I Wanted To Show Young People What Golf Could Look Like feat. Coach Samuel Puryear

 According to the National Golf Association, 4.1 million African Americans played golf in the United States in 2021, a significant increase from the 2.6 million who played golf in 2011.  Despite this growth, Black golfers remain an anomaly in the sport, with figures such as Tiger Woods and more recently, Cameron Champ serving as those exceptions that only prove the rule. 

However, the creation and development of collegiate golf programs at more HBCUs could prove a unique pipeline for increased representation at the professional level, and Howard’s golf programs are at the forefront of this movement.  Howard's players are winners of the HBCU National Championships, the PGA Tour Works Collegiate Championship, and most recently, the 2024 Northeast Conference Golf Championship. 

A lifelong player and 12-year coach, Sam is now the Director of Golf at Howard. Coach Sam

Puryear has overseen the program for 4 years now and has his eyes set on even more success. 

Today’s host Larry J. Sanders sits down with Coach Samuel Puryear to discuss the growth of African American participation in golf. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, the social and economic barriers in golf, and how the sport's networking opportunities can benefit careers beyond professional playing. 

From HU2U is a production of Howard University and is produced by University FM.

Episode Quotes:

Building equity for young golfers at Howard

09:11: [Larry] So, discuss the impact of the program on the university from your perspective and on the golf landscape as a whole. 

09:18: [Samuel] Well, that's actually the reason that I chose to take the position here at Howard. Because, number one, I wanted to be able to be a conduit with young Brown people and give them a chance, because of my experience in the mainstream golf world, coaching it, PWIs and seeing the best that golf has to offer. I wanted to show these young people what golf could look like if they did their part. So, I accepted this position with the expectation that I was going to build a program that would expose them to competing in some of the best programs, the best players, travel the country, use some of the best equipment, and give them opportunities where they would be able to compete once they graduated college. So, for me, this is just a continuation or an extension of what I've been dreaming and working on my whole life. And that, to me, is what made Howard such a great fit.

There are a lot of opportunities to grow in golf 

13:19: Golf is the one game where if we continue to push more of us in it, we'll have more opportunity to expand upon and teach and allow people to understand the other side, which is some of the stuff we've been trying to do.

Why race didn’t held Samuel from playing golf

08:11: The race was there, but I just refused to let it stop my dreams. You have the guy throw you the keys and say, "Hey boy, go get my car; I'm in Space 45." I would laugh and say, "Oh, that's great. But when he gets your car, tell him to get mine; I'm in Space 46." You learn to laugh about it, because if you don't laugh, you cry.

Guest Profile:

• Sam Puryear - Women's Golf Coach - Howard University Athletics
• Sam Puryear | LinkedIn