Black British Golfers (BBG) aims to assist Black and other underrepresented communities to get involved into a sport that historically sees very few Black players involved.
BBG formed in 2020 to inspire these communities by widening participation, access to information and resources. They promote and spread health and wellbeing benefits associated with playing golf.
Benefits such as mental health, walking, communication, interaction and subconsciously taking in nature. They also wish to broaden access to quality education, information, research and resources to equip these communities to play golf.
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Northwest Ambassador for BBG Otis Paul Graham from Toxteth told the ECHO: "Since BBG’s inception we’ve been able to tell Black British golf stories. Not all kids from the community have a wicked right foot or a right hook; a strong jump shot, or an explosive start off the blocks.
"Golf is a chance for kids to still be able to partake in something that is fun and also competitive. The overwhelming response has been positive.
“The wider golfing community acknowledges that we need to be part of the sport and are constantly looking for ways to ally with us. In the past two years BBG has partnered with Connoisseur Golf.
“They gave young people from underrepresented communities the opportunity to travel up to Scotland to play in some of the most revered and prestigious golf courses in the world. Courses such as St Andrews Old Course, New Course and Jubilee Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie”.
In 2022 and 2023 BBG worked with Adidas Golf and the charity, Black Heart Foundation (BHF) to put on an annual showcase golf event. The BHF supports various community initiatives to impact and enable young people at grassroots level with funding, especially those from under-privileged backgrounds, in low resource environments and those who are otherwise ‘at-risk’ due to poor health or nutrition, care or focus.
Otis added: "In Adidas Golf we couldn't have asked for a better sponsor for the event. Their boldness to challenge the conventions and to explore what is possible resulted in a number of unique and exciting firsts for the game and definitely left a lasting impression on all who attended.
"The guidance, thought leadership and support from Ric Lewis (the founder of the Black Heart Foundation) ensures we as a platform can double down on our ambition to play golf and have fun, but also do some good whilst we are at it. The overwhelming response has been positive.
"The wider golfing community acknowledges we need to be part of the sport and are constantly looking for ways to ally with us. We’ve had tremendous support within and outside the golfing community including; two 30 minute documentaries on Sky Sports Golf Channel and a double page feature in Golf Monthly magazine".
13-year-old Sophie Clafton and 16-year-old Kezaia Dimosi won at the European Junior Championship in 2023 held at Hacienda Links Golf in spain.
Elizabeth, who attended a BBG event at Pitch Golf range in Soho London said: "I was met by Ray and Otis who made me feel so welcome as a novice. They introduced me to a group of novices, an instructor and Otis took us through the equipment and setup.
"The confidence that event gave has led me to buying clubs and going to ranges with friends I made that night.
For information visit Black British Golfers HERE
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