(photographers Stephen Boyd and Quinton Washington)
This year’s Women in Golf Foundation (WIGF) National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship, presented by Arcis Golf, was not just a display of incredible golf talent but a full celebration of the growth and empowerment of women in golf. Held at the award-winning Golf Club at Cinco Ranch in Katy, Texas earlier this month, the event was attended by some of the brightest female golfers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The tournament kicked-off with a welcome reception hosted by PGA TOUR Superstores, setting the tone for the week where players had a chance to mingle, enjoy games and shop.
Despite being a competitive event, the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie. The event also provided a platform for career development. Day one featured a Career Development Seminar, where college players participated in workshops aimed at helping them prepare for life after college with workshops led by experts and executives on resume writing, networking, and building a professional brand. The seminar was followed by the Business & Collegiate Golf Scramble where college players teamed up with industry leaders from H-E-B, Farmers Insurance, AJGA, LPGA, EDJ, Farmers Insurance, Chevron, USGA and more. This wasn’t just about competition; it was an opportunity for these young athletes to network and receive valuable career and life advice.
The main event unfolded over two days in a 54-hole stroke play format where teams battled it for the prestigious Renee Powell Cup. Howard University ultimately claimed the Renee Powell Cup, with their standout player Emily Mayne winning the low medalist title, earning her a spot in the Epson Tour’s Hartford HealthCare Championship. Lincoln University and Paine College tied for first place in the Division II competition. Kaathiyayani Gunasegar of Lincoln University earned the Division II low medalist title, securing an invitation to participate in the 2024 Chevron Championship Pro-Am.
Sponsors and partners, including major names like Arcis Golf, Adidas, Callaway, and Georgia Pacific, played a crucial role in the success of the event, which not only made the championship possible but also helped highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the Women in Golf Foundation, which promises to be even more memorable.
For full results and photos from this year’s event, visit WomeninGolfFoundation.org.
