Hampton University’s Department of Athletics announced it will discontinue its men’s and women’s golf programs, a result of the negative financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 has put everyone around the world, and especially those in higher education, in a financial situation that no one could imagine or plan for,” a department statement read. “Some Division I Athletic programs [including Old Dominion University, Brown University, and East Carolina University] have had to discontinue sports this spring as well as other institutions around the country at all levels.”
The officials added that to bring both golf programs back to full strength, “we will need $600,000, which would include operational budget, scholarships and salaries. To reinstate the program for the 2020-21 season, we would need approximately $352,000. To bring the entire Department of Athletics back to normal, we will need $1,400,000, which also includes operational budget, scholarships and salaries.”
In the meantime, the athletic staff is working diligently to raise funds to retain the programs.
“I want to thank all of the members of the Men’s and Women’s golf teams, both past and present, along with Coach Nelson and all of the past coaches, for their efforts with these programs,” said Eugene Marshall Jr., Hampton’s athletic director. “They have been outstanding representatives of Hampton University and the Department of Athletics, both in the classroom and on the links.”