United Golfers Association

Leading by
Example as we
Diversify the Game

Continuing the Legacy

What is the UGA?

United Golfers Association (UGA) [Founded in 1925] is a 501C3 – non-profit organization that is committed to increasing the introduction, development and advancement of minority juniors, collegiate players, and adults within the sport of golf. The UGA Developmental Golf Academy will provide these golfers with the resources and direction to cultivate their passion for the sport as competitors and professionals in the industry. The UGA Golf Academy is designed to prepare them mentally, physically and professionally to compete as future tour players, golf professionals, and leaders throughout the world.

HISTORY OF UGA

The United Golfers Association (UGA) was established in 1925 by a group of Black businessmen and women to provide equal access and opportunity to the game of golf. The organization operated a series of golf tournaments for Black golfers during the era of racial segregation. Many talented golfers, including Ted Rhodes, Bill Spiller, Pete Brown, Lee Elder, Althea Gibson, Willie Brown Jr., Ann Gregory, and Charlie Sifford, played on this tour. The UGA was affectionately known as the “Chitlin Circuit” and served as a crucial platform for Black golfers to showcase their skills when they were barred from the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) due to its “Caucasian-only” clause, which was not repealed until 1961. The UGA reached its peak in the post-World War II era, providing a competitive environment for Black golfers who were often excluded from mainstream tournaments.

UGA Membership

Race to 2K

Our Goal is to have 2000 UGA Members
by November 31, 2024.

#UGA2K

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

Our Mission

To be a catalyst for more inclusion and representation in golf by providing resources, access and opportunities for minorities who have been historically underserved to fully participate and thrive in the recreational, competitive and business landscape of the game.

UGA Golf Academy

Our mission is to foster an inclusive culture for minority golfers and contributing to the evolution of the sport by offering access & resources to junior golfers, collegiate players, and professional golfers.

Introduction to Competing

Development of the Entire Player

Building a Pipeline

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The 2023 & 2024 were filmed in collaboration with nbc sports via golfnow (golfpass)

IT’S LIVE!!!! The 2024 Jim Thorpe Invitational can now be watched and viewed on the GolfPass platform. We are so excited to watch and view this year’s event for such a large audience to watch and enjoy.

Our Partners

These young ladies are “Next Up”…
They want to compete at the highest levels
They want to hit to ball 5 to 10 yards further
They want to decrease their putts
They want to be able to compete in more events against their peers
They want to be trained by the best golf swing coaches in the industry
They want to work with a mental health coach
They want to be the best golf athletes in the field
They want to simply compete…

How Elite Black Junior Golfers Excel in Life and Leadership Via Golf

Press October 25, 2024

Elite Black junior golfers with access to top resources and development opportunities have immense potential to make a significant impact in the professional world, especially in leadership roles. Here’s how

United Golfers Association (UGA) Renames the Jim Thorpe Invitational to the UGA Invitational to Commemorate 100 Years of Legacy and Excellence

October 19, 2024