The rhythmic thwack of golf clubs meeting balls blended with upbeat hip-hop and Afrobeats at Langston Golf Course & Driving Range in Northeast Washington, D.C., creating an unexpected but welcoming atmosphere on a cool October evening. Approximately 250 people gathered for the Social Golf Association's Range Night, an event designed to bring together golf enthusiasts and complete beginners alike.
A Sanctuary During Political Turmoil
Against the backdrop of a federal government shutdown that had left many Washington-area residents anxious about their livelihoods, the Social Golf Association provided a much-needed respite. The Black-led organization created a safe space where attendees could temporarily set aside political worries and focus on community connection.
Several participants were directly affected by the Trump administration's reduction-in-force plans, including Ronaldo, a government employee who requested to use only his nickname due to fears of retaliation. "This is a great event to have, where we can come together as a community and get our minds off of things," he shared.
Ronaldo, who lives in Virginia—a state hit particularly hard by the government shutdown—explained how golf provided mental relief during uncertain times. "Although it's a stressful time right now, we can come out here and really focus on the ball. Golf is more of a mental sport than physical, so you have to clear your mind to make sure you're hitting the ball directly the way you want."
Building Inclusive Golf Communities
The Social Golf Association (SGA) was founded in 2023 by four avid golfers: Cirilo Manego III, Colby Vaughn, Shallum Atkinson, and Yvesner Zamar. Their mission centers on making golf more accessible and creating inclusive events that welcome both seasoned players and those completely new to the sport.
"We started SGA because we wanted to create a golf community that was authentic, that brought in a wide range of golfers on every skill level and that connected culture to a sport that could use more of it," explained Atkinson, who works as an attorney.
The choice of venue held historical significance. Langston Golf Course stands as one of the few public golf courses that permitted Black Americans to play during the Jim Crow era, making it an ideal location for the association's community-building efforts.
Community Impact and Future Directions
Another attendee, identified only as G, described the event as a crucial stress reliever during the government shutdown. "Throughout the day, if I leave my TV on CNN, Fox or MSNBC, it's just rhetoric. I don't know what's going to happen," said the furloughed employee from Northeast Washington. "But to have this event happen during this time, I think it is a great opportunity to bring people together."
The Social Golf Association has quickly grown from casual golf outings into a meaningful community movement. The organization hosts various events including golf tournaments, "Daddy Caddy" outings, and networking events that have even attracted congressional members like Representative Troy Carter (D-La.).
Proceeds from the Range Night event supported the HBCU Golf Tournament in October, organized by the nonprofit Bison Impact Group, demonstrating the association's commitment to broader community impact.
As the government shutdown appeared to be winding down, with moderate Democrats reaching a deal to reverse federal worker firings, events like Range Night continued to provide essential community support. "What started as casual rounds of golf has quickly turned into a movement of social golfers who are passionate about the space we helped create and the way SGA is impacting the game," Atkinson reflected.
Manego, CEO and co-founder of the Social Golf Association, summarized their vision: "We built SGA to make golf feel like it belongs to everyone—to bring new energy, real connection and a sense of culture to a game we love."
