Men's Golf | 2/5/2021 12:00:00 PM
The Golf Coaches Association of America has announced the formation of a Diversity Initiative and has chosen St. John Fisher College men's golf head coach
Bob Simms as its chair. Simms was also selected as a Director At-Large for the GCAA National Advisory Board.
The mission of the GCAA Diversity Initiative is to use the successful platform of college golf to increase opportunities, resources, and mentorship for its minority members, as well as a means to introduce current college golfers to a career pathway in the game while also promoting golf to future generations.
"We wish to increase minority opportunities in the game of golf," added Simms who has guided the Cardinals' golf program to 16 Empire 8 Championships overall including the last nine. "This includes playing, working, and education in the golf industry. A more diverse group of those involved in golf is good business for the entire world since golf is a worldwide game."
Under Simms' direction, the Diversity Initiative will be comprised of various coaches and members of the golf community. The group includes:
Robert Simms, St. John Fisher College (Chair)
Paul Chavez, Odessa College
Ronn Miyashiro, University of Hawaii – Manoa
Herb Rubenstein, Brookyln Golf Alliance,
Kevin Jennings, Prairie View A&M University
Pete Gyscek, Washington & Lee University
Clay White, Seton Hall University
Andy Walker, Lynn University
Sam Puryear, Howard University
Conrad Ray, Stanford University
Jim Awtrey, Retired CEO, PGA of America
Notah Begay, Golf Channel
E. Lee Coble, Virginia Union University
Joseph Bramlett, PGA Tour Player
One of the most successful coaches in Division III golf, Simms, who was named the National Coach of the Year in 2008, has led Fisher to 11 trips to the NCAA Championship and has finished inside the top 10 five times overall including a third place showing in 2008. A nine-time Empire 8 Coach of the Year honoree, Simms has mentored 16 All-Americans, 13 Empire 8 Player of the Year honorees, one national champion, and a Jack Nicklaus Award winner.