Richard Badger, director of We Black We Golf in Milwaukee, shared the origin story of the group, which dates back about six years. The group’s founder, Marshall Martin, was golfing at the Silver Spring Golf Course in Menomonee Falls when he felt scrutinized by a group of white males. Martin responded by declaring, “Yeah, we Black, we golf.” This moment inspired him to launch a Facebook group on July 30, 2018, which has now amassed over 7,500 followers globally and led to the establishment of the nonprofit We Black We Golf.
Since its inception, the group has focused on increasing participation in golf by using the sport as a platform for networking, philanthropy, and providing lessons. Currently, We Black We Golf is hosting its 4th annual Midwest Golf Open, offering activities such as golf, food, games, music, and entertainment over the weekend. Badger emphasized that individuals from all backgrounds are invited to join, including first-timers, at the open event taking place at Brown Deer Golf Course on Saturday.
Badger, formerly the head coach of the women’s team at Alverno College, shared a personal anecdote about his introduction to golf over two decades ago. Despite initially resisting the idea, he purchased a set of golf clubs during a shopping trip with his wife and eventually fell in love with the sport. He highlighted the valuable skills golf teaches, such as patience, decision-making, and navigating obstacles, which are applicable to various aspects of life.
With a mission to encourage Black Americans, particularly youth, to explore golf, We Black We Golf offers lessons to the public and aims to bring the sport to communities through events like Juneteenth celebrations featuring a mobile driving range. The organization seeks to create a sense of comfort and accessibility for those who may not typically engage with the sport.
Despite the perception of golf as an exclusive sport reserved for the wealthy, there has been a reported increase in Black participation in recent years. The National Golf Foundation’s data indicates a rise in the number of Black golfers in the U.S., with approximately 4.1 million individuals playing the sport in 2021 compared to 2.6 million in 2011. Badger believes golf is becoming more culturally inclusive and accessible, offering new opportunities for diverse communities.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by Black individuals in the golf industry, including limited representation at the professional level, Badger highlighted the impact of trailblazers like Tiger Woods. Despite the ongoing disparities, Woods’ success and influence have sparked important conversations about diversity and inclusion in golf. Badger emphasized the significance of showcasing the opportunities that golf can provide, particularly in the realm of business and entrepreneurship.
As We Black We Golf continues to advocate for diversity and equity in golf, Badger remains hopeful that the sport will attract a broader range of participants and unlock new possibilities for Black individuals seeking to engage with the game.
