by Nicely, Abdur-Rahman
April 19, 2026
The golf membership will host a gala and golf match to replicate on its enduring legacy.
A Black women-founded golf membership in Cincinnati is teeing off for a major milestone.
The Les Birdies Golf Membership is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary because it embarks on one other period of trailblazing programming. Its members will collect on the greens for the occasion, which celebrates its historical past and continued objective.
Its golfers bear in mind how the founding members created a lane that inspired inclusivity within the sport. Given the unique nature of different golf golf equipment, Les Birdies supplied Black girls a brand new strategy to apply their very own swings in 1976.
“We weren’t welcome in lots of locations, and the golf course was not an exception,” recalled Jackie Parker, the membership’s membership chair, to WCPO.
By way of the gumption of Theresa Bassette, Barbara Cooksey, Mamie Lewis, Kathleen Tolbert, and extra, these Black girls golfers determined to play by their very own guidelines. Remarking on this enduring legacy, Les Birdies will commemorate a half-century of service with a fiftieth anniversary gala.
By way of the gumption of Theresa Bassette, Barbara Cooksey, Mamie Lewis, Kathleen Tolbert and extra, these Black girls golfers determined to play by their very own guidelines. Remarking on this enduring legacy, Les Birdies will commemorate a half century of service with a fiftieth anniversary gala.
The gala will replicate on Les Birdies’ dedication to creating the game accessible to Black girls golfers. Whereas the group has expanded over generations, its work goes past the golf course.
Though instructing Black girls the artwork of the swing is part of their programming, Les Birdies has fostered a mentorship program and sisterhood. With members of all ages, they’ve launched tutoring companies, scholarship alternatives, and extra for ladies and ladies all through the Cincinnati space.
Alongside a gala, this commemorative 12 months may even characteristic a fiftieth Anniversary golf match. On the July 18 occasion, golfers additionally will “[play] it ahead” for the following era to vary the look of golf.
“What started on the course grew into a robust platform for affect—supporting college students by scholarship tournaments, participating youth by outreach packages, and constructing significant neighborhood partnerships,” described the Les Birdies golf membership. “By way of these efforts, the membership has helped younger folks pursue greater schooling and launched numerous youth to the sport of golf.”
RELATED CONTENT: Eastside Golf Attire Model Hosts ‘Group Days’ To Get Extra Black Individuals Teeing Up
