Recently, most of the news surrounding HBCU athletics revolved around the hiring of big-name coaches. Jackson State hired Deion Sanders. Eddie George was named head football coach at Tennessee State. But two years ago, Howard University made head-turning news by securing the help of Steph Curry.
Yet it wasn’t for basketball. No, it was for golf.
After a chance meeting between Curry and Howard student Otis Ferguson IV, both of whom are avid golfers, Curry agreed to sponsor Howard’s golf team for six years. The sponsorship began last year and while the full amount wasn’t disclosed, it was said to be sizable. Enough to cover the costs of three to four scholarships for the men’s and women’s teams, the hiring of a coach, and recruiting expenses.
The 2020-21 season was a success for Howard’s inaugural program. Gregory Odom Jr. won the individual title at the HBCU national championship, the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Works Collegiate Championship.
Last weekend, the team got another boost at the Bison at the Beach Inaugural Golf Classic. The event was a huge success as it raised over $3 million for the budding program.
“Our inaugural golf classic marks an incredible milestone in the development and success of our golf program,” said Howard’s athletic director Kery D. Davis. “The support from our sponsors and other members of the Howard community who participated in the event was inspiring to me, and it sends a very encouraging message to our student-athletes. I am so grateful for the support, and I look forward to returning to Pebble Beach for this event next year.”
Wayne A.I. Frederick, president of Howard University, echoed Davis’ sentiments.
“I am also immensely grateful to Stephen Curry for his continued support and generosity, which has enabled our Division I men’s and women’s golf teams to thrive,” said President Frederick. “Our goal is to introduce and inspire much-needed diversity into the world of golf. And as the golf course continues to serve as an important forum for business, the presence of Howard’s student-athletes will only increase professional opportunities for students from historically Black colleges and universities and minority communities. I am grateful to Pebble Beach for hosting our event.”
Bison at the Beach was held at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Califonia, one of the top public courses in the country. By the sound of it, next year could be even bigger and better.
“The Bison at the Beach Inaugural Golf Classic at Pebble Beach was incredible,” said Samuel G. Puryear, head coach for the Howard University men and women’s golf program. “The love and energy and the extreme kindness everyone showed at the event has already gotten me excited about next year’s Bison at the Beach, when we return to Pebble Beach during the Summer of 2022. We are truly trying to serve as the North Star for others to follow. This experience will create opportunities for years to come.”
