Lennard Long’s story is a testament to how golf can change lives. As a former First Tee participant and Morehouse golfer, Lennard was given the opportunity to attend the Wells Fargo Championship in 2022 and play in the pro-am with PGA TOUR superstar Rory McIlroy. The experience was life-changing for Lennard, who impressed the event organizers and was subsequently hired as a DC-based communications specialist for Wells Fargo.
Lennard’s journey began with the First Tee, an organization that uses golf to teach life skills and positive values. He played collegiate golf at Morehouse before accepting a job in communications and programming at First Tee – Greater Washington, DC to begin his career. Lennard and three other First Tee alumni, who were all either HBCU students or alumni, were selected to attend the Wells Fargo Championship and play in the pro-am with a PGA Tour golfer.
Playing alongside Rory McIlroy was undoubtedly a highlight for Lennard, but the experience went beyond just golf. The four First Tee alumni attended networking events and participated in a clinic for First Tee participants.
“I was just talking to him on the course. Rory is such an amazing golfer, and you can tell that he got there by working hard and soaking up as much knowledge as he could. Before talking to him, I had a lot of complex ideas on how to play golf. As we talked, Rory really showed me that the best players in the world work hard on simplifying their game and keeping a consistent routine that works for them,” recalled Lennard.
Lennard’s story is a powerful example of how golf can change lives, on and off the course. The game has always been used as a networking tool, and Lennard’s experience demonstrates how it can create opportunities for underrepresented communities. “Disparities that marginalize underrepresented groups do not come from a lack of talent but a lack of opportunity. Golf is a great tool to bridge that gap,” says Lennard.
“At the Wells Fargo Championship, I had the opportunity to network with Wells Fargo executives, including CEO Charlie Scharf. As I talked to the executives about their roles and experiences, I really saw Wells Fargo as a place where I could thrive,” says Lennard. “After the tournament, I made sure to stay connected with the executives that I met. Due to my persistence, just a few months after the tournament I started interviewing for positions within the company. In July 2022, “I was originally hired in regional media, and now, I create communications for the Chief Operating Office.”
As a communications specialist for Wells Fargo, Lennard manages project and program communications. He is currently focused on creating an announcement for the Neurodiversity hiring program. Lennard’s favorite part of his job is working with his colleagues, who are an incredibly supportive and helpful group of people.
Lennard’s journey serves as an inspiration to young golfers and aspiring professionals. By taking advantage of all the opportunities that have come his way, he has not only taken his career to the next level but has also given back to younger kids who are just learning the game of golf. Lennard‘s story is a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.
