In a remarkable display of skill, and determination, the Howard University men's golf team achieved an astounding feat for the second consecutive year. The team clinched the PGA Works Collegiate Championship title, dominating the competition with an awe-inspiring 57-stroke lead.
This remarkable victory occurred over three days at Shoal Creek in Birmingham, Alabama. The team secured the championship with an impressive 25-under 835 score, leaving their closest competitors from North Carolina A&T State far behind.
Stellar performances by team members made all the difference. Everett Whiten Jr., a senior, emerged as the tournament star, claiming the top spot with a stunning 14-under par (201) performance. Whiten's exceptional final round, featuring an eight-under-par (64) score with no bogeys, cemented his status as a golfing prodigy.
Reflecting on his triumph, Whiten said, "It's been good vibes all week, and I knew the course was gettable if I just stayed patient. I'm so proud of my guys. It's been a long year, but we came here knowing what we had to do and trusted the process."
But Whiten was not alone in his performance. Gregory Odom Jr., a two-time PWCC Champion, secured the second-place finish with a remarkable five-under-par (210) over three rounds. Marcus Smith also contributed to the team's success with a solid four-under score in the Championship.
This remarkable achievement follows the debut of Howard University's Division 1 Men's and Women's Golf teams during the 2020-2021 academic school year. The team’s rapid ascent in such a short time is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes and their coaching staff.
Howard Head Coach Sam Puryear summarized the journey to this historic victory: "If you prepare properly and 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."
Notably, this success story was significantly boosted in 2019 when NBA superstar Steph Curry committed to supporting Howard's golf program for six years. Curry's involvement underscores the transformative power of sports, particularly golf, as a discipline that challenges one's mental strength, patience, and focus.
In Curry's words, "Golf is 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."
He continued, "I feel honored to play a small role in the rich history of Howard University, and I look forward to building their first men's and women's golf teams with them."
Indeed, 2023 was a historic year for Howard University's athletics, with numerous teams breaking long-standing records and bringing home titles. The men's swim and diving team secured their first conference title in 34 years, while the men's basketball team made a triumphant return to the NCAA Tournament after 31 years. Not to be outdone, Howard's women's basketball team claimed the MEAC title last season for the first time in 21 years.
As the men's golf team basks in the glory of their championship win, it's clear that the Bisons have truly arrived on the national stage of collegiate athletics. With a history of breaking barriers and achieving greatness, we can only anticipate even more remarkable success stories in the future. Howard University's athletes have set the bar high, and their indomitable spirit continues to inspire us all.