University of Richmond Athletics
Sugg Enshrined in National Black Golf Hall of Fame
09/18/2023 | Women's Golf
ATLANTA — In front of a large crowd of friends, family, media members, and other luminaries from the world of golf, LaRee Sugg chose to format her induction speech at the National Black Golf Hall of Fame as the most private of communications: a love letter. Saturday, as Sugg and three others were enshrined into the Hall at a ceremony in the Omni Hotel, Sugg reflected on the places and people that had helped make her a pioneering figure in golf and higher education, penning a 'love letter' to each.
A great-great Aunt in Yazoo City, Miss. who stressed the importance of education. A grandfather who cut down her first set of clubs. Historically Black colleges and universities, which introduced her to college golf. Members of her rookie class on the LPGA Tour. Her mother, husband, and son. All of them, and more, are responsible for what Sugg called "the amazing life adventure that has taken me around the world and back home again."
Sugg was one of four members enshrined in the National Black Golf Hall of Fame during 37th anniversary celebrations this weekend in Atlanta. After a decorated collegiate career at UCLA, during which she led the Bruins to the 1991 national championship, Sugg turned pro, becoming just the third African-American to play on the LPGA Tour. She joined the University of Richmond in 2001 as the school's first women's golf coach, and was named CAA Coach of the Year shortly thereafter, in 2002.
Sugg left coaching for administration in 2005, when she was elevated to Assistant Athletics Director. She is now Richmond's Deputy Director of Athletics for Policy and Sports Management, as well as the department's Senior Woman Administrator and its Chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Sugg was inducted in front of a crowd that included her husband Paul McRae, the first Black PGA teaching professional at the Resorts of Pinehurst, her son James, and friends and co-workers Bruce Matthews and Courtney Hughes from Richmond Athletics.
Sugg recalled Saturday's ceremony as both fun and emotional, and said she was heartened to have members of the Richmond Athletics Department there among her supporters.
"I am deeply humbled by this honor and recognition," said Sugg. "I am overwhelmed by the well wishes and messages of congratulations from my family, friends, and the Spider community. My grandfather, golf partner, and biggest fan, Dr. James C. Nelson, who instilled in me a love of the game and empowered me to always dream big is smiling from heaven."
"Most importantly, I am so proud to stand on the shoulders of the trailblazing female African American professional and amateur golfers who came before me, including Althea Gibson, Renee Powell, and Ann Gregory. They remain shining examples of strength, sacrifice, and courage as they gracefully endured and broke racial barriers to ensure those who came behind them had access and a path to compete at the highest level," said Sugg.
Also inducted into the Hall on Saturday were Andre Springs, an NAIA All-American as a player at Fayetteville State, Stephen Hamblin, Executive Director of the American Junior Golf Association, and Carl Jackson, the longest serving caddie at Augusta National Golf Club.
The Hall, founded in 1986, aims to celebrate and honor achievements of Black individuals in the golf industry. The organization also recognizes leaders, regardless of race or ethnicity, who ensure Blacks are presented opportunities in the world of golf.
Read Sugg's prepared remarks from Saturday evening here.
A great-great Aunt in Yazoo City, Miss. who stressed the importance of education. A grandfather who cut down her first set of clubs. Historically Black colleges and universities, which introduced her to college golf. Members of her rookie class on the LPGA Tour. Her mother, husband, and son. All of them, and more, are responsible for what Sugg called "the amazing life adventure that has taken me around the world and back home again."
Sugg was one of four members enshrined in the National Black Golf Hall of Fame during 37th anniversary celebrations this weekend in Atlanta. After a decorated collegiate career at UCLA, during which she led the Bruins to the 1991 national championship, Sugg turned pro, becoming just the third African-American to play on the LPGA Tour. She joined the University of Richmond in 2001 as the school's first women's golf coach, and was named CAA Coach of the Year shortly thereafter, in 2002.
Sugg left coaching for administration in 2005, when she was elevated to Assistant Athletics Director. She is now Richmond's Deputy Director of Athletics for Policy and Sports Management, as well as the department's Senior Woman Administrator and its Chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Sugg was inducted in front of a crowd that included her husband Paul McRae, the first Black PGA teaching professional at the Resorts of Pinehurst, her son James, and friends and co-workers Bruce Matthews and Courtney Hughes from Richmond Athletics.
Sugg recalled Saturday's ceremony as both fun and emotional, and said she was heartened to have members of the Richmond Athletics Department there among her supporters.
"I am deeply humbled by this honor and recognition," said Sugg. "I am overwhelmed by the well wishes and messages of congratulations from my family, friends, and the Spider community. My grandfather, golf partner, and biggest fan, Dr. James C. Nelson, who instilled in me a love of the game and empowered me to always dream big is smiling from heaven."
"Most importantly, I am so proud to stand on the shoulders of the trailblazing female African American professional and amateur golfers who came before me, including Althea Gibson, Renee Powell, and Ann Gregory. They remain shining examples of strength, sacrifice, and courage as they gracefully endured and broke racial barriers to ensure those who came behind them had access and a path to compete at the highest level," said Sugg.
Also inducted into the Hall on Saturday were Andre Springs, an NAIA All-American as a player at Fayetteville State, Stephen Hamblin, Executive Director of the American Junior Golf Association, and Carl Jackson, the longest serving caddie at Augusta National Golf Club.
The Hall, founded in 1986, aims to celebrate and honor achievements of Black individuals in the golf industry. The organization also recognizes leaders, regardless of race or ethnicity, who ensure Blacks are presented opportunities in the world of golf.
Read Sugg's prepared remarks from Saturday evening here.
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