AUGUSTA, GA — The Peach Belt Conference and commissioner Diana Kling are pleased to announce that Clark Atlanta University will join the league as an associate member for Women’s Golf beginning in 2026-27.
The Clark Atlanta University Athletics Department announced the addition of women’s golf as its 11th NCAA varsity sport earlier this spring. Clark Atlanta becomes the third Peach Belt Women’s Golf associate member, joining Edward Waters University and Savannah State University.
“We are excited to welcome Clark Atlanta University’s women’s golf program to the Peach Belt Conference as an associate member” said Commissioner Kling. “The success of women’s golf in the conference has continued to grow since its inception, and I am confident that Coach Payton will build a program that is ready to compete. We look forward to providing this opportunity for more student-athletes to thrive both on the course and in the classroom.”
Clark Atlanta becomes the third HBCU women’s golf program in the state of Georgia. While this is the first time Clark will sponsor women’s golf, the Panthers previously had a men’s golf team in the early 2000s.
“We are honored to join the Peach Belt Conference and excited to begin this new chapter for Clark Atlanta University Athletics” said Clark Atlanta Director of Athletics Dr. Jerel Drew. “As we launch our women’s golf program, this partnership provides an outstanding competitive platform that will enhance the experience of our student-athletes while expanding opportunities for growth, visibility, and success. We are sincerely grateful to the Peach Belt Conference Presidents’ Council and Commissioner Kling for their confidence, support, and partnership throughout this process. We look forward to building a championship-caliber women’s golf program and contributing to the continued excellence of the Peach Belt Conference.”
Clark Atlanta announced the hiring of Erica Payton as the inaugural head coach of its women’s golf program in May. Payton is a lifelong golfer, collegiate coach and passionate leader dedicated to developing student-athletes both on and off the course. With a competitive background spanning middle school through college, she has built a strong foundation rooted in discipline, leadership and performance.
“Launching the first women’s golf program at Clark Atlanta University is an incredible privilege, and joining the Peach Belt Conference makes that opportunity even more exciting,” said Payton. “Our student-athletes will be challenged to compete against some of the best programs in Division II, and that’s exactly the environment we want as we establish the standard for Clark Atlanta Women’s Golf. We’re excited to embrace the challenge, represent Clark Atlanta with pride, and begin writing the first chapter of our program’s history.”
