The golf program at Lincoln University of Missouri is getting a major upgrade thanks to a $100,000 donation from The Kwame Foundation.
To commemorate the donation the Board of Curators renamed the campus golf center The Kwame Foundation Golf Center.
The university hosted an official unveiling for the center on Tuesday.
“We could not be more excited to commemorate the Kwame Foundation’s historic commitment to the only HBCU men’s and women’s golf programs in the state of Missouri,” Kevin Wilson, Lincoln University’s vice president for advancement, athletics, and campus recreation, said in a statement.
“Similar to emerging groups of philanthropists across the country, the Kwame Foundation is passionate about providing our students with access to the game of golf and equipping them with the tools to compete with anyone,” Wilson added.
The Kwame Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Kwame Building Group, which supports various education and mentorship-focused organizations. In addition to university donations, the foundation endows scholarships for minority and first-generation college students to enter higher learning.
The donation will be spread out over the next five years to “extensively renovate” the golf center.
This includes two interactive golf simulators, improved flooring, lockers for golfers, and other equipment, according to the university.
Wilson said the university has already received more than $25,000 from the donation, which was used to install two golf bays, lockers, two televisions, and state-of-the-art software.
The remaining funds will be used to provide the golf teams transportation to tournaments, uniforms, and equipment as needs develop.
“Golf is one of the most expensive programs to sponsor in the country, that’s why you don’t see a lot of minorities participating,” Wilson said. “So it’s big for us.”
Lincoln University golf director Kortland Ware said he’s grateful to the Kwame Foundation and their desire to see progress and competitive culture in HBCU golf.
