In the 75-year history of the LPGA Tour, only eight Black women have competed at the highest level. Eight.
They didn’t just earn their way onto the tour—they fought for their place in a game that wasn’t built for them. Their stories are a masterclass in perseverance, passion, and power.
Let’s honor The Power 8:
- Althea Gibson – A dual-sport icon, Althea broke the color barrier in both tennis and golf. She joined the LPGA in 1964 and endured racism with the same quiet grit that made her a champion.
- Renee Powell – The daughter of William Powell, the founder of Clearview Golf Club, Renee became the second Black woman on the LPGA in 1967, blazing a trail with skill and soul.
- LaRee Sugg – In 1995, LaRee became the first Black woman in nearly two decades to rejoin the LPGA ranks. Her return was a reminder that the dream wasn’t dead—it just needed more oxygen.
- Shasta Averyhardt – Making her LPGA debut in 2011, Shasta was the first African American woman on tour since LaRee. She brought not only talent but fresh visibility to a long-silenced lane.
- Sadena Parks – A standout from Big Break and Symetra Tour, Sadena earned full LPGA status in 2015 and gave young Black girls someone who looked like them to cheer for.
- Cheyenne Woods – Niece of Tiger Woods, Cheyenne turned pro in 2012 and carried both her family name and her own fire, becoming a media and cultural icon.
- Mariah Stackhouse – A Stanford grad and U.S. Curtis Cup hero, Mariah became the youngest Black woman to earn LPGA status in 2017—and she’s still inspiring the next generation.
- Ginger Howard – Turning pro at just 17, Ginger became one of the youngest Black women ever to play at the elite level. Her journey is a reminder of the talent waiting to be supported.
These women didn’t just show up—they showed out.
And now, we’re building the future they deserve with the Sapphire Golf Tour.
This isn’t charity. It’s overdue investment.
The Sapphire Golf Tour provides the infrastructure these players never had: national competition, player development, community support, and corporate partnership. It’s a tour built for Black women and built by leaders who refuse to let the next generation go unseen.
From 8 to 80—that’s the vision.
Because history is not where the story ends. It’s where our mission begins.
