Ebony Ladies Golf League Empowers Black Women To Pick Up The Club

The group was founded by 14 women in Chicago who wanted to pave the way for women of color on the course.

The Ebony Ladies Golf League is dedicated to its mission of growing and diversifying the sport of golf. President Tracy Raoul recently told CBS News Chicago that its goal is to continue welcoming new members into this empowering community.

In March, the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary. Raoul, who has been president since 2021, acknowledged that while golf can feel intimidating to newcomers, the Chicago-based group is focused on breaking down those barriers and helping more women step onto the course with confidence.

“Golf is a great sport,” Raoul explained. “It’s great physically. It’s a mental game. You have to know how to let go of that bad stroke and move on to the next one.”

Raoul said the Ebony Ladies Golf League’s has seen a surge in membership since 2022, going from 46 ladies to 81 total members.

“Many of them did not ever pick up a golf club,” she added. “I wanna grow the game and see more African American women playing this game.”

Even well into the early 1900s, there was a significant need for women of color in the golf game.

“At one time, African Americans were not allowed to play this game,” Raoul said. “They could caddy, and if they played, unfortunately, they had to play with subpar materials and equipment.”

She added, “Walter Speedy and his three gentlemen sued the Park District because they couldn’t play at the public course, Jackson Park. So, they sued and won. In 1910, those men started playing.”

It still took a long time for women to have a place on the courses, and even longer for women of color. Thankfully, Raoul said, she sees a trend of more young golfers bringing Black girls and boys, which she thinks will help diversify the future of the game.