To mark Black History Month, we highlight several Black, Alberta-based organizations that are using golf as a platform to strengthen communities, foster inclusion, and create meaningful impact.
Golf has historically faced perceptions of exclusivity; however, the sport has evolved significantly in recent years and continues to grow as a more accessible and welcoming game. Across Alberta, organizations are demonstrating how golf can serve as a powerful vehicle for connection, philanthropy, and cultural celebration. The following examples showcase groups that are making a tangible difference through the game.
Information and images for this story were sourced exclusively from official websites and social media accounts, as we were unable to make contact with the associations at the time of writing.
Zambezi Golf
Zambezi Golf is a Calgary-based social group comprised of local businesses and individuals of African heritage. The organization is driven by a mission to bridge generational and cultural gaps among business leaders in Alberta.
Its name is inspired by the Zambezi River—the fourth-longest river in Africa—which connects Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. As a point of convergence for these four countries, the river symbolizes unity and collaboration, reflecting the group’s goal of bringing together cultures, networks, and professional relationships.
What began as a single event has grown into a series of initiatives, including two international events scheduled for 2026. Its flagship event, the annual Zambezi Golf Tournament, remains focused on fundraising in support of African History Studies. Proceeds are directed specifically to African Studies within the Department of History at the University of Calgary, supporting Ph.D.-level research on African history topics.
African Canadian Golfers Club
The African Canadian Golfers Club (ACGC), based in Airdrie, is an association that leverages golf events to give back to the community and support those in need. The club’s vision is to cultivate a diverse community of like-minded golfers. Its mission is to use golf as a vehicle to bridge gaps, build understanding among communities, and create opportunities to give back to society.
ACGC hosts a variety of tournaments and programming throughout the season, including a one-day Battle of Alberta tournament, Single Match Play competition, Spousal Golf Training, a Ryder Cup-style tournament, and a season-long FedEx-format competition.
Its marquee event, the ACGC Open Championship, is a charity tournament that has been running for 13 years. Proceeds from the event support the Calgary Community Kitchen Program (CCKP). Since partnering with CCKP, the organization has raised more than $85,000. The Calgary Community Kitchen Program focuses on supporting marginalized Calgarians through a self-empowerment model designed to address food insecurity and related challenges.
ACGC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP REGISTRATION PAGE
Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary
The Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1993 with the goal of uniting, empowering, and uplifting Nigerians living in Calgary and surrounding communities.
The association offers a wide range of programs and initiatives, including cultural celebrations, youth mentorship, networking opportunities, and community service drives. Among its signature events is its annual charity golf tournament.
The tournament brings together members, sponsors, and partner organizations in support of charitable causes aligned with the association’s mission. Most recently, proceeds were directed to the African Cancer Support Group, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis.
Collectively, these organizations demonstrate how golf can extend far beyond the fairways. Through community-building, fundraising, and cultural connection, they are helping shape a more inclusive and impactful future for the game in Alberta.