Veteran HBCU coach tabbed to build Spartans' program from the ground up
NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State Athletics has named Craig Bowen the head coach of its women's golf program, Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb announced Tuesday, October 27.
Bowen brings more than three decades of experience in collegiate coaching, golf instruction, and player development. He will lead the development of Norfolk State's women's golf program, establishing a foundation for competitive success and student-athlete development.
"Craig Bowen has dedicated his career to opening doors in the game of golf, and his impact is recognized on campuses across the HBCU landscape," Webb said. "We are excited for our student-athletes to learn from someone with his experience, his relationships across the industry, and his passion for developing young people on and off the course."
Bowen joins the Spartans after serving as head women's golf coach at fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member Delaware State. His collegiate coaching experience also includes stops at Chicago State, Elizabeth City State and Benedict College.
"It's an honor to become a Spartan," Bowen said. "In my world of golf travel, this is a great opportunity to start a program from the ground up. We have a great opportunity to bring more championships to NSU!"
As head men's golf coach at Chicago State, Bowen rebuilt the Division I program by recruiting six new top-ranking players and oversaw daily practices, tournament coaching and player development. He previously coached at Elizabeth City State and led both the men's and women's golf programs at Benedict College.
Bowen's instructional background includes serving as lead golf instructor at the PGA Tour Academy in Jacksonville, Fla., and as a personal coach with GolfTEC. He has also served as executive director of The First Tee of North Chicago and the National Minority College Golf Fund, working to grow the game among young players.
His honors include induction into the Southern University Athletics Hall of Fame (2017), the Outstanding Leadership Award from African American Golf Digest (2013), and recognition as a contributor in the World Golf Hall of Fame's African Americans in Golf exhibit. He has also served as president of the Black Golf Coaches Association.
Bowen earned his bachelor's degree in business economics from Southern University.
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