Founded by Sierra Balgar, City Girls Golf has a singular vision: to create a space where women can learn, embrace and thrive in the game of golf. Harlem native Balgar knows golf is more than a hobby. It is a way to create community and cultivate skills that can be of tremendous value in the work world.
“I started City Girls Golf a little over two years ago with the mission to bring more women into the game and create spaces for women to feel comfortable and enjoy golf,” said Balgar. “When I was first learning how to play, I didn’t necessarily have a community or anyone to play or learn with. I figured the reason why I can’t find a sister community is because (1) there isn’t one and (2) golf isn’t as accessible for the everyday woman, especially for women that live in the city.”
She named it City Girls Golf to empower more city-dwelling women to learn the sport, dispelling the idea that golf is only for people in the suburbs. Women at all ability levels are welcome. There are instructional clinics and curated golf outings that blend recreation with networking with the idea to empower women of color.
“We play golf and we host beginner clinics for people to get involved,” Balgar said. “I think what attracts people the most is the community and networking, and the fact that they can use this skill. We get a lot of women who work … They join because there are company outings and they want to learn so they can participate.”
City Girls Golf house membership isn’t cheap, $299 per month, but members get access to country clubs and social clubs nationwide. Individual events, such as the clinics, are moderately priced. Balgar’s vision is to create low- and no-cost programming. She is particularly interested in developing a sister brand, College Girls Golf, for college-aged women and making it as affordable as possible. In addition to golf, those women would have leadership and professional development opportunities. Balgar is currently planning a College Girls Golf preview day for students from Coppin State University, an HBCU in Baltimore.
“I can envision partnering with colleges in creating opportunities for their students,” said Balgar. “The goal is to create scholarship opportunities, and to partner with companies and make sure students in the College Girls Golf program leave with an internship or a job offer.”