Who We Are
Established in 1954, GLGC proudly stands as the oldest African American women’s golf club in the Delaware Valley. Our story is one of passion, determination, and a deep love for the game of golf.
THE MISSION
To promote the game of golf, encourage young adults to participate in the sport, support other golf organizations in this endeavor, and promote fellowship with our members.
Eight Women.
One Historic Vision.
On May 1, 1954, Lorraine Sawyer invited seven fellow golf enthusiasts to her West Philadelphia home. She envisioned a club where Black women could enjoy the game, develop their skills, travel, compete, and receive the respect they deserved within the broader golf community.
Together, these eight trailblazing women established
The Green's Ladies Golf Club
Their original mission was both powerful and necessary: to establish a self-governed Black women's golf club and create a welcoming community for other Black women who wanted to experience the joy of the game.
Building a Place in Golf
During the club's first year, members traveled extensively along the East Coast—from Boston to Washington, D.C.—participating in tournament play and forming relationships with other golfers.
In 1955, The Green's Ladies hosted its first tournament, welcoming players from Philadelphia and several of the cities its members had visited during the previous year. It became the first of many successful tournaments organized by the club.
As its reputation grew, The Green's Ladies became affiliated with the Eastern Golf Association and the United Golf Association, strengthening the club's presence within the larger golf community.
Investing in the Next Generation
The Green's Ladies' commitment to young people began early. During the 1960s, the club established a junior golf program for teenage girls, later expanding the program to include boys.
In August 1973, the club entered three junior golfers in the United Golf Association National Tournament at Freeway Golf Course in Sicklerville, New Jersey. In 1978, The Green's Ladies helped provide young golfer Rita Hart with an opportunity to receive golf instruction at Duke University.
Today, the club continues to support youth development and organizations that introduce young people to golf, build character, and expand access to the game.
Our Legacy of Service
Community service has always been central to the identity of The Green's Ladies. Through invitationals, fundraisers, partnerships, and charitable giving, the club has supported organizations serving women, young people, families, and the greater community.
Support has also gone to organizations such as First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship Foundation, along with other community outreach programs. In 2026, the club continued that tradition with a $3,000 charitable contribution to Covenant House Pennsylvania, supporting its work with young people experiencing homelessness and instability.
Our service reflects one of the club's most important values: as we move forward, we help others move forward with us.
Celebrating 72 Years
The Green's Ladies Golf Club celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024 with its Anniversary Jubilee Invitational—a milestone recognizing seven decades of golf, fellowship, perseverance, and community service.
Now in our 72nd year, we remain committed to carrying that legacy forward. From tournaments and weekly play to charitable outreach and member fellowship, The Green's Ladies continues to create opportunities for women to grow through golf. We honor the eight women who began this journey in 1954, along with every member who has helped sustain and strengthen the club throughout the years.
Their courage opened the door.
Our responsibility is to keep it open.