Howard University golfers Justin Green and Emily Mayne will never forget the week they spent at one of the most revered courses in the world — Pebble Beach. The two student-athletes were part of the AT&T HBCU Student-Athlete Immersion program which took place Jan. 27th-31st. The program provided a rare opportunity that gave them behind-the-scenes access to a PGA Tour event and invaluable insight into the professional golf industry.
Green, a senior from Chesapeake, VA, and Mayne, a sophomore from Kingston, Jamaica, were among eight HBCU golfers selected for the experience. They joined student-athletes from Prairie View A&M, North Carolina A&T, and Florida A&M immersing themselves in the inner workings of a top-tier tournament.
A First-Hand Look at the Pro Golf World
Far from being just spectators, the Howard duo saw what it takes to manage a career in professional golf. They learned about sponsorship negotiations, tournament operations, and the level of dedication required to compete at the highest level.
“This experience was surreal,” Mayne said. “We got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the AT&T Pro-Am, from agronomy and course maintenance to tournament operations, hospitality, and TV production. Two major takeaways for me were the high level of detail required for a successful event and the importance of networking—golf is a major advantage for that.”
The experience also reinforced what it takes to thrive in the sport. Green and Mayne spent time inside the ropes as honorary observers, walking alongside top PGA Tour pros like Viktor Hovland and Rickie Fowler. They also had personal interactions with stars like Wyndham Clark and Maverick McNealy, soaking up stories of success, struggles, and the mental toughness required at the elite level.
“Oh my goodness, it was incredible,” Green said. “We saw everything—how they run the TV network, how they prepare the course, how press conferences work. Then we got to walk inside the ropes with a group for the entire day. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.”
The Road to Pebble Beach
For Mayne and Green, golf has always been more than a sport, it’s a way of life.
Mayne’s journey began in Jamaica at age seven, living next to a golf course. Initially, she would watch her dad play while snacking on mangoes from nearby trees. One day, she picked up a club and never looked back, competing seriously by age 11.
Green, on the other hand, started even younger. At just four years old, he began following his father, an attorney, on the course. He quickly noticed how his dad used golf for networking and business deals, sparking his own interest. Weekly rounds with his father strengthened their bond, and as Green’s skills developed, he pursued the game with passion.
Now, both Mayne and Green are determined to take their talents as far as possible. Mayne is majoring in business management, while Green studies management, and their exposure to the business side of the sport at Pebble Beach only fueled their aspirations.
More Than Just Golf
This unique opportunity wasn’t just about competition; it was about career development, networking, and representing Howard University and the legacy of HBCU athletes on a grand stage. Green and Mayne had conversations with representatives from Wasserman, a powerhouse in sports representation, as well as CEOs Steve John and David Stivers. These discussions gave them key insights into building sustainable partnerships and careers in the industry.
They also took a moment to relax and bond with fellow HBCU athletes during a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where they reflected on the week’s experiences.
Returning to Howard with memories and lessons that will stay with them forever, Green and Mayne understand the significance of this milestone. Walking the same fairways as golf’s greatest legends reaffirmed their passion for the sport and the doors it can open.
With the historic Pebble Beach course as their classroom, they left inspired—not just to play the game, but to shape the future of golf for HBCU athletes who follow in their footsteps.
