Cliff Addison, second from left, stands with three Booker T. Washington high school students.
(Courtesy of Urban Golf Weekend)
| In a powerful display of community, culture and commitment, four native South Florida Black men — Cliff Addison, Ed Ponder, Anthony Robinson and Travis Daniels — are joining forces to reignite a legacy at Booker T. Washington Senior High School: the revival of its golf program.
Last month, Urban Golf Weekend (UGW), in partnership with the Future Leaders of Hospitality and Tourism (FLHAT) and the Overtown Children & Youth Coalition (OCYC), presented brand-new golf clubs and uniforms to the Booker T. Washington High School golf team.
This special presentation, which took place at the school’s Library/Innovation Center in Miami’s historic Overtown, marks more than the return of a sports program; it also represents a renewed investment in access, opportunity, and the next generation of leaders.
A movement rooted in access and representation
The revival of the golf team is part of a broader vision to create pathways for students who have historically been excluded from the sport. For Principal Anthony E. Simons III, this initiative aligns directly with Booker T. Washington’s mission.
Students show off their new golf clubs. (Courtesy of Urban Golf Weekend)
Students show off their new golf clubs. (Courtesy of Urban Golf Weekend)“Reinvigorating the golf team at Booker T. Washington aligns with our larger goal to provide students with opportunities and exposure. We are dedicated to revitalizing this program and using golf to boost confidence and develop leadership,” said Simons.
Golf has long been seen as a sport connected to privilege: private clubs, high equipment costs, and limited representation of Black athletes. But initiatives like UGW are rewriting that narrative. Over the last two years, Urban Golf Weekend has donated $40,000 to organizations such as Fore Life and Florida A&M University’s golf program, furthering opportunities for young athletes of color.
UGW co-Founder Cliff Addison emphasized that the movement is about opening doors that were once closed:
“Urban Golf Weekend was created to do more than celebrate the game; it’s about opening doors. Golf has always been a bridge, and through this initiative, we’re ensuring that young people of color have access to opportunities that go well beyond the course.”
Why golf matters for Black youth
The importance of exposing Black youth to golf goes far beyond the fairways. Golf teaches discipline, focus, patience, emotional resilience, and strategic thinking. These qualities translate seamlessly into academics, careers, leadership roles, and personal development.
For communities like Overtown, where opportunities can often feel limited, golf offers a powerful alternative. The sport is also a gateway to college scholarships, networking opportunities, and even long-term professional paths, whether as athletes, coaches, course managers, or business owners within the booming golf industry.
According to the National Golf Foundation, minority youth participation is rising, yet Black golfers still make up a small fraction of the sport’s competitive ranks. Early exposure is critical to changing that trajectory.
OCYC Executive Director Anthony Robinson sees this firsthand.
“By introducing youth to golf — a sport that teaches patience, focus and integrity — we’re helping them develop the confidence and life skills they need to succeed, both on and off the course,” said Robinson.
A partnership built on purpose and passion
The collaborative effort between UGW, FLHAT and OCYC reflects a shared belief in the power of community partnerships. Each organization plays a distinct role:
Known for blending culture, philanthropy and networking, UGW aims to make golf accessible to underserved communities while supporting HBCUs and youth development programs nationwide.
Meanwhile, Future Leaders of Hospitality and Tourism (FLHAT) prepares students for leadership roles through exposure to global industries.
“Nurturing and empowering future leaders is at the heart of who we are. This partnership demonstrates our shared dedication to uplifting our youth — expanding their knowledge, enhancing their skills, and enriching their experiences,” said co-founder Ed Ponder.
Finally, OCYC helps create sustainable pathways for youth through education, mentorship and community collaboration.
Together, these organizations are not only reviving a golf program, but also rebuilding a pipeline of opportunity.
Professional possibilities
While many may associate golf with icons like Tiger Woods, the professional world of golf is far broader than becoming a PGA champion. Exposure at a young age can lead to careers as a professional golfer, golf course designer, sports management professional, golf apparel entrepreneur, PGA/LPGA teaching professional, sports agent, golf media personality, event organizer, or brand ambassador.
Former Miami Dolphins player and founder of Jus Birdie Golf Apparel Travis Daniels understands how sports shape lifelong success.
“Sports taught me discipline, focus, and patience — lessons that shaped every part of my life. This isn’t just about the game; it’s about showing our kids what’s possible when they believe in themselves and when their community believes in them too,” said Daniels.
A revival that reflects a movement
The rebirth of the Booker T. Washington High School golf program is more than a school initiative; it is part of a national movement to increase Black youth participation in golf. It represents equity, opportunity, and a reimagining of what is possible.
As the students step onto the course with new clubs, new uniforms, and renewed hope, they carry with them a powerful message: representation matters, access matters, and belief matters.
The future of golf is expanding, and thanks to this community-driven revival, the next generation of Black golfers may very well get their start in the heart of Overtown.
Source:
https://www.miamitimesonline.com/sports/why-golf-matters-to-black-youth-reviving-the-game-at-booker-t-washington/article_bcd9f6e2-17b0-470e-ac57-5bf294b4a0f9.html
