Troon Is Passionately Unified With The PGA Works Collegiate Championship
The PGA Works Collegiate Championship, formerly known as the National Minority Golf Championship, founded by the National Negro Golf Association and other key stakeholders, boasts a rich history of diversity and excellence in the world of golf. Originating in 1987, the championship was established to provide opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and other minority collegiate golfers to highlight their talent on a national stage during an era when many minority colleges were excluded from the larger competitive collegiate events.
The inaugural Championship was conducted in the spring of 1987 at Highland Park Golf Course in Cleveland, a facility managed by Indigo Sports, a division of Troon Golf. The event is a 54-hole stroke play championship, consisting of five divisions where both teams and individuals can compete.
Mark Nance, reflecting on his involvement in the inaugural National Minority Golf Championship during his time at Jackson State, reminisces about the obstacles his team faced in gaining recognition. “My team in 1987 was a good squad that was not allowed to play in the NCAA Regionals,” he recalls. Adding, “We were not included because of our ‘Strength of Schedule’ and not the scores we shot. We were told that the schools we played against weren’t good enough.”
Nance saw an opportunity amidst the adversity. “The National Minority was an opportunity for us to show what our team could achieve. It also showed the level of talent that existed in HBCU’s,” he emphasizes, pride evident in his words. Over the years, the championship evolved into the PGA Works Minority Golf Championship, a platform that has significantly impacted diversity in the golf industry. Nance reflects on this evolution, noting, “The now PGA Works Championship has opened the door for many people of color, including myself.” Grateful for his journey, he expresses, “As a young kid from Cleveland, I never thought I would experience the things I have, and I owe it all to this great game called golf.”
Nance’s vision extends beyond personal success, as he aspires to pave the way for future generations. “I want generations behind me to have more opportunities, experiences, and possibilities than I did,” he affirms. “It warms my heart that my idea has grown into what it is today,” he concludes, with a sense of fulfillment. “That it will continue to grow past my time on earth to help young men and women of color get into the industry in jobs that were not obtainable 30 years ago.” Nance’s commitment to diversity and inclusion resonates through his words, embodying the spirit of progress and possibility.
The 2024 event will play out May 6-8 at TPC Sawgrass this year. The event is now owned and managed by the 501 (c)(3), PGA Works, which also focuses on “Beyond the Green”, hosting career exploration events and information seminars during the week. These events and seminars allow the college players to learn more about internships and employment opportunities available to them after college. Troon is a proud sponsor of this annual event and welcomes the support of the industry to find more opportunities for all people of diverse backgrounds and institutions.
For more information about the 2024 PGA Works Collegiate Championship visit https://pgaworkscollegiate.org/
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