Travel is one of the most expensive aspects of golf, from the junior divisions to the PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour and United Airlines have teamed up to provide travel funds to more than 50 historically black colleges and universities to assist their golf teams compete in events around the country.
United will distribute more than $500,000 in grants to the teams, which will be split evenly among 51 programs. Each team will get $10,000 in travel credits, which will assist an estimated 250 student-athletes and coaches go to tournaments that would otherwise be out of reach.
In a statement, United President Brett Hart said, “Removing restrictions for HBCU students to have the same chances as other collegiate athletes would open doors for countless young Black golfers to realize their aspirations and for HBCU golf programs to expand to their full potential.”
Coach Charles Penny II of Winston-Salem University golf, whose program was revived for the first time in ten years last year, claimed the team was only able to compete in one fall tournament due to a lack of funds for additional travel. According to him, the squad will be able to compete in as many as four tournaments next fall thanks to the United credits.
“The United Airlines award will have a significant influence on our program’s ability to travel,” said Penny in a statement.
The travel credits will be given to the Florida A&M men’s team and the Bethune-Cookman women’s team, among others. They will be allowed to apply when the Edward Waters women’s team begins play in 2023.
United Airlines is the official airline of the PGA Tour and was the Tour’s first HBCU Grant Program sponsor.
In a statement, Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said, “We have made a pledge to help diversify the landscape of competitive golf, and this collaboration between United Airlines and these colleges and universities will be a significant step towards leveling the playing field and enhancing the student-athlete experience along the way.”
