The Howard University men’s golf team closed out its 2025 spring season with a determined showing at the NCAA Amherst Regional, hosted by Liberty University at Poplar Grove Golf Club in Amherst, Va. The Bison finished 13th overall in the highly competitive field, carding a team total of 906 (+66) across three rounds on the par-70, 7,212-yard layout.
Over the course of the four-day tournament (May 11–14), the Bison battled through a range of weather-related delays, including heavy rain and stoppages in play. Despite the hurdles, Howard ended the event on a high note with a team-best third-round score of 296 (+16).
“I am super proud of these guys,” said Howard Director of Golf Sam Puryear. “They showed up and played really well. We have a talented young group and it was great to gel at the right time while competing against the best. This shows where you stand.”
Fifth-year standout Marcus Smith Jr. (Rockford, Ill.) led the charge for Howard, delivering a standout performance in the final round with a 2-under 68, including four birdies. The All-Northeastern Conference (NEC) First Team selection tied for 40th overall at 216 (+6).
Sophomore Mathis Perroni (Metz, France), a key contributor in his debut season with the Bison, closed strong as well, recording a 1-under 69 in the final round to tie for 49th place at 219 (+9). Perroni was named to the All-NEC Second Team earlier this spring.
Freshman Cassius Blake (Birmingham, England) finished in 68th place with a total of 230 (+20), while sophomore Kezaia Dimosi (London, England) placed 70th (241, +31). Fellow sophomore Bear Huff (Riverside, Calif.) rounded out Howard’s lineup with a total score of 244 (+34) over 54 holes.
Coach Puryear remains optimistic about the program’s upward trajectory, noting the impact of his recent recruiting classes.
“We have done some good recruiting,” Puryear added. “What we are bringing in with these young guys will help us continue to be better. We are excited about the future.”
No. 7 Oklahoma captured the Amherst Regional title with a team score of 830 (-10), edging out No. 18 Vanderbilt (834, -6) and No. 30 Tennessee (835, -5). Rounding out the top five were No. 43 Wake Forest (839, -1) and No. 19 Pepperdine (849, +9), all of whom advance to the NCAA Championship later this month. Texas State’s Sakke Siltala qualified as the top individual, earning his spot in the national championship as well.
Howard concludes the season as back-to-back Northeast Conference champions and will aim for a three-peat next spring as the program continues to grow under Coach Puryear’s leadership.