Southern University Director of Athletics, Roman Banks announced the hiring of new Jaguars Men's and Women's head golf coach Bobby Pope and assistant coach Philip Smith.
 
"We are very excited to welcome Bobby Pope and Philip Smith back to Southern University and to be our next head men's and women's golf coach and assistant coach, "Banks said. "They bring a level of excitement and a wealth of knowledge to our program. As they both played golf at Southern and have great experiences from there time on the Bluff. I am thrilled to be to bring back our golf programs and excited to see us move forward." 

The Jaguars will begin competition in men's and women's golf in the 2023-24 academic season.

SU has won five SWAC Championships in Men's Golf (1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988), Women's Golf has won seven SWAC Championships (1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004).
 
Bobby Pope is a graduate of Southern University with a business management degree. He was a four-year member of the Southern University Golf Team. 
 
After graduating from Southern, Pope worked in the chemical industry and retired recently after 28 years with Honeywell Chemical.
 
Today, Mr. Pope is active in the golf community, serving as a Board member and Tournament Director for Capitol City Golf Association, volunteering with the First Tee of Baton Rouge youth program.
 
He is married to Harriet Pope, and they reside in Baton Rouge, LA.
 
"I am excited for this new opportunity at Southern University and my goal is to bring SU golf programs back to championship form. Follow in the footsteps of our great tradition and leadership of former coaches like Willie Williams and the legendary, Clifton Johnson," Pope said. "I'd also like to thank Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Roman Bankson his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence for the Golf programs. I cannot wait to get started!"  
 
Philip Smith, Jr. is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a 1987 Southern University A&M College graduate. 
 
While attending Southern University, Mr. Smith was a part of the last championship golf team at the University with four (4) consecutive Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championships. 
 
In later years, Mr. Smith volunteered as an assistant to the Legendary Golf/Tennis Coach at Southern University, Clifton Johnson. 
 
"Coach Johnson won more SWAC Championships in golf and tennis combined than any other coach in the history of Southern University. We are excited to see the golf program return and look forward to returning to our winning ways, " Smith said. "I want to thank Athletic Director Roman Banks for his leadership and support."
 
In 2021, Mr. Smith was inducted into the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame in Golf. 
 
Philip's professional experience includes leadership roles at Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College. Specifically, his background has included roles in Public Relations/Marketing, Grants Administration, Alumni Affairs, Community Relations, and Athletics. 
 
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated diplomacy in working collaboratively to bring about transformational results and positive change.
 
He is married to Brandi Nicole Smith and the father of five children, Lauren, Blair, Hannah, Phillip III, and Olive Grace. The couple resides in Baton Rouge, LA.
 
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