Bermuda Tourism Authority Announces Black Golfers Week, Spotlighting Vital Conversations on Diversity & Inclusivity in Golf
Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) announces the return of Black Golfers Week from April 27-May 1st. Black Golfers Week will be an opportunity to celebrate the golf community’s continued progress toward diversity and inclusion, thus ultimately reinvesting in the sport.
Black Golfers Week intends to attract golfers and visitors to celebrate the island’s rich history, promote diversity and inclusion in the sport, and have constructive conversations around structural racial inequities that have historically excluded certain groups, particularly people of colour. St. George’s native Louis Rafael “Kid” Corbin was the first black golfer to compete in prestigious tournaments like the Canadian Open and passionately fought against racism on and off the course. With Corbin being a Black Bermudian, enshrining a legacy that transformed golf, the island should celebrate the progress made during the Black Golfers Week event.
A growing list of international athletes, celebrities, and notable guests will already be on the island earlier the same week for the Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament. The initial list of confirmed VIPs to attend Black Golfers Week currently includes Shasta Averyhardt (Pro Golfer and the first African American golfer on the LPGA Tour) and Olajuwon Ajanaku (Pro Golfer, Founder of Eastside Golf and star of HULU documentary Grails). All Bermuda residents, stakeholders, and tourism partners are encouraged to get involved and support by sponsoring or attending events during Black Golfers Week.
“This event is open to everyone. We look forward to welcoming all visitors back to the island for Black Golfers Week this year,” said Tracy Berkeley, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the BTA. Bermuda has the most golf courses per square mile and we look to attract golfers from around the world to play 18 holes on our breathtaking greens. “Travellers want to see versions of themselves when visiting a destination and one of the BTA’s objectives outlined in the National Tourism Plan is to attract more Black visitors to the island. This event will work to help us achieve that.” Ms. Berkeley said.
“Being a part of the Bermuda Black Golfers Week echoes what our vision is at Eastside Golf, which is to get people from all over the world and from all walks of life to come to the game of golf,” says Olajuwon Ajanaku, Pro Golfer and Founder of Eastside Golf. “This sport has opened so many doors for me personally and professionally, and I look forward to seeing what this weekend is doing for the people of Bermuda,” said Ajanaku.
The progress made by Mr. Corbin’s resistance against the past racism in the sport can be seen by looking no further than at Shasta Averyhardt, a Pro Golfer who made history by being the first African American golfer on the LPGA Tour who is excited to visit Black Golfers Week. “I’ve seen some beautifully captured moments of the culture and the views online, but nothing beats being there in person. Based on last year’s event, I feel 2023’s event will be even more adventurous on and off the golf course!” said Averyhardt.
For a full schedule and more information on Black Golfers Week and available packages, visit GoToBermuda.com.
About the Bermuda Tourism Authority
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) is an independent, non-government entity and the official destination marketing organisation for the island country. The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) promotes Bermuda globally as a world-class destination for leisure, group travel, and tourism investment. For more information visit: https://www.gotobermuda.com/bta.
