The university did previously have a Division II team that dated back at least five decades, as well as intramural golf programs. The resurrection of the program, first reported by The Washington Post, resulted from a chance encounter Curry had with a student during an on-campus screening in January of the documentary “Emanuel,” on the 2015 mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. Curry was the film’s executive producer.

Following the screening, the student, Otis Ferguson, approached Curry to discuss efforts to make the sport more mainstream on campus. Curry recounted that conversation at the news conference Monday and singled out Ferguson, an incoming senior who received an ovation from the crowd.

“We connected on golf and in terms of our passion for the game,” Curry said. “I think I can speak for you,” referring to Ferguson, “about what the game has taught both of us in terms of who we are, things that Dr. Frederick said as well, around accountability, around competition, discipline. All those different ideas I’ve learned through the game of golf.”

Curry and Howard did not disclose how much money he will give to the program, but The Post reported that it would be in the seven figures. In thanking Curry, Frederick made an oblique reference to the state of the country’s many heated political debates dominating news headlines.

“We are at a very interesting time in our country and our nation’s history,” Frederick said. “There’s no doubt about that. There’s a lot for us to be cynical about. A lot for us to be disappointed by, especially in terms of the rhetoric. But one of the things that I think we all must make sure we all double down on is investing in the people that invest in us.”