Ebonie Cox suspected it was a hoax after receiving an invitation on social media to compete in the historic DMV Sapphire Tournament in Maryland, so she decided to do some research on the event.

“I didn’t believe it was legit, so I went to look it up and sure enough it was,” she told The Royal Gazette.

“Once I did my own research, I reached out and it went from there. They explained the vision and I wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass.

“With the help of the Bermuda golfing fraternity, here we are. The support has been overwhelming and I’m truly grateful.”

Cox is now poised to go down in history as one of the first players to showcase their talents on the newly launched Sapphire Golf Tour’s inaugural 36-hole event at the prestigious Country Club of Woodmore in Maryland next week.

“I have no expectations and I am just looking forward to competing again,” she said. “The main goal is to enjoy the experience; anything past that would be a bonus.

“I am confident in my ability, but we all know sport is all about who and what game shows up on that day. But I believe I can do well.

“I am probably one of the oldest in the field, which is different for me. I’m used to being one of the younger players in a Bermuda field.”

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the United Golfers Association launched the Sapphire Golf Tour to put a spotlight on Black women golfers and introduce more to the sport. ⁠

The tour is a premier developmental circuit dedicated to increasing diversity in professional golf by creating competitive opportunities for African-American women. Designed to bridge the gap between collegiate and elite-level competition, it provides a platform for rising talent to compete, earn and gain the exposure needed to excel in the sport.

With only eight Black women having ever played on the established LPGA Tour, the Sapphire Tour aims to remove barriers, elevate visibility and rally support for more Black excellence in golf.

⁠The inaugural season will feature 16 professionals, plus top collegiate and high school talent, with events also being held in Atlanta, Houston and Florida.

Cox is thrilled to do her part in helping the tour to achieve its objectives.

“This is one of the reasons I wanted to do it and I am just honoured to be a part of a tour built for Black women,” she said.

“That’s the reason why I just couldn’t pass it up. I exhausted all options to at least give it a try because of what these people are trying to do.

“I just couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this, just to be a part of history; something that’s created for us to springboard us.”

Cox, who departs for Maryland today, has prepared for the tournament as best as she can in between her coaching obligations.

“It was a bit of a balancing act while I was coaching more. But in August, I’ve made it a point to focus more on my own game,” she said.

“I’d say the things I’ve been working on are definitely progressing.”

Woodmore’s Arnold Palmer-designed golf course has hosted numerous US Senior Opens and Amateur Qualifiers, and three Nationwide Tour events.

“It’s my first time there for golf,” Cox said. “I don’t know much about the club, but I’m excited to see what it’s about. I’ve heard good things.”

The tournament takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday.