CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More and more women are connecting through the game of golf.
The Butterfly Golf Initiative is a private Charlotte meet-up for women to allow the golf course to become more than just a playing field. With the leadership of Verbena Mcilwaine, it’s actually a classroom for personal growth and empowerment.
The initiative teaches the fundamentals of the mental and physical aspects of the game of golf. Mcilwaine formed a female-friendly meet-up group that helps instill the confidence that’s so important on the course.
There are monthly clinics and events that keep all who participate informed and involved in the game.
Mcilwaine told WCNC Charlotte's Larry Sprinkle golf is perfect for all women, “not just Black women - women of all colors, races, creeds - it doesn’t matter, just diversifying the game of golf because we know it’s been a man’s game for so long and they have really tried to hold on to that and we are going to break those doors down.”
She said the first thing to accomplish is overcoming the idea golf is too challenging or too intimidating for women.
“I want to make it fun," Mcilwaine said. "I want to make it exciting for women to learn the game so they know what they are doing before they go out there. I’m teaching them that mental work before they work with the physical.”
Mcilwaine is inviting everyone to the Juneteenth Golf Course Takeover at Rocky River Golf Club. This in-person event is the perfect way to honor and commemorate this important day in American history. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, everyone is invited to come out and enjoy a day of fun, community, and of course, golf!
The takeover is on Saturday, June 15 at the Rocky River Golf Club. You can find information about the event here.
Contact Larry Sprinkle at lsprinkle@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.