The Ebony Ladies Golf League inspires Black women to get into golf and enjoy the game.
The group was started by 14 women in Chicago who wanted to create opportunities for women of color in golf.
The Ebony Ladies Golf League is committed to expanding and diversifying the sport of golf. President Tracy Raoul recently told CBS News their goal is to keep welcoming new members into this supportive community.
In March, the group celebrated its 50th anniversary, continuing its mission to inspire women of color to take up golf. Raoul, president since 2021, acknowledged that golf can seem intimidating at first, but their Chicago-based league aims to break down those barriers and help women step onto the course with confidence.
“Golf is a great sport,” Raoul said. “It’s physically challenging and mentally engaging. You have to know how to let go of a bad shot and focus on the next one.”
Raoul proudly shared that the Ebony Ladies Golf League has seen a significant increase in members since 2022, growing from 46 to 81 members.
“Many of them had never even picked up a golf club before. I want to grow the game and see more African American women getting involved in golf,” she said.
Even in the early 1900s, there was a noticeable lack of opportunities for women of color in golf.
“At one time, African Americans weren’t allowed to play the game,” Raoul explained. “They could caddy, but if they played, they had to use poor-quality materials and equipment.”
She added, “Walter Speedy and three other men sued the Park District because they weren’t allowed to play at the public course, Jackson Park. They won the case, and in 1910, those men finally started playing.”
It took a long time for women to gain a place on the golf course, and even longer for women of color. However, Raoul is encouraged by the growing number of young golfers bringing Black girls and boys into the sport, which she believes will help diversify its future.
The Ebony Ladies Golf League left CBS with a call for new members and advice from some of its founding and key members.
“If you want to play golf, play golf. We can do anything our male counterparts can do, and sometimes even better,” said member Eleanor Fox.
Kathy Davis added, “Yes, you can, and the Ebony Ladies Golf League is here to help you.”
