CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 3, 2022 – The Presidents Cup unveiled its six-team field for the inaugural Charlie Sifford Centennial Cup where the Howard University men's golf team was among the squads selected. The announcement came on Wednesday.
The historic event is slated for Aug. 29, 2022, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., hosted by Johnson C. Smith University.
"We are extremely excited to participate in the 2022 Charlie Sifford Centennial Cup," Howard Director of Golf Sam Puryear said. "I knew Mr. Sifford and I had many conversations with him about how to move the game of golf forward. He was an incredible pioneer because he wasn't afraid to challenge the system."
Howard joins JCSU, Alabama State, Florida A&M, Livingstone College and Texas Southern to showcase the top talent from HBCUs. The qualifying schools were solidified via the GolfStat Ranking on May 5, 2022.
"Charlie Sifford's legacy as the first African-American player on the PGA TOUR continues to impact future generations of golfers, allowing for kids from all backgrounds to experience this great sport," 2022 Presidents Cup Chair Johno Harris said. "On behalf of the Presidents Cup and Quail Hollow Club, we are thrilled to welcome these top HBCU players to our community for a first-of-its-kind showcase event and the opportunity to compete on a world-class venue just weeks before the top U.S. and International players arrive in Charlotte."
Teams will spend Sunday, Aug. 28 at Quail Hollow Club, with a partner brunch, hosted by Charles Sifford, Jr.
"My father's vision was that the golf establishment provide equal access to make the game of golf more inclusive to all people. The Charlie Sifford Centennial Cup is a great example of the diversity and inclusion that Dr. Charles Luther Sifford exemplified as the first African-American member of the PGA TOUR," Sifford's son, Charles Sifford, Jr., said. "He dreamed of young people playing a championship course with the opportunity to acquire experience and knowledge of what it takes to compete at the highest level."
The Charlie Sifford Centennial Cup is presented by Bridgestone, Citi, Cognizant and Nucor. The 2022 Presidents Cup will be contested on Sept. 20-25 at Quail Hollow Club.
"Quail Hollow is a very special golf club that hosts one of the finest PGA Tour tournaments in their rotation," Puryear added. "It will be an honor."
Howard wrapped up its second spring season under Puryear this past month, highlighted with victories at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship and PGA Works Collegiate Championship.