Detroit Golf Club Welcomes New Leader During 2025 Rocket Classic
Michele Samuels has been named president of the Detroit Golf Club, marking a historic moment during the 2025 Rocket Classic. She is the first Black woman to lead the club since it was founded in 1899.
The announcement came with praise from club members and community leaders. Samuels, a longtime supporter of the club, said she feels “humbled” by the opportunity to lead. Her new role follows more than a decade of active membership and a 35-year corporate career.
Samuels Carries Legacy of Underground Railroad Freedom Fighter
Samuels draws strength from her deep family roots. She is the great-great-granddaughter of William Parker, a freedom fighter who helped lead the 1851 Christiana Riot. Parker was an escaped enslaved person who later became a conductor on the Underground Railroad in Canada.
“When I learned about it, I did draw a lot of inspiration from it,” Samuels said. “It explained a lot about who I am.” Parker and his wife Eliza sheltered many escaping slavery, and their courage continues to inspire Samuels today.
A Career in Leadership and a Passion for Golf
Before taking on her new role, Samuels worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for 35 years. She retired earlier this year as senior VP, general auditor, and compliance officer. Her leadership in business has now extended to one of Detroit’s most prestigious clubs.
She joined the Detroit Golf Club in 2012 and quickly became known for her love of golf, her leadership skills, and her community pride. “I’ve always been a supporter of Detroit,” she shared. “It’s just an honor to lead in a space where people like me were once denied.”
Honoring the Past While Shaping the Future
During the Rocket Classic, Samuels reflected on Detroit’s Black golf history and her new place in it. “That session gave me a strong perspective about how Black people were denied access to clubs,” she said. Her presidency is a symbol of how far the city has come—and the work still ahead.
Samuels said she hopes her story will inspire others to lead with courage. “Love the environment, love the diversity of the club,” she added. “It’s very unique.”
