Golf is truly an enchanting game.
It’s a sport that can transport us to various places. Throughout a round, every shot feels like something new—it’s a constant test pushing us beyond our limits. To achieve lasting success, one must adapt at the highest level.
Golf also has a tangible way of connecting people. It allows for relationship-building. It’s a sport that the average person can enjoy well into their later years.
Underneath all the competition, golf can be a lot of fun too. Whether playing with friends or competing, it brings out that competitive spirit, making one strive to succeed against others.
The PGA Works Collegiate Championship (PWCC) captures these ideals. Set to take place this week in Kohler, Wisconsin, it aims to unite 180 student-athletes from HBCUs, Hispanic service organizations, and other minority-serving institutions, all at the prestigious Whistling Straits venue.
You might not consider yourself a golfer, yet it’s clear that this sport hasn’t provided ample opportunities for many in the often-overlooked community. Golf can be exclusive. Honestly, it’s often overstated. Barriers exist everywhere, and they need breaking down to ensure everyone has an equal shot.
Considered the “most culturally important championship in college golf,” the PWCC unfolds at a time when university golf is thriving. Thanks to the PGA of America, these young athletes can seize this opportunity together.
Kenny Sims, who directs Impact at PGA Reach, discussed not just the event itself but also how vital it is for students to gain something meaningful from the game as they progress in life. The PWCC began in 1986, a time when minority inclusion was significantly lower than today.
While golf is central to the PWCC, Kenny’s teams work to equip these student-athletes for life beyond college, highlighting that they’re still students, after all.
“It’s more than just a golf tournament. It’s a chance to showcase oneself in golf and beyond.”
Kenny mentioned a career showcase taking place on May 4th, just a day before the event. This initiative provides students with insights and resources about life after graduation, something not often available to these young athletes. Over the last six years, 72 participants from PWCC have launched their golf careers, emphasizing the event’s value.
As for the golfing aspect, it’s quite serious. The event features five divisions, including Women’s Team Division, Division I Men’s Team Division, Division II Men’s Team Division, and individual participants for both genders. There’s certainly a title to be won.
Some athletes have backgrounds in overlooked golf tours. Underrated stars like Steph Curry and professional golfers aim to create opportunities for underrepresented youth in the sport. Originating from a discussion, Laurie highlighted that merely 17% of Black and brown youth participate in recreational golf, and an even smaller 2% compete at a legal level.
So far, over 40 players have earned college or professional golf opportunities thanks to these underrated initiatives. Notably, Southern University fields five athletes at this year’s PWCC, many of whom have come from that overlooked tour.
The enthusiasm surrounding Lowery’s, Curry’s, and the underrated tour’s perspective speaks to the need for expanding involvement in golf. It’s often highlighted that golf can open one’s horizons, depending on the opportunities available.
The collaboration between Underrated and PWCC encompasses not just golf, but also addresses life’s broader challenges. Creating events and opportunities for experiences that minorities might not normally encounter is essential for our collective growth. These experiences form lasting memories. Lowery, co-hosting a podcast, reminisces about winning the PWCC many years ago.
Sports have a unique ability to unify us. In golf, there are individuals dedicated to ensuring that doors that are usually closed don’t remain that way.
Attending this week’s event, Howard’s Morgan Harrell expressed excitement about the opportunities presented.
“What I love most about PWCC is that it goes beyond being just a golf tournament; it serves a greater purpose by opening doors for underrepresented communities in golf. Being a part of it is truly an honor and a testament to the power of expression.”
PWCC is set to be showcased on the Golf Channel from Monday to Wednesday, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. As Morgan and many others can attest, it’s clear that meaningful enjoyment is found while striving to make a difference.
