Greg Odom, Jr. tried to remain anonymous.
 
It's not that he was embarrassed about his prodigious golf skills. It's just that the Howard University senior had his reasons. 

"Going into high school, I really stayed away from telling people I played golf," Odom said. "I spent my grade school years at predominantly Black schools where the most popular sports were football and basketball." 

Then something changed. Odom's cover was blown. 

"It wasn't until I played my Forest High School match and won," Odom said. "The school announced (the victory) on the intercom. That changed most of my classmates' perspective on golf. This moment also made me realize that golf was different but in a good way." 

Odom has been shining on the golf course ever since his dad, Greg, Sr., taught him the sport at 4 years old. 

Now, the whole country knows how special Odom is especially after he was recently named a finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award presented by PNC Bank. 
"It's an honor to be selected as a finalist for the Ben Hogan Award," Odom said. "For me it shows that with hard work and a great team of people that want to see you succeed, I can achieve great things." 

Odom's biggest fan is super proud even though he is not physically present. 

One of the toughest moments in Odom's life occurred in 2021 when he learned his father had passed away in Memphis, Tennessee. Howard's men's golf coach Sam Puryear delivered the sad news to Odom after his first practice round at the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at TPC Sawgrass. 

Each time on the golf course has held a deeper purpose for the sports management major. 

"My father would take me to his weekend scrambles as the secret weapon fifth man," Odom said. "I fell in love with the game because I was able to spend time with my father and his friends. At around the age of seven, I entered my first solo tournament which was the Overton Park Junior Golf Championship. I would win later that week and it really grew my confidence and established that I am good at this game." 

Odom, who is minoring in economics and sociology, is still winning and making his mark. 

In November 2022, the APGA Tour officials announced the latest APGA Collegiate Ranking for the 2022-2023 season with Odom holding the top spot, thanks in part to victories this fall at the River Run Collegiate (Sept. 19-20) and USF-Howard Intercollegiate (Sept. 26-27). As of April 17th, the standout golfer continues to hold the top spot in their ranks.

Meanwhile, the Memphis native is glad he trusted his instincts to exit his familiar surroundings even after a decorated career with the University of Memphis. He was the first African American to play on the golf team for the Tigers. 

"I entered the transfer portal during the beginning of COVID," Odom said. "For me, not knowing at first, the decision was truly a blessing. It was an opportunity to grow within myself and explore life outside of Memphis. The decision to come to Howard all came from talking to Coach Sam Puryear about the new beginnings of Black collegiate golf with more opportunities and resources." 

Howard is reaping the benefits of Odom's presence. 

The Bison has also been helped by the investment that NBA champion Steph Curry has made into the program. Curry hasn't just lent his name for clout to the Howard golf program. He is engaged and supportive. He recently made an appearance on campus when the Golden State Warriors were in Washington, D.C. recently. 

"Stephen Curry has obviously been a huge factor in the success of Howard golf," Odom said. "His personal interaction has been even more impactful because he is such a great athlete. I admire his dedication to training and I've learned a lot from him." 

Among some non-golf lessons, Odom learned from his dad included to never be afraid to try something new, approach everything with confidence and even if he occasionally failed, learn a lesson and keep going. 

"I have no regrets about making the choice to attend Howard," Odom said. "There is a lot of pride attached to being a student at the top ranking HBCU. Especially during a time when some of its most notable alumni are achieving new levels of success. 

"We've also begun to get more respect for our athletics which will hopefully bring more resources to the sports program. It's an honor I will be able to carry with me forever. Finally, being a student at Howard is such a privilege and to walk around the campus to see so many people looking like you are succeeding is truly amazing."