JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Jay Monahan, the Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, and United Airlines announced a partnership on Monday (Feb. 7) that United, the "Official Airline of the PGA TOUR," will award 51 golf teams at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with more than half a million dollars in grants, divided equally among the schools, to fund travel for golf tournaments and recruiting efforts. This grant from United Airlines will provide Lincoln's men's and women's golf teams, as well as 50 other historically black collegiate programs across the country, $10,000 to assist with travel and recruiting costs.
"We could not be more ecstatic to be a part of this historic partnership," said Kevin Wilson, Vice President for Advancement, Athletics & Campus Recreation. "We applaud the PGA TOUR and United Airlines for their commitment to the growth of men's and women's Golf at Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Lincoln University of Missouri. We also look forward to the seeing the impact this initiative has on the golf at HBCU's across the country."
This generous donation from United Airlines will help cover both airline fees and the cost of baggage for LU's golf teams, allowing the Blue Tigers to play in more diverse tournaments through expanded travel options. This includes travel to the annual PGA WORKS Championship, a tournament organized by the PGA of America each May that exclusively features men's and women's golf programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and other Minority-Serving Educational Institution.
"The PGA TOUR and its corporate partners have been supportive of women's and men's HBCU golf programs for many years, and this commitment by the TOUR and United Airlines to support racial equity and inclusion efforts in our sport is further evidence of that desire to grow the game," said Randy Bickel, head coach of the Lincoln women's golf team. "This grant is huge for us, as it allows so much flexibility in our travel without worry of how airline costs affect our travel budget. Both myself and our student-athletes are very grateful for this support."
"We are excited to have the support of United Airlines," said Steven Mallow, head coach of the Lincoln men's golf team. "Grants like these will help us level the playing field and continue to move the men's golf program in a positive direction."
