September 21, 2022 —
On August 24th, 2022, the University of the Southwest received a donation from the Ben Hogan Award to support the institution’s golf program. Harold Muckleroy, Jr, Chairman of the Ben Hogan Award, contacted the university to provide notice that USW was selected as an additional recipient of the charity’s funds. The Ben Hogan Award is often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy of College Golf” and is presented at the charity’s annual Charles Schwab Challenge held at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Additionally, PGA Tour professional Collin Morikawa chose the USW Golf Program to receive the honorarium given to the charity of his choice. The gift from the Ben Hogan Award and Morikawa totaled $25,000.
In his letter to the university CFO and Executive Vice President, Paula Smith, Muckleroy commented that the contribution is to “aid in the rebuilding of the program” and “we wish you the very best in the upcoming season.” Dr. Ryan Tipton, interim President of USW, noted, “we are so moved by the generosity of the leadership team at The Ben Hogan Award and that of Mr. Morikawa. This gift means so much to our institution, its students, and the members of the Mustang golf team.”
Steve Appel, Associate VP for Facilities and Athletics, has been working directly with the university’s team in the rebuilding process. He stated, “the sportsmanship and solidarity among all who love and appreciate golf has been nothing short of amazing. The support from the Ben Hogan Award and Collin Morikawa is greatly appreciated and will help the program continue to move forward.”
