Meet the 2025 Champions
Bailey Davis claimed her first SHIPPEN win at THE JOHN SHIPPEN Women’s Invitational presented by Dow, securing two LPGA Tour exemptions. She competed in the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give (June 12–15) and the Dow Championship (June 26–29).
On the men’s side, Joe Hooks claimed the title at THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational presented by Rocket, earning an exemption into the Rocket Classic (June 24–29), making his PGA Tour debut.
THE JOHN SHIPPEN was established by Intersport to identify historical barriers to and expand upon Black representation in the sport of golf and create awareness, access and opportunities for persons of color in the business of sports.
The event is named after John Shippen, Jr., who was the first American-born golf professional and also the country's first Black golf professional. Shippen was bestowed PGA of America membership posthumously in 2009.
$84B
Dollar Industry
1%
of PGA of America Club Professionals are Black
0
Black Current LPGA TOUR Players
0
Black Current PGA TOUR Players
THE JOHN SHIPPEN is a vehicle to provide opportunities that can fundamentally increase diversity in golf on a national scale. The sport of golf is an $84 billion industry with more than two million golf-related jobs. However, less than one percent of PGA of America club professionals are Black, and only four current PGA Tour players are Black. However, less than one percent of PGA of America club professionals are Black. Currently, only four PGA TOUR and zero LPGA Tour players are Black.
These statistics do not reflect a lack of talented Black golfers, but rather, they reflect limited access and resources. Historical barriers for Black golfers include: affordable and consistent access to championship courses, quality golf equipment, top-rated swing coaches, sponsorship and access to funding for housing and travel.
2025
ABOUT JOHN SHIPPEN, JR?
The John Shippen event is named in honor of John Shippen, Jr., the first American-born golf professional and the first Black golf professional.
John Shippen, Jr., the original trailblazer for Blacks in golf, played in five U.S. Opens from 1896-1913.
TELECAST
View the special telecast from The CBS Sports Network highlighting The John Shippen and its participants from 2025.