Golf has never been shaped by just one kind of player. But for far too long, the stories of Black women in golf were overlooked, under-told, or left out entirely.
This Black History Month, we’re honoring the women who didn’t just play the game - they changed it. Through resilience, excellence, and leadership, these trailblazers carved space where none existed and expanded what golf could look like for generations to come.
Their influence lives on in today’s game and their stories deserve to be known.
Althea Gibson: A True Trailblazer
In 1964, Althea Gibson became the first Black woman to compete on the LPGA Tour, breaking barriers in golf after already transforming the sport of tennis.
Althea’s legacy spans multiple sports and countless firsts. She was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and proved, time and again, that excellence transcends boundaries. Her courage and talent opened doors not just in golf, but across athletics, setting a precedent that future generations would build upon.
Mariah Stackhouse: A Force for Change
A Stanford All-American, LPGA Tour professional, and modern leader in the game, Mariah Stackhouse represents the present and future of golf.
She earned her LPGA Tour card in 2017 and made history as the first Black woman to compete on the U.S. Curtis Cup team. Beyond competition, Mariah continues to advocate for greater representation, equity, and belonging in golf, using her platform to push the sport forward both on and off the course.
Renee Powell: A Barrier Breaker
In 1967, Renee Powell became the second Black woman to compete on the LPGA Tour, navigating a professional landscape that was often unwelcoming and exclusionary.
Her impact reaches far beyond tournament play. Renee is the longtime head professional at Clearview Golf Club, the first Black-owned golf course in the United States. She is also the only woman golfer to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of St. Andrews. Through the Renee Powell Grant, she continues to expand access to golf for Black communities around the world.
Ginger Howard: A Bold Beginning
Turning professional at just 17 years old, Ginger Howard became one of the youngest Black women to do so in modern golf history.
Her early leap into the professional ranks signaled a new era of ambition and visibility, proving that young Black women belonged in competitive golf spaces… not someday, but now. Ginger’s path helped reshape what possibility looked like for the next generation.
Shasta Averyhardt: A Modern Pathbreaker
In 2011, Shasta Averyhardt earned her LPGA Tour card, becoming the first Black woman in nearly two decades to reach that level.
Her achievement reignited visibility for Black women at the highest level of the sport and marked an important step forward for representation on tour. Shasta’s journey continues to inspire players who are navigating professional golf today.
LaRee Sugg: A Force on the Fairway
In 1995, LaRee Sugg became one of the first Black women to earn an LPGA Tour card, competing among the best in the world.
Her presence on tour helped carve space during a pivotal era, contributing to a growing legacy of Black women in professional golf and reinforcing that representation at the highest levels matters.
Catana Starks: A History Maker
Catana Starks reshaped golf from the sidelines and beyond.
She became the first Black woman to coach a men’s NCAA Division I golf team, leading Tennessee State University to multiple conference titles. Her leadership expanded what representation in collegiate golf could look like, proving that influence in the game isn’t limited to the scorecard.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
These women didn’t just change golf, they changed who gets to feel like they belong in it.
Their stories remind us that progress comes from persistence, courage, and community. At Sierra Madre, we believe honoring these trailblazers is essential to building a more inclusive, welcoming future for the game.
Because the fairway is better when everyone has space to stand on it.