Clemson University adds women's golf to its athletic program
Clemson University has added women's golf to its athletic program for the fall of 2013. This is the first time in twelve years that a new sport has been added to the athletics department. Earlier, rowing was added in 1999.
The news regarding the addition was announced by Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips in a press conference held on Monday.
Phillips said that Clemson had been working on the idea of adding another sport to its athletics program. Since Women’s Golf was, ‘a natural fit’ to work along with the men’s golf, the executives decided to pull the sport in.
Men’s golf team won the 2003 national title and seven NCAA regional souvenirs since their addition to the annual sports event gala. The winning men’s golf team was coached by Larry Penley, who has now been promoted as the director of golf by the board of
directors.
Phillips also confirmed Penley's appointment as the director of golf, where he will administer both the golf teams for men and women. He has also been given the responsibility to appoint the coach for the women's team.
While talking to the press, Penley discussed the advantages of adding a new sport to their athletics department.
He said that since men's program had given numerous talented golfers such as Lucas Glover and Jonathan Byrd to professional golf, with the addition of the women’s team, an addition of fresh talent to the women’s circuit was also expected.
“The men have a pretty good reputation across the country. It shouldn't take us long to be competitive. I know Duke has dominated our conference. I'm not going to make any prediction when will be beating Duke but it shouldn't take us very long,” said Penley.
Commenting on women’s golf, he further added, “It’s long overdue. I welcome the challenge. It completes our golf program and it's something I am excited about. We do need to get a coach in. Girls are starting to commit for the fall of 2013.”
When inquired how much time it would take for the new coach to be hired, Penley replied, “tomorrow.”
In an answer to another question, Phillips said that Clemson was not required to fulfill the Title IX criteria, which said that gender equality should be incorporated in government institutions.
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