FLORIDA A&M, MILES COLLEGE, AND HOWARD UNIVERSITY WIN INAUGURAL HBCU COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY ARCIS GOLF
Golf, Networking, and Social Events A Hit With Competitors and Corporate Partners
Dallas, TX (Feb. 29, 2024) — The Florida A&M University (Division 1), Miles College (Division 2), and Howard University (women) golf teams emerged victorious in the inaugural HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Collegiate Golf Championship, presented by Arcis Golf.
The Club at Weston Hills in Weston, Fla.—which is owned and operated by Arcis Golf—was the setting for the three-day event, held Feb. 24-26, which also featured numerous networking and social events. The competition was held on The Players Course, one of two magnificent, 18-hole golf courses created by world-renowned designer Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Marcus Taylor of Florida A&M University captured the men’s individual title (Division 1), finishing -4 (70-71-71=212), sealing the victory on the second playoff hole over Drew Walker of North Carolina A&T (70-70-72=212). The Division 2 men’s individual title went to Jaden Saunders of Savannah State University, who finished at +1 (70-72-75=217). Howard University’s Kendall Jackson took the women’s individual competition with a three-round score of -1, racking up rounds of 70-74-71=215.
The 16 colleges and universities that participated were: Savannah State University, Virginia State University, Livingstone College, Johnson C. Smith University, Howard University, Florida A & M University, North Carolina Central University, Alabama State University, Delaware State University, Winston Salem State University, Chicago State University, Texas Southern University, North Carolina A & T University, Miles College, Prairie View A & M University, and Alabama A & M University.
The three-round tournament was contested in a team, stroke-play format. Results follow:
Men’s Team – Division 1
Florida A&M (+12)
North Carolina Central (+14)
North Carolina A&T (+20)
Men’s Team – Division 2
*Miles College (+44)
Livingston College (+48)
Savannah State (+49)
* Won in a two-hole playoff.
Women’s Team
Howard University (+47)
Delaware State (+78)
Alabama State (+100)
Full results may be found at https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/4663643
“We are incredibly proud and pleased to host the first of what we expect will become a recurring fixture on the collegiate golf scene,” said Blake Walker, Founder and CEO, Arcis Golf. “Arcis is committed to inclusiveness, and this tournament exemplifies how we can grow the sport for all audiences, while helping the student-athletes learn more about the industry and the business of golf.”
The schedule also allowed time for networking and social interactions among the athletes, coaches, and corporate representatives.
Leonard Smooth, President of the Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA) and Head Coach of Miles College, said, “The inaugural Arcis HBCU Championship was an amazing experience and a first-class event for our student athletes. I, and all of our coaches, look forward to this amazing partnership as we continue to grow this championship.”
Arcis Golf—the second largest owner and operator of private, resort, and daily fee golf facilities in the United States —provides ongoing opportunities for HBCU golfers to practice and hone their skills at approximately 70 clubs across the country. This ensures HBCU student-athletes have dedicated places to practice and play beyond the tournament schedule and/or their collegiate home courses.
Arcis Golf’s Director, Inclusion and Equity Linnet Carty, said, “Through our many events and initiatives, Arcis Golf continues to support access and career opportunities in the golf lifestyle business. This was an incredible event for these student athletes, and we look forward to providing best-in-class experiences for years to come.”
To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit arcisgolf.com.