Howard University sophomore golfer Lena Durette secured her first collegiate victory at the Alabama State University (ASU) Spring Classic. Durette not only accomplished a personal goal, but she also set the tone for four other teammates to place in the top eight, leading to an overall tournament victory for Howard.
Durette recorded rounds of 75-71-73, finishing with a 219 (+3) — her best score on a par-72 course this season. As a team, the Bison scored 291-290-298 in three rounds, finishing 67 strokes ahead of the field.
Their dominant performance was reflected across the board as they claimed first place in par-3, par-4 and par-5 scoring. Additionally, the Bison recorded the fewest bogeys of any other team, further exemplifying complete control.
“I’m hoping that maybe with my win and continued victories on and off the course, I can inspire the next generation of Black female golfers,” said Durette, a computer information systems major.
This win was particularly special for Durette, as she had a personal connection with this competition, her father’s family being from Alabama.
“It felt extra special just to get that win in home territory,” Durette said. “I feel like I’ve been putting in some great work this semester, last semester… so to finally get it done on the collegiate stage, it felt great.”
The Howard women’s golf program has had lots of success in the past few years, despite being new to the Northeastern Conference (NEC).
Joining the NEC for the 2021-22 season, they have since had back-to-back runner-up finishes in the NEC championships in 2024 and 2025.
The Bison also placed second in each of their previous three competitions, narrowly shy of first place. However, the consistency in these tournaments eventually paid off, leading to this breakthrough victory.
“I think we have to continue to stay consistent, and we have to sometimes be okay with being okay,” Samuel Puryear, director of the Howard golf program said. “At the end of the day, keep putting in the work, and if you trust the process, you’ll see it.”
Durette reflected on the importance of visibility when bringing in more women — especially Black women — into golf. She said that her father exposing her to prominent Black golfers early on made her feel like she could cement her place in the sport as well.
She has had the opportunity to meet Cheyenne Woods, Tiger Woods’s niece, whom Durette described as a “legend in her own right.” She added that she’s established numerous relationships within the golf world. She says these connections paved the way for her, something she wants to do for others as well.
Puryear said that when historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) pour into their golf programs, they will see tangible results. He noted that Howard’s commitment to their golf program has elevated its visibility and success and that the program is reaping the rewards of the investment.
The support of NBA superstar Stephen Curry also plays a role in elevating Howard golf’s presence. Through his donations, sponsorships and increased exposure of the program, Curry’s involvement exemplifies how investment can translate into success.
“At the end of the day, we just have to keep doing what we do, and keep trying to get the message out that we have a great program and some fantastic young people,” Puryear said.
Overall, Durette sees this win as a stepping stone to increasing visibility of the sport.
“[The win] just reinforces the fact that we do belong on a golf course,” Durette said. “It’s not often that you see a lot of Black women playing golf. Being surrounded by Black excellence here at our university is just reinforcing the fact that we belong.”
This win is also a step towards the women’s golf program winning their first NEC title.
“[Winning the championship] is what we’ve been thinking about this entire year, and I wouldn’t ask for a better group of girls to do it with,” Durette said. “I’ve seen all the work that we’ve put in… so I’m excited for this season, and I know we can get it done.”
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.
