As it turns out, football isn’t the only sport that Melvin Gordon III is passionate about.
Gordon, who re-signed with the Denver Broncos in April, founded Vibez Golf Club with Houston Texan’s Dare Ogunbowale in the Summer of 2021.
Both Gordon and Ogunbowale are alumni of the University of Wisconsin and teamed up with seven other guys who also played football for the Wisconsin Badgers.
The club was established in an effort to diversify the game of golf.
They hosted their first annual Vibez Golf Club charity event this past November. On July 15th, they also hosted a fundraiser tournament in Madison, Wisconsin, near where Gordon grew up, to celebrate their one-year anniversary.
Gordon’s teammates Justin Simmons, Courtland Sutton, and Sam Martin recently partook in a head-to-head competition with the company’s founders that was highlighted on Vibez Golf Club’s Youtube channel.
In an interview, Gordon said, “Man, we’re trying to make the game more approachable. You know, more approachable. And, you know, for guys like me, guys like us, guys dressed like me, look like me.”
"Growing up, I didn't think that was a thing. I didn't think I could go to a golf course."@VibezGolfClub founders @DGO23_ and @MelvinGordon25 are dedicated to diversifying the game of golf. pic.twitter.com/U7hl1ucI6g
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 21, 2022
The club’s mission statement says, “Golf should and can be played by anyone, regardless of their background, upbringing, and personal appearances. No one should try to be someone they aren’t, nor should they act a certain way to be accepted into the world of golf. As long as you play the game for enjoyment and respect its rules, you can play.”
Vibez Golf Club was inspired by Gordon’s upbringing and desire to provide resources and outlets to kids who are growing up in similar circumstances.
“You know where I come from, it’s either you got to be good at football and basketball. And, you know, golf is not thought of. It’s not something that you think of as a way to put food on your family’s table, you know?”
Gordon and Ogunbowale both made appearances at the 3M Open PGA Tour to promote Vibez Golf Club last week.
To learn more about what Vibez Golf Club is doing, visit https://vibezgolfclub.com/.