WASHINGTON (March 7, 2025) – Howard University senior Justin Green (Chesapeake, Va.) and sophomore Emily Mayne (Kingston, Jamaica) will never forget the week they spent on the prestigious and sacred grounds of the Pebble Beach Golf Course.
 
From the moment they arrived, Green and Mayne were immersed in an experience that few collegiate golfers ever encounter – let alone those who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This memorable experience was part of the AT&T HBCU Student- Athlete Immersion trip (Jan. 27-31).
 
They were among eight collegians from Howard, Prairie View A&M, North Carolina A&T State and Florida A&M, who got the ultimate behind-the-scenes tour at one of the game's most pristine venues.
 
Inside the inner workings of a signature PGA Tour event, the Bison duo were not just spectators, but active participants in their own learning. They gained invaluable insights into what it takes to manage a career in professional golf, how sponsorships and negotiations shape an athlete's path and the sheer level of commitment required to compete at the highest level.
 
"This experience was surreal," Mayne said. "We got to tour the grounds and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes of the AT&T ProAm. We were given the chance to speak to the people who work endlessly to make this tournament come to life, from agronomy, course maintenance, tournament operations, hospitality and a tour of the production truck. We got to see it all. Two of my top takeaways were the high level of detail put into each department of preparing for a tournament is crucial to ensure that it is a success and I also learned the importance of networking and how golf can be used as an advantage to do so."
 
The road to Pebble Beach, where Green and Mayne took time to absorb the beauty of the course and feel the salty Pacific breeze rolling in from the coastline, had been paved with early morning practices, countless hours on the range and a deep love for the game.
 
Mayne started playing golf when she was seven years old in Jamaica, especially since they lived next to a golf course. In the beginning, she would eat mangoes off the tree while watching her dad play before getting the itch to experiment. One day, she asked her dad if she could take a swing and the rest is history for Mayne, who has been playing competitively since she was 11 years old.
 
Meanwhile, Green started much younger. He was four years old and followed his dad, an attorney, on the golf course. Green was preceptive and noticed his dad closing business deals on the golf course, which inspired him. Bonding with Dad became stronger when he played with him once a week on the golf course until Green became naturally gifted at the sport. He started taking lessons and has never looked back.
 
Walking the course as an honorary observer inside the ropes of the Pebble Beach – a place where few have access -- with some of the top PGA players made all the work worth it for Green and Mayne, who walked with Viktor Hovland and Rickie Fowler.
 
There were also personal interactions with PGA Tour players Wyndham Clark and Maverick McNealy. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who had already walked the path they dreamed of, Green and Mayne listened intently as they shared their experiences—stories of setbacks and triumphs, the mental game required to succeed and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
 
"Oh, my goodness, it was incredible," Green said. "They took us behind the scenes with everything from the production team to how they run the TV network to how they cut the grass and prepare the tents and tables. They even took us inside a press conference and then it all ended with us being able to follow a group for the entire day inside the ropes. It was an incredible opportunity. It is one I am never going to forget. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
 
Conversations with counselors from Wasserman, a powerhouse in sports representation, opened their eyes to the business side of the sport, reinforcing their aspirations while providing a clearer vision for their future. Mayne is majoring in business management, while Green is studying in management.
 
The trip also offered time to unwind and reflect. A visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium provided a brief but meaningful escape, allowing everybody to share laughs, bond and take in the wonders of marine life. In those quieter moments, they realized that this experience was about more than just competition; it was about camaraderie, growth and the journey itself.
 
"We got the opportunity to speak to CEOs Steve John and David Stivers," Mayne said. "During this discussion, we asked what it takes to develop and sustain partnerships. This two-way discussion between us students and the CEOs were constructive as we gained insights and tips firsthand from very successful people."
 
This trip was more than just about golf; it was about stepping into a world of professional excellence, learning from the best and proudly representing themselves, Howard University and the rich legacy of HBCU athletes. With its breathtaking ocean views, the rhythmic crash of the waves against the rugged coastline, iconic cypress trees and historic fairways, the legendary course felt like hallowed ground and they stood tall as ambassadors of their communities.
 
Walking those same paths on the stunning coastal course as some of golf's greatest champions left an indelible mark for each student-athlete. Returning to The Mecca with memories seared into their souls, they appreciated the moment—the kind that strengthens passion and reminds them why they fell in love with the sport in the first place.
 
"I am incredibly proud that I was allowed to represent Howard," Green said. "It is a school that has given me a lot of opportunity and set me up for the next steps in my career. Howard drives innovation and promotes change. Being a minority face and being a Black person at Pebble Beach, being able to see all of these spaces that a lot of people who look like me do not get to see every day meant a lot to me. I thank Howard for putting me in that position … Coach [Puryear] has given me so many opportunities. The coach, for example, chose me to travel to this event."
   
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.