Black History Month is a time to reflect on sacrifice, resilience, and the leaders who paved the way. It is also a time to recognize the next generation, young athletes who are honoring that legacy every time they step onto the course.
At Youth on Course, that legacy lives in the journeys of alumni and members like Ashley Shaw, Marcus Leonard, and Makayla Harris. Each of them carries history with them not as a weight, but as fuel.
For Ashley Shaw, Black History Month is rooted in three words: gratitude, responsibility, and pride.
Gratitude for the generations who sacrificed so she could access opportunities once out of reach. Responsibility to pursue excellence because of those sacrifices. And pride in the accomplishments of Black leaders who proved that obstacles are never an excuse to fall short of your potential.
Ashley’s own journey reflects that mindset.
She made her LPGA Tour debut at just 15 years old. She became the youngest Arizona Women’s Match Play Champion. Today, she is a Mizuno Ambassador and committed to the University of Georgia to continue her academic and athletic career.
"Having access to golf through Youth on Course has made a huge difference in what I have been able to accomplish. Youth on Course has helped me prepare for tournaments and consistently improve my game. Having access to courses all around the country at an affordable price has allowed me to practice and play at some of the best courses in the country. This access helps me to test my game on some very challenging courses and continue to grow my golf IQ. Access to these courses gives me greater preparation, which leads to better outcomes."
Her inspiration starts at home. Between her mother and two grandmothers, there are nine academic degrees, a legacy of excellence in the classroom and devotion to family. Watching them succeed while remaining grounded has shaped Ashley’s drive to excel both on and off the course.
For Youth on Course alum Marcus Leonard, Black History Month is about honoring the leaders and everyday people who paved the way for him to thrive today.
Now a junior at Alabama State University majoring in communications, Marcus competes at the collegiate level while balancing the demands of academics and athletics.
"In my three years at Alabama State University, I have learned that balancing academics and athletics is challenging. A strict schedule and being disciplined make the process more manageable. Golf has also helped prepare me for life beyond the course by teaching me that even when you do everything right, things do not always go as planned. In those moments, success is determined by how you respond and handle the situation."
Marcus intentionally chose to attend a Historically Black University, understanding the power of visibility. He wants young golfers who look like him to see that collegiate golf and beyond is possible.
One of his greatest inspirations is his swing coach from back home, Coach Jeff Dunovant, part of the only Black father-son duo to become PGA members during a time when significant barriers existed in the sport. That perseverance left a lasting impression.
Access played a pivotal role in Marcus’s development.
"Youth on Course gives all youth golfers, no matter what background they have, the ability to walk a round of golf for just 5 dollars. Youth on Course, in one word, is necessary. Without Youth on Course giving me the ability to walk nice golf courses for just 5 dollars, I would not have made it this far as a golfer."
Today, his goals stretch beyond personal achievement. He wants to graduate with honors, continue competing at a high level, and use his experiences to mentor younger athletes who look up to him. For Marcus, community means family, teammates, coaches, and supporters who push one another daily to be better.
Representation, he believes, gives kids hope and hope can change everything. One word to describe Youth on Course? Necessary.
For Makayla Harris, Black History Month is a time of reflection, a reminder of the endurance, hardships, and accomplishments of those who came before her.It is also a source of motivation.
Her father’s stories about their family history and his encouragement to remain determined have shaped her perspective. His strength and pride inspire her to work hard and never give up, even when challenges arise.
As a competitive golfer, Makayla has experienced firsthand how access can remove barriers.
"Access to golf through Youth on Course makes it easily accessible to junior golfers, like myself, to get extra practice on golf courses at a remarkable cost. This allows golfers to play more often without worrying about the costly green fees. Due to the low cost of a round through Youth on Course, I’m able to budget for improved golf equipment and attire."
But Youth on Course has also built something less tangible: confidence.
"Youth on Course has given me the confidence to interact more with people and socialize in environments. It has helped positively influence my public speaking ability and I’m now able to hold conversations with new people I meet."
Her goals are clear: continue developing her game, earn a college scholarship, achieve academic success, and one day compete on the LPGA Tour.
Three different journeys. Three different stories. One shared truth: access and representation matters. Black History Month reminds us that progress in sports and in life is built on the sacrifices of those who refused to accept limitations. Today, these young athletes are honoring that history not just by remembering it, but by living it.
They are competing. Leading. Inspiring. And with every round they play, they are helping shape a more inclusive future for the game of golf.