Greg Odom Jr. believed that Sam Puryear, the head coach, was blowing more smoke then a chimney when he was being drafted to play golf at Howard University.
“I thought he was lying to me when he said he was getting recruited. He’s on the phone, and he’s like “Oh, you’re going to win championships, get this, you can do this,” recalled Odom Jr. who was a sophomore at Memphis. When you win a championship and walk up to the tee, it’s amazing how everything has happened.
These were lofty goals, but they were achievable for an upstart program that was trying to get its first chance at NCAA Division. The financial backing of Stephen Curry, a NBA star and avid golfer, helped me to compete in the I competition. But there is smoke where there is fire. Puryear believed every word.
Puryear spoke of his vision for the program, saying that he has felt the same for 30 years. Teams can improve from funding to course access, instruction, and the chance to compete against better programs. That was what I expected.
“Did it happen in year two?” It wasn’t. But I knew it was possible.”
Howard’s 2021-22 inaugural season consisted of five events. Two of those were match play duels against local teams Navy and Georgetown. Howard was T-13 at Golden Horseshoe Intercollegiate. He also finished third (outof four) at MEAC Championship and fourth in the PGA Works Collegiate Championship. This event highlights the best minority collegiate golfers in the country.
Odom Jr., who placed fifth at the conference championship, and won the PGA Works in 2020, said that he felt like the team had all the pieces. “We were close to winning the PGA Works first year, but we failed to win the second. That was my motivation for the next season.”
The Bison finished their second season in 2021-22 by winning the MEAC Championship and PGA Works. They also placed in the top five in five out of 10 events. Odom Jr. won wire-to-wire the MEAC Championship individual event. Puryear’s vision was fulfilled when he defended his PGA Works title.
Odom Jr. said that the team has been successful from the beginning. “We go to every competition and try to win, so I feel like the expectation haven’t changed.” “If we win we win. If we lose, we learn so that we can win next year.”
Puryear stated, “I think that the only thing we need to do is to recognize that we still have a long way ahead of us.” “All my teammates will tell me, I always preach it: Don’t get complacent. You’re only as good your last week, and as good your last shot.
“We must keep our eyes on the present and not look back. You can’t be sad about where you’ve been, but you need to keep the left foot in front.
While the team has achieved its current status of the best HBCU program in America, Puryear and his players will tell you that it was not possible without Curry. In 2019, Curry announced his support for Howard’s first NCAA Division. The university will continue to offer a I golf program for six years. Curry’s efforts were also supported by a university golf endowment campaign. Curry’s financial support has brought tangible benefits to the team, but it’s the intangible benefits that his support brings that are most important.
Puryear said, “To show you that a man is a mark of a man,” he stated. Puryear explained, “When Curry was injured during the NBA season last years, he was in walking boots, got into a cart, and followed the team out to Stanford.” “Most people, 99 percent of people wouldn’t do that.” Some people feel comfortable signing a check. He is comfortable touching a person’s life. That speaks volumes to me.”
“I would like a commendation for that guy. He is a NBA champion. He is a star. He is the MVP. He’s everything. He’s also the one who started and funded the Howard golf team. It’s amazing,” Odom Jr. said. We can’t express our gratitude enough for all he has done for us. He’s provided us with everything and helped us to find resources. He is the man.”
This season, the Northeast Conference added the men’s golf program as an associate member. There are six events scheduled for the fall, including the Howard/USF Intercollegiate at TPC Potomac @ Avenel Farm. Odom Jr.’s expectations and those of his team will remain unchanged as the program evolves.
“I see no difference. We are still the No. Odom Jr. won the Bison’s first fall start at River Run Collegiate. “We will be there and we will win.”
By: Adam Woodard
Title: Howard men’s golf builds on Steph Curry’s support to become nation’s top HBCU program, and they’re still growing
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/09/26/college-golf-hbcu-howard-nba-steph-curry/
Published Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:00:33 +0000
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