Providence College is bringing back men’s golf to varsity status for the 2025-26 season after a long hiatus. In addition to reviving the men’s golf program, the school has also announced the founding of a women’s golf program, which will debut in the same academic year. This decision comes after the sport was cut due to Title IX regulations alongside baseball and men’s tennis by the school’s previous administration. However, the new administration, led by president Rev. Kenneth Sicard and athletic director Steve Napolillo, has been successful in generating record fundraising and season ticket revenue for the athletic department.
Men’s golf has a long and proud history at Providence College, with the team winning league titles in 1980 and 1993, as well as producing six individual league champions. The team has had success in the past, reaching eight NCAA fields as a team and having 14 players qualify for individual match play under Hall of Fame coach Joe Prisco. The addition of women’s golf to the varsity program comes as the sport has gained popularity in recent years, providing additional opportunities for student-athletes to experience all that Friartown has to offer.
The athletic department at Providence College has seen significant growth in fundraising, with $10.7 million raised in the last fiscal year. This number does not include any additional donations related to name, image, and likeness. The decision to reinstate men’s golf and add women’s golf to the varsity program is a reflection of the school’s commitment to providing opportunities for student-athletes while aligning with its Big East counterparts in terms of sports offerings.
Former Providence athletic director John Marinatto, who passed away in 2021, played a key role in the decision-making process that led to the reinstatement of men’s golf and the addition of women’s golf. The school had to carefully consider gender balance and national projections when determining the feasibility of adding new sports programs. With these two additions, Providence College now boasts a total of 21 varsity programs for the upcoming 2025-26 season, providing student-athletes with a wide range of opportunities to compete at a high level.
As the school prepares to launch the men’s and women’s golf programs, the Friars will be hiring dedicated coaches for each team and identifying a home course for training and competitions. The addition of these two sports aligns with Providence College’s commitment to offering a well-rounded athletic program that provides student-athletes with opportunities to excel both on and off the field. The reinstatement of men’s golf and the addition of women’s golf represent a new chapter in the school’s athletic history and a continuation of its tradition of success in collegiate sports.
