A growing movement is changing the face of golf, and it’s being led by Black women determined to claim their space on the course.
City Girls Golf, founded by Washington, D.C., native Sierra Balgar, is rapidly becoming a game-changer in the industry, drawing attention from major platforms like the PGA, ESPNW, and Naomi Osaka’s Hana Kuma media company.
Balgar’s vision for City Girls Golf was born out of personal experience.
“When I first started my golf journey, it was very lonely,” she told DC News Now. “I didn’t have friends or family who played, and when I went to the range, it was predominantly men. I would take lessons alone, play tournaments alone, and I realized I didn’t see women of color or women like me there. That’s when I decided to start an organization that empowers women of color to get involved in golf.”
Since its launch, City Girls Golf has grown into a powerhouse community offering beginner-friendly golf clinics, networking events, and social outings. The organization not only helps women of color learn and play the game but also fosters opportunities to work within the golf industry.
The movement has gained traction beyond the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. “Even though we’re based in the DMV, so many women across the country are getting involved because they see what we’re doing here,” Balgar said.
The statistics underscore the importance of City Girls Golf’s mission. According to Forbes, 77 percent of golfers are men, and the sport carries significant financial barriers—equipment, uniforms, and lessons can cost up to $20,000 annually. These challenges often leave women of color feeling unwelcome in the sport. However, with the rise of City Girls Golf, those barriers are breaking down, allowing more Black women to experience the game in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“Most of the ladies that attend our events are stepping onto a golf course for the first time in their lives,” Balgar said. “Knowing that we’re playing a key role in their introduction to the sport is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing our community grow.”
With national recognition and influential partnerships now in play, City Girls Golf is well on its way to leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
As more Black women tee up and take their rightful place in the golf world, the movement proves that the green is for everyone.
