Hampton University Women’s Golf Team (photo: Sydnee Mack)
By Sydnee Mack
June 6, 2020 —During a time when we are grieving the loss of loved ones, friends, neighbors, good health, safety, financial security, employment and community, it pains me to share that we are also losing parts of our history too – we are losing parts of our beloved HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Hampton University (HU) officials recently made the decision to cut the entire HU golf program (both men’s and women’s golf teams).
No official statement has been released regarding the reason behind the cuts. One might assume that the cuts are coming as a result of the immense financial strain being faced by colleges and universities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A disease that has been disproportionately impacting Black communities and families and now, institutions of higher learning.
“The coronavirus has taken its toll on the finances of our school. The smaller sports were the first to go,” said golf coach Dennis Nelson. “I don’t know if we’ll be one or two years without a golf program or more. I’m hopeful that it’s short-term.”
As a former member of the Hampton University women’s golf team, this news absolutely broke my heart. The discontinuation of these programs not only thwarts the opportunity for most of these young athletes to play college golf, but it also negates the opportunity for many to receive scholarships and removes the opportunity for some to obtain a college education.
Many leading associations and public figures in the golf industry have come forth recently to voice their sympathies, disappointment, and outrage surrounding current events of social injustice that have negatively impacted the Black community. They have also made pledges and commitments to help improve the lives of minorities in this country, at least as much as they can, through the game of golf.
This unfortunate circumstance can be an opportunity for those truly committed to diversifying the game of golf, to step up and put actions behind their words – to really make an impact within the minority/Black golf community. Our community is losing something that is important to us as Black golfers. Something that has created a strong pipeline for minority talent both on the golf course and in the golf industry.
I am writing this to challenge all golf industry stakeholders to do their part to save these programs that are vital to the health of the Black golf community, which is a direct reflection and extension of the entire golf community. This, my friends, is your opportunity to step up and help save our schools and our golf programs – starting with Hampton University.
I, as well as my fellow HU Golf alumni, however, are not relying solely on the aid of golf industry stakeholders to save our schools. We want to be part of the solution to this problem in helping to protect and preserve our beloved Hampton University’s golf program for the generations of young Black golfers that we hope will follow in our footsteps. Accordingly, we have partnered with the Women in Golf Foundation to:
- Raise awareness about this important issue;
- Raise funds to help these programs and the young athletes who populate them.
I invite any interested parties to join us in the fight by making a donation.
Donations to Women In Golf Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible as charitable contributions – Tax ID 58 – 2527454
*Make sure to note in the special instructions that your donation is in support of Hampton University.
ALL funds raised will either go directly to HU Golf members affected by the potential loss of their scholarships or directly to the Athletic Department for the specific purpose of rebuilding the golf program.
The Women in Golf Foundation (WIGF) is a 501©3 charitable organization that supports women in golf. The organization focuses on creating opportunities for women and youth by implementing programs that develop leadership and life skills as women learn to play the game of golf competitively. The foundation also hosts the Women’s Collegiate Championship which is designed to provide a National Championship for HBCU Women’s Golf Programs. In its 25-year history, the WIGF has donated over $100,000 to support HBCU Golf Programs.
For More Information Please Contact:
The Women in Golf Foundation: info@womeningolffoundation.com
Sydnee Mack: sydneer.mack@gmail.com
Crystal Smitherman: csmitherman11@gmail.com
MikeaGranberry: mikea.a.granberry@gmail.com
Sydnee Mack
Owner of Sydnee Mack Attorney at Law and Adjunct Professor of Sports Law. Her boutique law firm, based in Atlanta, Ga., specializes in Sports & Entertainment, Small Business and Trademarks.
In recent years, seven HBCUs have cut their women’s golf programs including: Benedict College, Talladega College, Spelman College, Southern University, Grambling State University, South Carolina State University, Jackson State University and now Hampton University. Leaving only 11 women’s golf programs remaining amongst the 102 existing HBCU’s.
HBCUs with Women’s Golf Teams
*Women’s Golf Program cut due to lack of funding
** Schools that haven’t had a program in several decades:
- Alabama State University
- Bethune Cookman College
- Delaware State University
- Howard University (new 2020)
- Lincoln University (MO)
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Savannah State University (pending cut 2020)
- Tennessee State University
- Texas Southern University
- *Alcorn State University
- *Benedict College
- *Bennett College
- *Grambling State University
- *Hampton University (Cut 2020)
- *Jackson State University
- *Mississippi Valley State University
- *South Carolina State
- *Spelman College
- *Southern University
- *Talladega College
- **Florida A&M
- **Fort Valley State University
- **Morris Brown College
- **Tuskegee University (Institute)
- **Wilberforce
