DETROIT (AP) – Shaun Horne, a 16-year-old junior at Renaissance High School in Detroit, exemplifies a unique passion among his peers by dedicating himself solely to golf. Despite Detroit being a city rich in sports enthusiasm, with a strong presence of basketball and football, Horne's focus on golf sets him apart in a community where participation in this sport, particularly among Black high school students, is notably low.
Currently, only about 50 out of more than 14,000 high school students in Detroit's school district are involved in school golf teams. Jesse Hawkins, a coach at Renaissance High School, emphasizes the challenge of making golf known and accessible to Black youth in Detroit. He observes that traditional narratives around sports often highlight basketball and football, while golf remains underrepresented.
In an effort to promote the game, local coaches and community groups are forming partnerships with major businesses and nonprofits to increase golf's appeal. Initiatives such as the Rocket Classic PGA event have raised nearly $10 million for local charities, with $800,000 allocated to programs that teach children how to play golf. Additionally, First Tee of Greater Detroit is actively engaged, serving around 700 children and offering college scholarships to high school seniors.
Carl Bentley, CEO of First Tee of Greater Detroit, notes that while golf is the hook for attracting youth, the programs also impart essential life skills. Participants learn how to carry themselves professionally, develop conversation skills, and navigate social situations – all alongside the sport's technical skills like swinging and putting.
Despite the growing interest in golf across various demographics, with 25% of the 28.1 million Americans who played golf on a course in 2024 identifying as Black, Asian, or Hispanic, Hawkins has found that Black high school students in Detroit often do not engage with the sport. He remarks on the cultural gap, noting that conversations about golf are rare among students, who tend to focus on sports with more social recognition.
Financial barriers also hinder access to golf. The cost of golf equipment can be prohibitive, which is significant in a city where the median household income is about $39,500, compared to the state’s median of $69,100. With around 32% of Detroit's population living below the poverty line, the expenses associated with golf can be daunting for many families. For example, a good set of golf clubs can exceed several hundred dollars, and playing 18 holes at local public courses costs $28 during weekdays.
In response to these challenges, the PGA's presence in Detroit, starting in 2019, aims to make golf more accessible to local youth. Local organizations, backed by prominent businesses like Rocket Companies, work to eliminate barriers in attire, equipment, and skill development, encouraging students of color to consider golf as a viable option.
Mike Schuchard, a coach at Detroit Cass Tech, reflects on the slow growth of his golf team, which saw its roster double to about a dozen players this season. However, competition remains tough, with only two players at a varsity level, making it difficult to compete against suburban schools with established golf programs. Schuchard seeks to recruit athletic students from other sports, emphasizing that many talented young athletes simply haven't had the opportunity to be introduced to golf.
Ahmari Flowers, a senior captain on the Cass Tech golf team, started playing golf in his freshman year and found it complementary to his athletic background. He mentions the physical aspect of the sport and how it requires the same body control as other athletic endeavors.
