Emily Odwin Represents Barbados with Pride at the US Women’s Open – African American Golfer’s Digest

Emily Odwin, a 21-year-old amateur golfer from Barbados, made history at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open by becoming the first Barbadian—male or female—to compete in a major golf championship. She earned her spot in the prestigious tournament through a qualifying event at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California. 

The championship took place from May 29 to June 1 at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin, featuring a par-72 course stretching 6,835 yards. Odwin posted consistent rounds of 75 on both Thursday and Friday, finishing at 6-over-par 150. Despite her steady performance, she missed the cut by five strokes, as the cut line was set at 145 (+1). 

Although she did not advance to the weekend rounds, Odwin’s participation marked a significant milestone for Barbadian golf. Her journey from Saint James Parish, Barbados, where she began playing golf at age 11, to the U.S. Women’s Open stage reflects her dedication and the growth of the sport in her home country. 

Currently a standout player for Southern Methodist University (SMU), Odwin has achieved notable success in collegiate golf. She helped lead SMU to victory in the 2024 American Athletic Conference Women’s Golf Championship, becoming the first Barbadian to win an American collegiate conference title. 

Odwin’s appearance at the U.S. Women’s Open is expected to inspire a new generation of golfers in Barbados and the Caribbean, highlighting the potential for athletes from the region to compete on the international stage.

Emily Odwin’s rise in the world of golf is a story of persistence, talent, and breaking barriers. Born and raised in Barbados, she picked up the game at age 11 and quickly showed promise in a sport that has limited visibility in the Caribbean. With few resources and even fewer local role models, Odwin carved her own path, earning recognition in junior tournaments across the region and internationally.

Her dedication paid off when she moved to the United States to pursue collegiate golf at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. Competing at the Division I level, she quickly established herself as a standout player. In 2024, she helped SMU clinch the American Athletic Conference Women’s Golf Championship, becoming the first Barbadian to win a title of that magnitude in U.S. collegiate golf. That same drive helped her qualify for the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, adding to her growing list of firsts.

Emily’s achievement is not just about individual success—it’s about representation. “Growing up in Barbados, I never imagined I’d be playing in a major,” Odwin said after her U.S. Women’s Open debut. “I hope my journey inspires other young golfers from small islands to believe that they belong on the biggest stages.”

Off the course, Odwin remains grounded and committed to giving back. She frequently returns home to work with junior golfers and has spoken about her dream of establishing a foundation to support youth sports in the Caribbean. Her visibility at major tournaments like the U.S. Women’s Open brings new energy to Caribbean golf and opens doors for future talent.

With her poise, work ethic, and clear vision, Emily Odwin is not only representing Barbados—she’s redefining what’s possible for athletes from underrepresented regions in global golf.