Texas Southern Donated State-Of-The-Art Golf Simulator By HBCU Golf Consortium

The PGA, LPGA, and USGA helped to unveil the new golf simulator at Texas Southern as a part of the "Make Golf Your Thing" initiative.

March 26, 2024;PGA, LPGA, USGA were in attendance at the unveiling of the new state-of-the-art golf simulator at Texas Southern University. H&PE Arena in Houston, Texas. / Texas Southern University Athletics

Tuesday's ribbon cutting at H&PE Arena for the new technologically advanced golf simulator for the Texas Southern golf program was a tremendous success for Dr. Kevin Granger's athletic department. 

As part of the HBCU Golf Consortium's Make Golf Your Thing initiative, TSU was chosen as one of ten HBCU golf programs to receive a simulator in a pilot program. Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Texas Southern University, Dr. Kevin Granger, and the guests hit several simulation shots and putts at the event.   

"This is a huge day for Texas Southern University and our athletic program," Dr. Granger said at the ceremony. "This gives us an opportunity to provide a first-class facility for our golf program and it allows them to practice when weather conditions are adverse as they can come right in here and work on their craft. It's a big day for our department."

In attendance were:

• Jenell Rayford, LPGA Senior Director-Talent Acquisition & Organizational Planning
•  Jim Clarke, PGA Vice President-Talent & Culture
•  Dr. Michael Cooper, USGA Senior Advisor-HBCU Initiative
•  Sheila Finney, GCSAA Senior Director-Member Programs
•  Chris Kulinski, PGA of America Director of Recruitment
•  Dr. Mary Evans Sias, TSU Interim President
•  Dr. Kevin Granger, TSU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics 
•  Willie Shankle - TSU Head Golf Coach

In 2022, CEOs and commissioners from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the Professional Golf Association of America (PGA), the PGA Tour, and the United States Golf Association (USGA) approached the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Their main goal was to develop strategic partnerships with HBCUs to create opportunities for the golf industry, students, and institutions. The discussions centered on ways to engage with HBCUs for the mutual benefit of the golf industry and HBCUs.

TSU will house the simulator in one of the former racquetball rooms on the south end of the H&PE building. Members of the golf team will practice simulating golf course conditions and gain valuable repetitions with the unit regardless of current weather circumstances.