Detroit is witnessing a quiet but powerful movement to change the face of golf among its youth, especially Black high school students who have traditionally been underrepresented in the sport. Shaun Horne, a 16-year-old junior at Renaissance High School, is one of the rare Detroit teens embracing golf. After his turn on a simulator in a local gym, he reflects a broader challenge: golf remains a niche sport within the city’s school system, with fewer than 50 of Detroit’s more than 14,000 high school students participating in school golf teams.
Golf’s limited popularity among Detroit’s Black youth is rooted in multiple barriers, but community coaches and advocates are making determined strides to expand access and reshape perceptions. Jesse Hawkins, who coaches Horne’s golf team, points out the stark contrast between sports commonly talked about—basketball and football—and golf, which struggles for attention and participation in predominantly Black schools.
To tackle this, Detroit’s community organizations have formed partnerships with major corporations and nonprofits. The Rocket Classic, a PGA event held annually in Detroit, has been instrumental in funneling nearly $10 million into local charities. Of that, $800,000 has gone directly into programs designed to teach golf to children and teens. One prominent group, First Tee of Greater Detroit, engages upwards of 700 youth annually. Beyond teaching golf swings, First Tee emphasizes life skills such as respect, communication, and confidence-building. Carl Bentley, CEO of First Tee, highlights that the sport is a gateway for youth to learn crucial life lessons, from etiquette to self-discipline.
Demographic data reveal a broader trend: while roughly 28 million Americans played golf on courses in 2024, only about 25% of that figure includes Black, Asian, or Hispanic players. Yet, among Detroit’s Black high schoolers, golf is often a foreign concept, not yet embraced as a part of the local youth culture. Hawkins notes the absence of golf culture elements like trendy golf shoes or apparel conversations among his players, underscoring the sport’s lack of social traction in the community.
Economic factors exacerbate the divide. Golf is notoriously expensive. Equipment like clubs can run several hundred dollars, and even public courses charge fees that can be prohibitive for many families. Detroit’s economic landscape reflects this reality starkly—nearly 80% of the city’s population is Black, with a median income significantly below the state average, and a poverty rate more than double the statewide figure.
In recent years, the PGA Tour has made efforts to cultivate a connection to Detroit. The arrival of the Rocket Companies Classic in 2019, supported by Detroit native Dan Gilbert’s Rocket Companies, has brought renewed attention. Trina Scott, Vice President of Civic and Community Affairs at Rocket Companies, explains that attracting Black and Brown youth to golf requires more than opportunity—it demands removing barriers around equipment, attire, and confidence on the course.
Schools like Detroit Cass Technical High School have started to see incremental growth. First-year golf coach Mike Schuchard has doubled the team’s size compared to the previous year, though only a couple of players have reached varsity-level skills. Schuchard works to recruit athletes from other sports who haven’t yet been exposed to golf, recognizing the athleticism golf requires and its potential appeal.
Senior team captain Ahmari Flowers shares a personal testament. Starting golf only after his freshman year, Flowers discovered that his natural athletic ability translated well to the sport. His enthusiasm challenges the stereotype that golf is not a “real sport” or that it lacks physical demands.
Detroit’s efforts to diversify golf participation reflect a larger national movement to make the sport more inclusive. By investing in youth programs, creating supportive communities, and ensuring access to resources, the city aims to open doors for future generations. These initiatives not only foster new athletes but also help build life skills, boost self-esteem, and encourage academic success.
In a city historically passionate about basketball and football, the rise of golf among Detroit’s youth signals a shift—one that embraces new possibilities and broadens horizons. Shaun Horne, Ahmari Flowers, and countless others represent this new wave of Detroit golfers eager to swing for success on and off the course.
