Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida – The Edward Waters University (EWU) women’s golf team will arrive in style to their tournaments moving forward thanks to a gift from THE PLAYERS Championship. Yesterday, THE PLAYERS surprised the team with a customized van to utilize for all their tournament travel.

In 2021, THE PLAYERS announced a $50,000 donation to help reinstate the women’s golf program at EWU. THE PLAYERS’ grant helped EWU recruit and select a coach, fund student-athlete scholarships and assist with overall operational expenses. However, the biggest obstacle that the athletes have faced in the past year has been access to safe, reliable transportation.

“I’m very excited for the team to have consistent and reliable transportation. Since I took over the program, getting to practice has been a struggle for us. I am extremely grateful that those days are behind us. This van is truly a game-changer for our program, and I cannot thank THE PLAYERS enough for their intentional and continued support of the EWU women’s golf program. This van will have a significant impact on our program, and our young ladies will benefit directly from this contribution,” remarked Kelly Allen, Edward Waters University's Women's Golf Coach.

The van is a customized 2023 Ford Transit 15-passenger van that is wrapped in EWU colors to ensure that when the team travels to their next tournament in Charlotte later this month, they will arrive in style.

“When we make a commitment to an organization, it is so much more than writing a check. We truly strive to have a continued partnership, so when EWU shared that they were in need of transportation, we knew we had to act. We are honored to have the opportunity to help elevate the student-athlete experience at EWU and promote and grow the game of golf right in our hometown,” said Jared Rice, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship

Located 30 minutes from the PGA TOUR’s flagship property and Global Home, the state’s first private Historically Black College and University (HBCU) is one of only two HBCUs in Florida to offer a dedicated women’s golf program.