Tee Off for a Cause: Black Belt Community Development Corporation Hosts 4th Annual Golf Classic

Tee Off for a Cause: Black Belt Community Development Corporation Hosts 4th Annual Golf Classic

The Black Belt Community Development Corporation (BBCDC), in partnership with the SisterGolf Foundation, is proud to present the 4th Annual Golf Classic, set to take place on May 9th at 8 AM at Timberline Golf Club

More than just a tournament, this event aims to drive real change for Alabama’s historic Black Belt region, supporting initiatives that enhance education, financial literacy, job training, and healthcare access.

A Swing Towards Progress

The Black Belt region, named for its rich soil, holds a deep historical significance but faces persistent economic challenges. BBCDC is dedicated to revitalizing these communities through targeted development programs, and the Golf Classic is crucial in funding these efforts. By participating, players contribute directly to initiatives that uplift individuals and businesses, creating lasting impact beyond the greens.

“The Golf Classic is more than just a day of sport; it’s an opportunity to invest in the future of the Black Belt region. Each swing taken on the course brings us one step closer to building stronger communities”.

SisterGolf Foundation: Driving Diversity & Inclusion

This year’s event is proudly sponsored by the SisterGolf Foundation, an organization committed to empowering women and underrepresented groups through golf. SisterGolf aligns perfectly with BBCDC’s mission of creating equitable opportunities by fostering confidence, networking opportunities, and professional growth.

SisterGolf has been at the forefront of making golf an inclusive sport.  “Their support amplifies our shared vision of empowerment, making this year’s tournament even more impactful.”

Event Highlights

When: May 9, 2025, at 8 AM
Where: Timberline Golf Club
Entry Fees: $150 for individual players, $500 per foursome
Extras: Breakfast & lunch included

Participants can expect a day filled with friendly competition, networking, and a shared commitment to community development. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the game, every player is an essential part of this movement for change.

How to Get Involved

Spaces are limited, and registration is now open. To sign up or learn more, visit www.blackbeltcdc.org, contact blackbeltcdc@gmail.com, or complete your registration here.

.About Black Belt Community Development Corporation (BBCDC)

The Black Belt Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) organization also known as BBCDC, is a non-profit organization created to support and revitalize communities in the Black Belt, especially those with impoverished, underserved, and unskilled laborers, through education, advocacy, and partnership.

Traditionally, 17 Alabama counties–Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Russell, Sumter, and Wilcox—Tuscaloosa were included in the region.

About SisterGolf Foundation

The SisterGolf Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and underrepresented youth through the game of golf. Our mission is to provide access to education, instruction, and networking opportunities that foster personal and professional growth. By collaborating with local organizations and partnering with community groups, we extend our impact beyond the golf course, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all we do.

Media Contact:

Black Belt Community Development Corporation
www.blackbeltcdc.org
blackbeltcdc@gmail.com

SisterGolf Foundation

sistergolfonline.com/sistergolf-foundation/
shella@sistergolf.com 

For press inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or additional details, please contact the media contact above.

Mastering Golf Etiquette: Pace of Play and Consideration for Others with SisterGolf

Mastering Golf Etiquette: Pace of Play and Consideration for Others with SisterGolf

Mastering golf extends beyond perfecting your swing; it also requires a deep understanding of the game’s rules, etiquette, and social customs. Gaining confidence in these areas is essential for women seeking to use golf for professional advancement and relationship-building. 

At SisterGolf, we focus on providing structured instruction to help navigate the golfing environment easily. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of pace of play, teach you how to stay considerate of others on the course, and explain how SisterGolf’s lessons and play dates can enrich your golfing journey.

When is Learning Appropriate on the Golf Course?

Golf is a game of continuous learning, and every round offers a chance to improve your skills. However, it’s essential to understand when and where learning is most appropriate on the golf course. For beginners, SisterGolf offers workshops, webinars, and play dates designed to create a supportive environment for learning golf basics and etiquette. Practicing new skills or seeking guidance during casual rounds with friends or at designated practice areas is an excellent way to learn without disrupting the flow of the game.

Importance of Pace of Play:

Pace of play is crucial in golf, and maintaining a steady pace is not only beneficial for your game but also essential for the enjoyment of others on the course. Playing at a consistent speed becomes even more critical when participating in tournaments. Beginners might not always be aware of this aspect of the game, but understanding and adhering to the recommended pace ensures everyone can enjoy their time on the course.

Slowing Down Players and Staying Considerate:

Nobody wants to feel rushed while playing golf, but it’s crucial to be considerate of others. If your group is consistently falling behind, it may be necessary to speed up play or let players behind you play through. Here are some tips to keep the pace moving and show consideration for others:

  1. Be prepared: Before it’s your turn, have the right club selected and know the distance to your target.
  2. Play ready golf: When it’s safe and appropriate, hit your shot when ready, rather than adhering strictly to the farthest-from-the-hole order.
  3. Limit practice swings: While helpful, limit them to avoid excess delay.
  4. Pacing with the group ahead: Maintaining a reasonable distance from the group in front of you ensures everyone can play comfortably.
  5. Leave the green promptly: Once you’ve finished putting, quickly move to the next tee and allow the following group to approach the green.

Navigating Golf Etiquette with SisterGolf:

At SisterGolf, we understand that beginners might not be familiar with every aspect of golf etiquette. Our lessons and play dates provide the perfect opportunity to learn the game, essential golf etiquette, and customs. We believe in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where women can build confidence and forge lasting connections while mastering the complexities of golf.

Gain Confidence on the Green:

SisterGolf is a pioneering force in supporting and empowering women by harnessing the potential of golf. As you begin your golf adventure, remember the significance of a consistent pace of play and consideration for fellow players. 

Visit our workshops page for more information on our webinars, practice dates, and workshops to enrich your golfing experience further. With SisterGolf by your side, you’ll refine your golf expertise and unlock the game’s immense value for professional and personal development.

Breaking Barriers: How Shella Sylla is Revolutionizing Women’s Golf in Birmingham

How Shella Sylla is Revolutionizing Women’s Golf in Birmingham

Shella Sylla moved to Birmingham in 2013 with two plans: to be closer to her sister and to launch a company that teaches women how to use golf to get ahead in business. 

Settling in with family went well. But trying to get people to understand the concept of SisterGolf, her new professional and business development company, was a struggle for the former bank executive from Miami, who learned to play golf to improve her sales on a work team made up of all men. 

When she attended events and meetings to spread the word about SisterGolf in Birmingham, people were confused about her business. Was she a golf instructor? Was she a nonprofit? Was she solely focused on teaching Black women how to play golf?

She didn’t let the questions deter her. Since she was new in town, she worked to build her foundation. She also improved the messaging of her website content, which underwent four redesigns. 

She had to remain strong when she set up her vendor table at events because some women turned away at the mere mention of golf. “I’m not being facetious. They would turn around and sprint away like there’s the plague,” Sylla said. “I had a few people come over and say, ‘I could never do that,’ or ‘That’s just not for me.’”

There was so much fear and intimidation around golf and women that it shocked Sylla. 

But she knew this was something people needed in the Birmingham area. In late 2013-early 2014, she posted on social media that she was hosting an informational meeting on how women can play golf in business. To her surprise, a lot of women attended. That meeting is what gave her the impetus to continue. 

There was interest. She just needed to get the word out more. 

Sylla forged a relationship with Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham and started doing post-work events and Saturday morning sessions that attracted more women. She then offered a four-week golf education workshop at Innovation Depot, covering golf etiquette, scoring, what to wear, golf terminology, golf rules, how to set a tee time, etc. Several women who had been going to the golf course with their spouses for years told Sylla that her course taught them more than their husbands knew. 

“That made me feel like I was definitely bringing value,” Sylla said, adding she is now working on offering a digital online class later this month. In April 2024, she will return with her group golf lessons. On March 20, she will host a monthly webinar for SisterGolf members. She also works with companies and organizations in providing workshops, which are open to women of all races.

“Every time I felt like giving up, I got a call the next day from someone or ran into someone who said, ‘Shella, thank you so much. I used this and it helped me in this fashion.’ Or ‘I just played in my first tournament by myself, and I connected with a CEO…'” she said. 

Most of her workshops are held at Highland Park Golf Course. Practice sessions are held at area golf courses with public access. And because golf can be an expensive sport, Sylla offers resources on where women can find deals on golf clothes and discounts on equipment. 

“I still feel like I’m on a journey and there is more to go,” she said.