KOHLER, Wis. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) men’s golf team made history this week, capturing the 2025 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at the renowned Whistling Straits course in Kohler, Wisconsin. This landmark achievement marks UAPB’s first-ever HBCU National Championship in men’s golf and a historic milestone for HBCU athletics.
On a cold and windy final day of competition, the Golden Lions posted rounds of + 23 over par (291, 280, and 311) for a three-day team total of 882, earning a dominant 32-stroke victory over Prairie View A&M and North Carolina A&T (+55), who tied for second. Texas Southern (+65) and Chicago State (+69) rounded out the top five.
Hosted annually by the PGA of America, the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship is regarded as the most prestigious golf event for HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. UAPB’s victory elevates the program to national prominence and underscores the increasing competitiveness of HBCU golf programs across the country.
“This is a monumental achievement for our program,” said UAPB Head Coach Roger Totten, a five-time Coach of the Year honoree. “These young men have worked incredibly hard and grown so much over the season. To see their dedication rewarded with a national championship on such a big stage is phenomenal. This victory gives our program and our university tremendous national visibility, and it showcases the caliber of talent in HBCU golf. I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”
Totten, who has led UAPB to two SWAC championships in the last three seasons, has built a program defined by resilience, discipline, and excellence. That culture was on full display at Whistling Straits, where the Golden Lions placed four golfers in the top 10:
- Jose Berenguel (So.), a First-Team All-Conference selection, was crowned individual medalist at 7-under-par (71–64–74 = 209).
- Jules De Reu (So.) finished 4th at +7 (72–69–82 = 223).
- Juan Melida (Fr.) placed 5th at +9 (73–74–78 = 225).
- Timur Alalin (So.) finished 10th at +14 (75–73–82 = 230).
- Jonathan Baumann (Fr.) contributed steady play, finishing 28th at +22 (76–79–83 = 238).
Totten also credited the broader UAPB family for supporting the program’s growth.
“I also want to thank my Athletic Director, the administration, our supporters on campus, and the Pine Bluff community,” Totten added. “This win belongs to all of us.”
