Ebony Ladies Golf League Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Golden Gala Celebration

FOUNDING MEMBERS (Est. 1974)
FOUNDING MEMBERS (Est. 1974)

Ebony Ladies Golf League Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Golden Gala Celebration

The Ebony Ladies Golf League (ELGL) is thrilled to announce the celebration of its 50th Anniversary with a Golden Gala Celebration Event. The event will take place on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Idlewild Country Club, 19201 Dixie Highway, Flossmoor, Illinois, marking five decades of promoting diversity, friendship, and excellence in women's golf.

The 50th Anniversary Gala will gather league members, supporters, and prominent figures in the golf community to commemorate this milestone.

The evening is from 4pm-9pm and will feature a reception, dinner, special guest speakers, dancing, and special recognition of members who have held membership for more than 40 years and made significant contributions to the league's success.


ELGL was Founded in 1974 at Pipe O’Peace Golf Course (now Joe Louis the Champ Golf Course) in Riverdale, Illinois by Mrs. Louise Horne and a group of fourteen pioneering golfing women representing various golf clubs in and round the Chicagoland area. (See photo) The clubs included: Chicago Women’s Golf Club, Choisettes, Pipe O’Peace Men and Women, and Par 17 Ladies.  ELGL is not only one of Chicago’s oldest African American female golf organizations, but it was the first African American women’s golf league in the Midwest. The league was established to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for African American women golfers. Over the years, ELGL has grown not only in membership but also in its mission to foster unity, skill development, and a competitive spirit among women golfers of all backgrounds. Mrs. Horne’s vision and mission was to establish a golf league to promote good golfing skills among women. Since its inception, more than 400 women have held membership in the league!

Now, 50 years later, the ELGL Board of Directors and its 75 members have remained committed to promoting good golfing skills among women and transforming the organization into a well-recognized and philanthropic non-profit organization. For more than 40 years, the league has hosted its Annual Jack and Jill Golf Outing with proceeds from this event going to such organizations as United Negro College Fund, American Cancer Society, Sadie Waterford Home for Girls, and Bob-O-Links Junior Golf Club.

"We are incredibly proud of how far the Ebony Ladies Golf League has come," said President Tracy Raoul, President of the ELGL. "Our 50th Anniversary is a testament to the dedication, passion, and community spirit of our members. This Gala is a chance to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our journey, and look forward to the future."

In addition to celebrating the past, the Gala will also highlight the league's ongoing commitment to encouraging young girls and women to take up golf. Proceeds from the event will fund junior golf programs and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in the sport.

Tickets for the 50th Anniversary Golden Gala Celebration are available for purchase at https://www.ebonyladiesgolfleague.org/50galarsvp, and sponsorship opportunities are also open for those looking to support this historic celebration.  President Tracy Raoul and 50-year members will be available for interviews upon request.

For more information about the Ebony Ladies Golf League and the Golden Gala Celebration, visit https://www.ebonyladiesgolfleague.org/ or contact Tracy Raoul at: ebonyladiesgolfleague1974@gmail.com

Join us in celebrating 50 years of excellence, empowerment, and golfing camaraderie!

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