Efforts Underway to Introduce Golf to Detroit’s Youth
By COREY WILLIAMS, Detroit (AP) — In a city where basketball and football dominate the conversation, golf is making strides to attract young Black athletes. Sixteen-year-old Shaun Horne, a junior at Renaissance High School, is among the few in Detroit’s school district who play the sport, which sees limited participation, with only around 50 of the district’s 14,000 students on golf teams.
Jesse Hawkins, a coach at Renaissance, emphasizes the need to expose Black youth to golf. "Often, we hear about basketball and football,” he remarked, highlighting the lack of representation for golf in schools. With the backing of local corporations and nonprofits, access to equipment and college scholarships is increasingly available.
The annual Rocket Classic PGA event in Detroit has contributed nearly $10 million to local charities, with $800,000 dedicated to youth golf initiatives. Programs like First Tee of Greater Detroit not only teach golf skills but also instill essential life skills, such as proper etiquette and communication. CEO Carl Bentley notes, “Golf is the why we get them there.”
Despite golf’s rising popularity—25% of American golfers being from minority backgrounds—many Detroit high schoolers remain disengaged. As Hawkins points out, "You don’t hear kids talking about golf in the same way they discuss other sports."
Financial barriers pose significant challenges, with many families struggling to afford golf equipment and fees. Detroit’s median income is significantly below the state average, making golf less accessible.
Coaches like Mike Schuchard at Cass Tech are working to recruit athletes from other sports, recognizing untapped potential. Senior captain Ahmari Flowers, who discovered golf during high school, illustrates the fusion of athleticism and skill in the sport. Community efforts continue to reshape perceptions, aiming to cultivate a diverse future in golf.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
