Howard University Men’s Golf Team Wins Consecutive Championships

Another one!

Howard University’s (HU) men golf team just took home their second consecutive championship, Black Enterprise reports. The historic HBCU launched its first Division 1 men’s and women’s teams during the 2020-2021 season. Soon after, NBA superstar Stephen Curry pledged his commitment to the teams for the next six years. It was the first time in more than four decades that the University had a golf team. 

“Golf is a sport that has changed my life in ways that are less tangible, but just as impactful…so when you hear about these passionate student-athletes who have the talent but don’t have a fair shot at the game, it’s tough. I feel really honored to play a small role in the rich history of Howard University, and look forward to building their first men’s and women’s golf teams with them,” Curry previously told reporters. 

The men’s team competed this past week at the PGA Works Collegiate games, winning the championship for the second year in a row by 57 strokes. The team showed up to defend their title valiantly, Greg Odom Jr. knocking in the final put, and winning the low medalist honor for the second year in a row. Another player, Everett Whiten Jr. also shined, finishing at 14-under par, and completing the front nine in 31 shots. 

“I feel like if you prepare properly and you execute by trusting the process, things like this can happen. This is a byproduct of a lot of hard work, a lot of personal belief, a lot of sacrifice. We had a quick two-day turnaround from our conference championship, so there was a lot on everybody’s plate, but it worked out in our favor,” said HU golf coach Sam Puryear. 

In addition to the stress of the game, Odom also dealt with personal challenges with his father passing away on May 1st. Still, he came out and competed, leading the team and finishing at 5-under. 

Puryear believes it’s impressive what the students have been able to do with just a little support and a lot of passion. They’re reviving the heydays of Howard golf which had an impressive run as a Division II team in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Puryear said he’s excited to see where they go from here. 

“They have no idea how poorly underfunded we were 30-some years ago. But to see a group of brown kids do what they’ve done, and the belief system that they’ve established, it’s fantastic right now,” said Puryear.

Congratulations gentlemen! Keep going!

Cover photo: Howard University men’s golf team wins consecutive championships/Photo Courtesy of @HUBison_golf/Instagram