By Susan Smiley
With golf’s global growth and increased diversity among its junior ranks, the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) officially announced the addition of a Diversity Committee at the annual Fall Board Meeting in September. Robert Ofoli is the chairman of the GAM’s newest committee which was proposed by current GAM President Sara Wold.
“A look at projections of population dynamics in the U.S. shows clearly that it will be very difficult to keep the golf industry vibrant and growing without embracing significant diversity,” Ofoli said. 
Wold believes giving more people the opportunity to experience the game of golf will lead to more people becoming lifelong golfers.
“We are seeing a lot of diversity in our junior programs and tournaments,” Wold said. “Anyone can develop a passion for golf if given the opportunity.”
The mission of the new GAM Diversity Committee is to increase diversity and inclusion across all GAM programs as well as with GAM personnel, volunteers, governors, board members and member golfers. As the committee meets in the coming months, it will target the most effective ways to grow diversity in all areas of the Golf Association of Michigan. Part of that plan includes contacting various ethnic organizations around the state and working with them to grow the game within those communities. The more diverse the GAM membership base, the more diverse the ranks of volunteers, GAM committee members, and GAM governors will become.
“The basic goal is to achieve a GAM community that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we provide programming and service,” Ofoli said.
Members of the committee are aware that the move towards more diversity will be a process and something that will grow in the coming months and years.
“As we were mentored, so must we mentor others to grow the game and develop leadership,” Wold said. “The GAM needs to increase diversity and inclusion across all GAM programs, personnel and golfers. This includes the handling of our business operations and active recruitment of people and businesses to sustain the highest quality of leadership and benefits.”
Ofoli sees the GAM Diversity Committee as a champion for inclusion in the game of golf. He believes that diversity always benefits a community and knows his committee members are dedicated to the cause.
“The committee membership is wonderful, and everyone is very dedicated to the mission,” Ofoli said. “We have already received excellent support from GAM leadership and are looking forward to going into the community and getting people involved.”
Wold added: “Golfers enjoy the game and its benefits so much that they all want to give back to the game. Welcoming everyone and giving them the opportunity to enjoy the game as much as we do, is the ultimate goal.”
