#United States #Columbus #Huntington Bank #PGA Tour #Golf Ambassadors

Huntington Bank's New Collegiate Golf Ambassador Initiative

Huntington National Bank has proudly unveiled its Team Huntington collegiate golf ambassador program, aimed at nurturing the potential of young athletes in the world of golf. This initiative coincides with Huntington's role as an official sponsor of the PGA TOUR University, emphasizing a commitment to fostering future talent in the sport.

A Commitment to Young Talent

The newly launched ambassador roster for 2026 includes an impressive lineup of seven amateur golfers, each representing various prestigious universities. Among them are stars like Ethan Fang from Oklahoma State University, who is ranked seventh in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and Kary Hollenbaugh from The Ohio State University, a two-time All-Big Ten selection known for her stellar achievements in collegiate golf.

The history behind Huntington's commitment to golf can be traced back to Malcolm Holland, chairman of Texas and founder of Veritex Community Bank, who has long supported young golfers, including forming a notable partnership with Scottie Scheffler, currently the world's top golfer. This collaboration was expanded when Huntington and Veritex merged, emphasizing a shared vision for growth and support within the golfing community.

Empowering Young Athletes

Brant Standridge, president of consumer and regional banking for Huntington, expressed excitement about the new roster, stating, "The launch of this roster reflects our commitment to backing athletes at pivotal moments in their journeys." Huntington believes that golf not only unites people but also instills character and strengthens communities.

With the introduction of this ambassador program, Huntington is not just investing in these athletes' potential but also reinforcing its mission to be a trusted financial brand deeply embedded in golf. This initiative aims to create meaningful connections with the communities they serve by actively supporting promising talent at crucial junctures in their sporting careers.

Meet the Team Huntington Ambassadors

The Team Huntington collegiate ambassadors possess a range of impressive accolades:

• - Ethan Fang (Oklahoma State University): PING All-American, 2025 Amateur Championship winner, ranked seventh in the WAGR.
• - Kary Hollenbaugh (Ohio State University): Two-time All-Big Ten first-team selection, four-time collegiate event winner.
• - Mason Howell (University of Georgia): 2025 U.S. Amateur champion, youngest tournament history winner.
• - Mackenzie Lee (Southern Methodist University): Winner of the 2025 North South Championship.
• - Farah O'Keefe (University of Texas): Two-time All-American; competed in prestigious events like the U.S. Women's Open.
• - Preston Stout (Oklahoma State University): Top-ranked amateur worldwide, two-time Big 12 champion.
• - Avery Weed (Mississippi State University): Three-time collegiate winner, top-ranked NCAA women's golfer.

Each of these athletes embodies the core values of dedication, ambition, and resilience, which Huntington aims to highlight through this initiative.

A Broader Impact on Communities

Huntington's commitment extends beyond individual athletes as the bank reinforces its presence in collegiate sports through various partnerships, including with The Ohio State University and the naming sponsorship of Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota. These strategic partnerships reflect Huntington's belief in the transformative power of sports to unite communities and pave the way for future opportunities.

Vijay Konduru, Huntington's chief marketing officer, eloquently summarized this philosophy by stating, "Huntington believes every student-athlete has a story worth telling. These golfers represent dedication, ambition, and the power of opportunity. We are proud to help elevate their stories and support their growth on and off the course."

Conclusion

As Huntington National Bank takes this promising step forward, it resonates with the essence of community support and investment in young talent. For more information about the collegiate ambassador program and Huntington's offerings, feel free to visit huntington.com/Golf.