Historically black colleges and universities and their golf programs

Black Colleges & Universities

By Herschel Caldwell

Notwithstanding the colleges and universities commonly known as HBCU were formed well before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the original purpose was to provide an education for reconstruction era African Americans. They were created to make sure that Blacks who sought an advanced education could get one in a separate but not so equal society.

These schools also offered young African American male and female athletes an otherwise impossible opportunity to develop their skills. As a matter of history, a Black University produced one the centuries great quarterbacks Doug Williams (Grambling, who led his team (Washington Redskins) to a super bowl championship over the Denver Broncos. There have been numerous successful business, and public figures Dr. Martin Luther King, Morehouse College, Oprah Winfrey, Tennessee State, to name a few.

Florida A&M 2018-2019 Golf Team – photo Florida A&M

The development of relevant curriculums and the attraction of top instructors have elevated the HBCU to a level many thought unachievable. The top tier schools offer a variety of degrees and advanced degree program as well as opportunities for the development of sports. Golf is one of them, and over the years the HBCU golf rosters have produced some excellent young golfers capable of playing at the highest collegiate level. Eddie Payton, brother of the hall of fame Chicago Bear running back, Walter tried to recruit Tiger Woods…alas, Stanford was in play, and the rest is history.

The original intent of the golf programs was to introduce and develop minority talent in a sport heretofore unavailable. Noble. Of course, until winning intercollegiate championships became more of a priority than minority golf development. The coaches and administrations gave in to the demand of alums who wanted to win championships and to achieve that the coaches began to recruit young men and women who were playing golf since elementary school, hence the recruit and scholarships given to foreign and white students with extensive golf experience.

BHB Bethune Cookman University 2019 Womens Golf Team

Minority Golf Magazine has always held the position that the value of the competition and the experience gained by actually playing at a high level is far more important than winning a championship. Having said that, we are very aware of the myriad issues involved in collegiate sports.

If you have a chance this year, Google an HBCU golf match schedule and treat yourself to a display of great golf by a dedicated group of young college players. The one event not to miss is the PGA Works Championship, formerly the PGA Minority Collegiate Championship played and hosted by the PGA Golf Club in Ft St. Lucie, Florida.

The 33rd PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship will be held from May 8-12, 2019 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

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