Ebonie Cox was thrilled to take part in the John Shippen Women’s Invitational this week.

Featuring a select field of 12 Black females, the tournament is named after the first Black professional, who took part in the 1895 US Open, and Cox described the different feeling at the event.

“It was really nice to be a part of something where you feel comfortable, you are not showing up and being the only one,” Cox said.

“For it to be so significant and for the tournament named after the first Black professional in America, it’s an experience I can’t thank them enough for.

“It was very different. A lot of the girls already knew each other and had been around each other but it was all very comfortable and the vibe was really nice. That was the part of it that I have enjoyed the most as the ladies have been so nice and welcoming to everybody.”

Cox finished the tournament in eleventh place but was pleased with her overall level given her lack of playing time

“Considering how much I play, I’m pretty happy with it, but the competitor in me knows I can be better,” Cox said.

“There were a couple of silly mistakes that really cost me but I’m happy overall. There was some good competition. It was an honour to play against players of this stature, former professionals and up-and-coming players.”

With her focus now on teaching, Cox will go back to inspiring the next generation of golfers on island with a particular focus on promoting the game to young female playerss.

“I teach more than I play now, but I’ll play the Johnnie Walker in September, but outside of that there is not much to play in unless I travel,” Cox said

“Teaching is my main focus and why I don’t play as much. For me, giving back and being able to push a sport that has given me so much is really important. I feel almost an obligation to do what I can with the youth, especially, females and do what I can to get them on the golf course.

“We have Sienna Mosquera and Darina Betschart out and playing now and, although two or three may not seem a lot, to come from nothing is a good sign and very encouraging.”