HISTORY

OUR

Founded in 1937, the Chicago Women’s Golf Club (CWGC) began as a vision brought to life by a pioneering group of African American women who shared a deep passion for the game of golf. Led by founding President Anna Mae Black Robinson, these trailblazers established a space for women of color to compete, connect, and thrive in a sport that often excluded them.

CWGC holds a proud and influential place in African American golf history. In its early years, the club’s annual Memorial Tournaments—sanctioned by the United Golfers Association (U.G.A.)—attracted many of the top African American professional golfers, both women and men, who found few other opportunities to compete at such a high level.

The club's home course was originally Pipe-O-Peace Golf Course, later renamed Joe Louis Golf Course in honor of boxing legend Joe “The Champ” Louis, affectionately known as "The Brown Bomber", who was also a passionate golfer and advocate for racial equity in the sport.

CWGC’s official colors, royal blue and gold, symbolize the club’s excellence, pride, and legacy.

In 1954, under the leadership of Agnes Williams, CWGC launched its junior division, the Bob-O-Links. Now a registered 501(c)(3) organization, the Bob-O-Links program is dedicated to the development of Chicago-area youth, ages 8 to 17. Through golf, the program instills values of character, discipline, self-esteem, education, grit, and integrity, helping to shape the next generation of leaders both on and off the course.


Empowering Women Through the Game of Golf Since 1937

Since 1937, the Chicago Women’s Golf Club (CWGC) has been more than just a golf club — it has been a trailblazing community of African American women who broke barriers and built bridges through the game of golf.

CWGC was founded during an era when segregation excluded Black women from many golf courses and clubs. Despite those challenges, a group of determined women came together to create a space where they could not only play the game they loved but also empower one another. Their resilience, grace, and passion laid the foundation for generations of golfers to come.

From humble beginnings to making national history, CWGC continues to uplift, educate, and lead with integrity — on and off the course.

CWGC’S Former Presidents

The Chicago Women’s Golf Club honors the legacy of leadership that has shaped our journey since 1937. Each president has played a vital role in advancing the mission of CWGC—fostering sisterhood, promoting excellence in golf, and opening doors for women and youth in the sport. Their vision, dedication, and service have paved the way for future generations and strengthened the foundation of our club.

We proudly recognize and celebrate the women who have served as presidents of CWGC throughout our rich history.

  • As the club’s first president, Anna Mae Black laid the foundation for CWGC’s legacy during a time of deep social division. Her leadership helped organize the club's early activities and inspired a culture of excellence and resilience.

  • Dorethea Hooks guided CWGC through the uncertainty of the early 1940s, fostering community among members during wartime and continuing the momentum of women’s leadership in golf.

  • Leticia’s presidency brought a spirit of growth and inclusion, expanding membership and nurturing new talent as CWGC began to gain recognition across Chicago’s golf scene.

  • Serving just after WWII, Ella Morphis played a vital role in re-energizing the club, encouraging post-war civic engagement and supporting returning members.

  • Blanche led CWGC into a new era, emphasizing club unity and expanding opportunities for women golfers to compete and connect.

  • A visionary leader, Hattie advocated for the visibility of Black women in golf and ensured that CWGC members had access to competitive events and mentorship.

  • Bernice Kelly’s brief but impactful term helped bridge the club’s early traditions with a forward-thinking approach to women's leadership in the 1950s.

  • Mary brought a warm, community-focused spirit to CWGC. Her term encouraged social bonds and introduced new women to the joy and discipline of the game.

  • A strategic organizer, Geraldine emphasized structured play and helped refine the club’s tournament systems and member involvement.

  • Lydia was a strong advocate for mentorship, often guiding new players and expanding the club’s presence in local competitions.

  • Jolyn’s first term introduced a vibrant leadership style focused on visibility and partnership. Her influence would shape the club in future terms as well.

  • Maxine led CWGC with boldness and clarity, laying groundwork for club policies that would last for decades.

  • Returning under her married name, Anna Mae continued her legacy of pioneering leadership, reminding members of the club’s founding spirit and long-term mission.

  • Agnes brought a period of stability and structure, guiding the club through the early ’60s with grace and administrative excellence.

  • Marcia ushered in a modern, youthful energy that reflected the changes happening across the country, encouraging younger women to take up the game.

  • Mattie prioritized discipline and consistency, reinforcing fundamentals both on the course and in club organization.

  • A respected leader and mentor, Ernestine encouraged leadership development and deeper community ties within and beyond CWGC.

  • Berniece’s first term was marked by a focus on inclusivity and structured training, especially for new and intermediate players.

  • In her second term, Jolyn continued to raise CWGC’s public profile and inspired women to become ambassadors for the sport.

  • Rosemary focused on education and social engagement, aligning golf with broader life and leadership skills.

  • In her second term, Berniece expanded on her previous efforts, introducing legacy programming for junior golfers.

  • Maxine's leadership reflected continuity and innovation, building on past successes while introducing fresh club traditions.

  • Dorothy provided steady leadership during a time of change and cultural shifts, reinforcing CWGC’s mission as both a golf club and a sisterhood.

  • Yvonne brought an energizing presence and focused on community engagement, leading initiatives that deepened CWGC’s ties to civic and charitable causes.

  • In her second term, Roy-Harper returned with wisdom and strength, helping bridge generational leadership and reinforcing CWGC’s values of mentorship and legacy.

  • Serving her third term, Jolyn provided continuity and vision, reinforcing traditions while supporting new programming to keep the club relevant and dynamic.

  • Jeannie infused CWGC with creativity and structure. Her multi-year presidency allowed for sustained development of club programs and deeper inter-club relations.

  • Janice’s leadership emphasized professionalism and organization, introducing updated policies that helped CWGC operate more efficiently and cohesively.

  • Miljan’s presidency brought a focus on player development and public awareness, ensuring CWGC remained an inspiring presence in the Chicago golf community.

  • Charmian was known for her calm leadership and attention to detail. Her thoughtful guidance fostered stability and helped strengthen club governance.

  • Anita was an enthusiastic and strategic leader who championed women’s participation in tournaments and encouraged inter-club collaboration.

  • Mary led with grace and inclusiveness, championing both seasoned golfers and new members, and encouraging multi-generational engagement.

  • With a bold and visionary approach, Dianna brought fresh energy to CWGC’s public image, helping to modernize outreach and strengthen visibility.

  • In her second term, Anita built on her prior leadership with a renewed focus on education, youth involvement, and intergenerational mentoring.

  • Elinor emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in golf and leadership, bringing new training and workshop opportunities for members.

  • Carole’s extended term reflected her trusted leadership and long-term planning skills. She helped solidify CWGC’s financial and organizational infrastructure.

  • Rosie brought a personal warmth to her presidency, focusing on community-building and increased member engagement through events and outreach.

  • Diane infused CWGC with strategic direction and innovation, helping members thrive on the course and in leadership roles.

  • Ciji led CWGC through an era of transformation. Her long tenure brought tech-savvy communication, branding updates, and a growing digital presence — all while nurturing member unity and growth.

  • Serving during the challenges of the pandemic and post-COVID rebuild, Lunyé focused on resilience, revitalization, and re-engagement — helping CWGC reconnect, recruit, and restore momentum.

  • A detail-oriented and membership-focused leader, Kelli Morrison played a key role in strengthening the internal structure of the Chicago Women’s Golf Club. During her tenure as President, she prioritized member engagement, streamlined membership processes, and ensured that the needs and voices of our members were at the heart of every decision. Her leadership helped build a more connected and organized club community.