Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry is establishing Howard University's first NCAA Division 1 golf program.
According to a Monday news release from the university, Curry pledged to support the program for the next six years. Curry was led to establish the program after meeting Otis Ferguson IV, a golfer and senior at Howard, in January. Forbes reported that Curry was on campus hosting a viewing "Emmanuel," a documentary he produced on the 2015 Charleston church shooting in which nine African Americans were murdered.
"Utilizing his unique position, Curry will introduce and increase access to elite golf at a historically black college, furthermore calling on sport and community giants like Under Armour, Callaway, (he and wife Ayesha Curry's foundation) Eat. Learn. Play., among others, for help with equipment, uniforms, and more," the news release said.
Howard plans to debut the first women's and men's golf teams in the 2020-2021 academic year.
"Golf is a sport that has changed my life in ways that are less tangible, but just as impactful," Curry said in a statement. "It's a discipline that challenges your mental wherewithal from patience to focus, and is impossible to truly master, 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."
Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
ESPN reported that Howard previously competed in Division II golf. University officials think the teams were disbanded in the 1970s.
Curry was joined by Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Ferguson, the university's athletic director, Kery Davis, and Calloway CEO Oliver "Chip" Brewer for a tee-off Monday in Washington, D.C.
School officials will start searching for coaches, playe
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