Black golfers groups offer opportunity to 'play almost every week' for competition, fun and camaraderie

As golf continues to grow as a favorite sport for many African-Americans, groups dedicated to the pleasure offer a way to learn about and get into the game and socialize.

Robert McCombs, a Hazel Crest native who resides in Chicago, has been golfing with local black organization Boyz N the Hood for about 12 years, he told The Suburban Marquee.

"We play almost every week, weather permitting, and take an annual golf trip every year," McCombs said.

Though the group didn't travel last year due to restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, they have plans to fly to Atlanta to play this year. In the past, they have crisscrossed the country taking trips to Arizona, Florida and Myrtle Beach.

"I split time between Atlanta and Chicago, so I'm also in a group in Atlanta Called the Brothers of Golf, which has 40 members," McCombs said.

The Brothers of Golf play a season of rounds every year, keeping track of points and eventually declaring a winner at each cycle's end.

"In the world of black golfers, I find that more and more black men are enjoying this great game," McCombs said.

In addition to getting time out on the courses, the groups offer members opportunities to connect and develop camaraderie through competition, he said. It's given McCombs the chance to learn a lot, not just about the game of golf but also about travel, family and life.

Overall, the community is welcoming to new members, and Boyz N the Hood has members from all around the Chicagoland area, he said.

McCombs encouraged anyone interested in golf or even just in engaging with an enjoyable community of golfers to check out what local groups may offer in terms of getting out on the links.