The Sapphire Tour, a pro golf circuit for Black women, debuts in Houston, offering new opportunities and inspiring future generations.
HOUSTON — A brand-new professional golf tour created exclusively for Black women is making its debut in Houston this weekend at Hermann Park Golf Course.
Professional golfer Amber Kuykendall is back where it all began, showing off her short game and previewing the Sapphire Tour, which she says is all about creating space and opportunity.
“The Sapphire Tour is a brand new professional golf tour intentionally for Black women, so it’s really special to have a space to create more opportunities for us,” she said.
For Kuykendall, it’s also a bit of a homecoming. The Texas Southern University alum spent countless hours practicing at Hermann Park during her college days, and now, she’s returning as a pro.
“Being here brings back so many memories from when I was at TSU,” she said. “Now I get to be out here with my Sapphire Tour sisters.”
Kuykendall has been playing professionally for four years, and she says the journey has taught her just how much attention to detail it takes to compete at the next level.
“Lately I’ve really become a student of the game,” she said. “Short game can save a lot of strokes.”
The Sapphire Tour’s debut in Houston marks a major step forward for representation in golf, a sport where Black women have historically had limited opportunities. Kuykendall hopes the visibility will inspire the next generation.
“There’s a lot of opportunity for it to just get bigger and better,” she said. “If we can inspire some of the younger girls to see a vision and an opportunity, it’ll help them get started on their journey sooner.”
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