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Diversity in Golf With England Golf Young Ambassador Kai Williams

We spoke to England Golf Young Ambassador Kai Williams about how he is trying to drive more diversity into golf. There are many preconceptions regarding golf as a sport, it has a reputation of being quite an elitist sport and Kai is actively working to disregard that view.

Kai is incredibly passionate about diversity in sport, his chief priority being golf. Kai is an incredibly talented player, he currently holds the position of Junior Vice Captain at Bedfordshire and Count Golf Club.

We were curious to see his views on his own experience with golf, the importance of sport for etnically diverse communities, his views on how we as a sector can better engage ethnically diverse communities and more!

1) Can you give us some background on how you came to get involved in Golf?

As a young boy (aged four) finding a sport for me was really important to my parents and myself, however nothing seemed to click. I tried football, tennis, swimming and even badminton yet nothing seemed right.

Eventually my mums friend suggested golfing with my coach Sam Smith and I was in the next lesson. After that first lesson I realised that I loved every aspect of the sport and I found myself wanting to go to the next lesson everyday.

My coach Sam was so engaging, patient and fun with my class which made me want to go back, and I keep going back, even nine years later.

2) You mentioned in a previous interview that you feel Bedford do a great job of engaging Ethnically Diverse Communities vs other clubs – why do you feel that is?

I feel that Bedford does an amazing job at making Ethnically Diverse Communities feel included. I look at our country and see so many great golfer from so many different ethnic backgrounds compared to other counties where finding a ethnically diverse junior seems much more rare.

However I feel that Bedford loves it's diversity and has welcomed so many ethnically diverse juniors to play with/for them, and I have felt recognised with my achievements in golf, and supported in my ups and downs during my time in county golf.

3) Do you feel currently there is enough being done to make ethnic minorities feel included and encouraged to participate in golf?

I don't feel that there is anywhere near enough being done about encouraging ethnically diverse golfers to play golf.

I believe that the issue is so huge that drastic actions needs to be made to make this game more accessible for Ethnically Diverse Communities.

I've mentioned in a previous interview that maybe golf clubs should reach more ethnically diverse areas to encourage them to play golf because many indiividuals from ethnically diverse communtiies don't even think of golf as an option.

I think that this is because golf is stereotyped as being a sport for white men and for Ethnically Diverse Communities to think of golf as an option, this stereotype needs to changed as soon as possible.

4) What more can be done to engage ethnic minority communities to become involved in golf?

I think that schools in ethnically diverse areas should encourage their students to get into golf. This would tackle the issue at the source engaging both the Ethnically Diverse Communities and junior golfers all in one scheme.

I also think that golf clubs should communicate better with Ethnically Diverse Communities on how to get into golf and highlight the many benefits that come with the game.

This could be done through social media, newspaper and leaflets to name a few methods.

5) What is your favourite part about golf as a sport?

My favourite part about golf it's the self competition and the drive to do better the next round. I love the fact that no game is the same and you gain friends with almost everybody you play with.

6) What message would you want to give to young aspiring athletes from Ethnically Diverse Communities who are hesitant to get involved in sports due to racism and issues around inclusivity and perception?

I would say that sport is an essential part of life, it has countless benefits and is so much fun to do.

Don't be afraid of what others think of you because you deserve a chance to shine at your talents. Prove these negative individuals wrong, and show them what you are made of.

Diversity in Golf With England Golf Young Ambassador Kai Williams

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