Kenneth “Kennie” Sims stands as one of the most accomplished golfers in Fayetteville State University history and a distinguished ambassador for the university, the game of golf, and the communities he has served throughout his career. A member of the Fayetteville State University Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2020, Sims built a championship legacy as a student-athlete before becoming a nationally respected golf executive, mentor, and advocate for growth and inclusion within the sport.
As a Bronco, Sims dominated the CIAA golf landscape during the mid-1980s. He earned All-CIAA, All-Tournament Team, CIAA Player of the Year, and Tournament MVP honors in 1984, 1985, and 1986, an unprecedented string of achievements that established him among the conference's all-time greats. Sims is one of only three golfers in Fayetteville State's more than 50-year golf history to win the CIAA Low Medalist Award three or more times.
Sims captured his first CIAA individual championship in 1984, posting a 36-hole score of 156 (79-77) to claim Low Medalist honors while leading the Broncos to a second-place team finish. He successfully defended his title in 1985, again carding a 36-hole total of 156 and helping Fayetteville State secure the CIAA Championship. In 1986, Sims completed one of the most remarkable runs in conference history, firing a stellar 139 (65-74) to earn his third consecutive Low Medalist Award and guide the Broncos to their second straight CIAA title. Each of his individual championships earned him All-CIAA Tournament Team recognition, cementing his status as one of the most dominant players of his era.
Inspired by legendary Fayetteville State golf coach Dr. Moses Walker, Sims earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University in just three years through academic discipline and determination. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida, laying the foundation for a successful career in golf management and leadership.
For more than four decades, Sims has utilized golf as a platform to create opportunities, foster community engagement, and positively impact the lives of others. A PGA of America Golf Professional for more than 25 years, he has held influential leadership positions throughout the golf industry. Most recently, Sims served as Senior Director of Impact for PGA REACH, the philanthropic foundation of the PGA of America, where he led initiatives designed to expand access to the game and increase golf's impact among youth, military veterans, and underserved communities.
Sims also served as Tournament Director of the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, the nation's premier collegiate golf championship for student-athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions. In that role, he helped elevate opportunities for aspiring golfers while highlighting the rich tradition of HBCU athletics and academic excellence.
Prior to his work with the PGA of America, Sims spent more than twenty years as Vice President of Golf Operations for the Tampa Sports Authority, overseeing three municipal golf facilities, directing more than 100 employees, and managing a multi-million-dollar operating budget. His leadership helped enhance golf operations, improve customer experiences, and strengthen community access to the sport.
Today, Sims continues to shape the future of golf as President and Founder of Commodore Golf Services, a consulting firm focused on transforming the golf experience through technology, strategic planning, operational excellence, and innovative training solutions for golfers and golf facilities.
From his championship performances at Fayetteville State to his national leadership within the golf industry, Kenneth "Kennie" Sims has exemplified excellence, service, and innovation. His impact extends far beyond the fairways, reflecting a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for future generations while proudly representing Fayetteville State University at the highest levels of the profession.
