FAMU golfers help to tee up win for Team Sifford
Photo submitted by FAMU
Outlook Staff Report
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Four members of the FAMU men’s golf team won their matches to help their squad win the inaugural Charlie Sifford Centennial Cup.
The competition held last Monday was the highlight of a year-long celebration of what would have been Sifford’s 100th birthday. Sifford, who is a World Golf Haller, also was the first Black player to earn his PGA TOUR card.
The Rattlers played as members of Team Sifford, which also included Alabama State and Livingstone College. They defeated Team Black, which was composed of Howard, Texas Southern, and Johnson C. Smith.
“The guys did an amazing job and took care of their business,” said interim head coach Mia Campbell. “I’m especially glad the guys were able to enjoy the experience and have a fun time.”
The Rattlers played a massive role in the victory, led by the four winners. Ayush Bodhale, defeated Johnson C. Smith’s Isaiah Trollinger with seven wins and five holes remaining. Troy Stribling topped Texas Southern’s Owen Walsh with four wins and three holes remaining. Jacob Uyesato defeated Howard’s Joshua Siplin with three wins and two holes remaining. Patrick Jean-Pierre defeated Howard’s Justin Green with two wins and one hole remaining.
Stribling, a senior, told PGA TOUR writer Helen Ross that he was focused on the birdie putt that would give him a 4-and-3 victory over Walsh. He did and it turned out to be the clincher for his team.
“This was something special,” Stribling told Ross. “This is probably the best golf tournament I’ve ever been a part of … especially, to share with this group of guys for my last year.”
Stribling went on to express appreciation for Sifford opening doors for others.
“I knew he was a trailblazer, and I didn’t know every obstacle he went through to get to where he was,” Stribling said. “He went through a lot of hardships. … And he’s not really talked about like Muhammad Ali or Malcolm X or MLK, and he should be. He went through a lot to help us get to where we are and we’re just here to honor him.”
The Rattlers return to competition on Sept. 26 for the Black College Golf Coaches Association Black College Hall of Fame tournament.
