April 19, 2026
The golf membership will host a gala and golf event 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 function.
Its golfers keep 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 provided Black ladies a brand new approach to observe 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.
Via the gumption of Theresa Bassette, Barbara Cooksey, Mamie Lewis, Kathleen Tolbert, and extra, these Black ladies 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.
Via the gumption of Theresa Bassette, Barbara Cooksey, Mamie Lewis, Kathleen Tolbert and extra, these Black ladies 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 ladies golfers. Whereas the group has expanded over generations, its work goes past the golf course.
Though educating Black ladies 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 providers, scholarship alternatives, and extra for girls and women all through the Cincinnati space.
Alongside a gala, this commemorative yr will additionally characteristic a fiftieth Anniversary golf event. On the July 18 occasion, golfers additionally will “[play] it ahead” for the subsequent era to change the look of golf.
“What started on the course grew into a strong platform for affect—supporting college students via scholarship tournaments, participating youth via outreach packages, and constructing significant neighborhood partnerships,” described the Les Birdies golf membership. “Via these efforts, the membership has helped younger individuals pursue larger training 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
