With clubs and courses popping up in what seems like each and every suburban neighborhood – a staple of sorts — the state of the golf industry is extremely positive. In fact, according to Pete Bevacqua, CEO of the PGA of America, “a total of 2.2 million people took up the game last year, approaching the record of 2.4 million, set at the peak of Tiger Woods’ popularity.”
Traditionally considered a ‘boy’s club’ pastime for the wealthy, the ladies of the Chicago Women’s Golf Club – the only active African American women’s golf club in the nation – paved the way for Black women golfers, creating both a diverse voice and outlet for like-minded women who love the game.
“The Chicago Women’s Golf Club was founded in 1937 by three ladies. At a time where golfing for African Americans was not a thing especially not for women,” Ciji Henderson, president of the Chicago Women’s Golf Club, told ABC 7.
It’s that very longevity – a whopping 80 years in service – that club member Ernestine Harper says is worth celebrating. “The importance is that we have been around. Black women have been playing golf, these ladies played golf in the 20s before the club was organized with their husbands. But golf has been an important part in our society.”
Considering the club’s humble beginnings, the 80 year milestone is certainly worth noting. “Back that then there was one golf course owned by a Black which was wayside in Palos Hills. It burned down. They say that the mafia burned it down. And then we had to play wherever we could because we were not allowed on the courses,” Harper recalled.
Fast forward to 1989, and the Chicago Women’s Golf Club became the first women’s golf club admitted in to the United Golfers Association as well as the only club in the country to have a clubhouse. “When we got this building it was just in shambles,” Harper shared.
It’s safe to say, that they’ve come a long way from “shambles.” Today, the Anna Mae Robinson-founded club boasts with opportunities for the whole community, including annual tournaments and a junior division, the Bob-O-Links, “which is committed to the development and growth (character building, discipline, self-esteem, education, grit and integrity) of Chicago area boys and girls, ages 8 through 17,” the website states.
Though much has changed since the organization found its legs, one thing remains the same. The club’s members take much pride in contributing to a part of history. “Being a Black woman I am just proud to be in a club that has so much history. I just love it. I get out there and swing that club and it’s like I’m in heaven,” a longtime club member, Mary Stacker, told the local news outlet.
For more information, visit: http://thecwgc.weebly.com/. Watch the full ABC-7 story on the Chicago Women’s Golf Club below.
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