Welcome to Green’s Ladies Golf Club, where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of black women in the world of golf. In this ongoing series, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport as players, coaches, advocates, and trailblazers. From breaking barriers on the course to championing diversity and inclusion in the golfing community, these women have paved the way for future generations and continue to inspire us with their passion, talent, and dedication. Join us as we honor the legacy of black women in golf and amplify their stories for all to hear.
Dr. Catana Starks, hailing from Mobile, Alabama, and born in 1944, stands as a monumental figure in the realm of golf, particularly as an advocate and pioneer for African American women within the sport. Her academic pursuits culminated in a doctorate from Tennessee State University in 1989, setting the stage for a coaching career that began in the 1970s with high school basketball and swimming. By 1980, Starks transitioned to collegiate athletics as the swimming and diving coach at Tennessee State University, where she later led the Human Performance and Sports Science Department.
In 1986, Starks shattered a significant barrier by becoming the first woman to coach a Division I men’s college golf team, a role she assumed with the establishment of the golf program at Tennessee State University. Tasked with building a team from scratch under constrained resources, Starks faced the twin challenges of assembling a competitive squad and confronting the ingrained racism and sexism in the sport. Her unwavering commitment to coaching and education, coupled with her resilience, enabled her to lead her team to notable successes, including winning the National Minority Golf Championship. Among her most notable protégés were Sean Foley, who would go on to coach Tiger Woods, and Sam Puryear, who became the first African American head coach of a major Division I men’s golf team at Michigan State.
Starks’ enduring legacy is highlighted by her 2014 induction into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing her extensive contributions to golf and her relentless efforts to dismantle racial and gender barriers within the sport. Her passing in 2020 marked the end of an era, but her influence persists, making golf a more inclusive and welcoming sport for all, thanks in part to her mentorship of significant figures in the golfing world.
