an organization that provided competitive opportunities for Black golfers during segregation. Throughout her career, Funches won over 100 local, regional, and national championships. She won numerous UGA championships and was known for her unwavering commitment to the sport, mentoring young golfers and advocating for equal opportunities in golf.
Lucy Williams Mitchum
Lucy Williams Mitchum was a trailblazer in Black women’s golf during a time when racial and gender barriers were deeply entrenched in the sport. Born in 1905 in Georgia, she later moved to Indianapolis, where she honed her game at Douglas Park Golf Club. Mitchum learned golf from her brothers, who worked as caddies, and went on to become a dominant force in the United Golf Association (UGA)—a critical outlet for Black golfers excluded from the PGA Tour.
In 1930, she was among sixteen women who successfully petitioned the UGA to create a women’s division. She went on to win four UGA National Open Women’s Championships (1932, 1934, 1937, 1946), becoming the first golfer to do so. Mitchum also won the inaugural Joe Louis Open in 1946. Despite her historic success, she’s yet to be recognized by the PGA or World Golf Hall of Fame. She called herself “a cook on weekdays, a champ on weekends.
Helen Webb Harris
In 1937, Helen Webb Harris founded the Wake-Robin Golf Club in Washington, D.C.. The club was the first African American women’s golf club in the United States. Her leadership provided Black women with a platform to engage in golf, fostering a sense of community and breaking racial barriers in the sport. Years later in 1947, Harris became the first woman to serve as president of the Eastern Golf Association.
Hope Hall
Born in 2004, Hope Hall made history as the first Black golfer on Dartmouth College’s women’s team in 40 years. Halls also was a two-time captain and three-time all-county player at her alma matter. Her presence signifies progress and the increasing diversity in collegiate golf, inspiring young athletes to pursue their passion regardless of racial barriers.
Zoe Slaughter
Zoe Slaughter became the first African American woman to join the Texas A&M Women’s Golf team since its creation in 1975. Her trailblazing role at a major university highlights the strides being made toward inclusivity in collegiate athletics. “I tried all the sports you can name but I think golf, there’s just a feeling of peace and home. The feeling of a good shot is like nothing you can match. I kind of fell into it. It just helps to have my grandpa and my dad around to help me and support me in that,” Slaughter told KACS News in 2024.
What Was the First Black Female Golfer Movie
The first film to spotlight a Black female golfer is “From the Rough” (2011), which tells the inspiring story of Catana Starks, the first African-American woman to coach a men’s NCAA Division I golf team. Portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, the film highlights Starks’ determination and success in leading an underdog team to victory.
Another significant film is “Playing Through” (2021), which depicts the life of Ann Gregory, the first Black woman to compete in a U.S. Golf Association event. While “From the Rough” was released earlier, “Playing Through” offers another perspective on the challenges and triumphs of Black women in golf.