Oct. 24, 2025 (Paradise Island, Bahamas) –
As the Middle Tennessee State women’s golf team made its way around the Ocean Club Golf Course at Paradise Island, Bahamas, as part of the White Sands Bahamas NCAA Golf Invitational, one face stuck out in the crowd of Blue Raider supporters.
The school’s president Dr. Sidney McPhee, a native Bahamian, came back home to support his team; one which makes him proud. “The athletes are not only talented, but they are winners in the classroom too,” said McPhee, now in his 24th year at the helm of the university. “I have told them that at the end of their four years, I want them to have a diploma and a championship ring of some kind. I believe that the experience of being a student-athlete prepares you for anything in this world.”
McPhee grew up about 15 minutes from the tournament golf course and attended high school in the Bahamas before heading off to Prairie View A&M to begin to quench his thirst for knowledge and love of higher education. He went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Miami.
Ironically, Prairie View and Miami are two of the other teams in the seven-team field this week. But none of the other teams got a taste of Bahamian culture like the Blue Raiders’ players and coaches.
“I took them to Curley’s Fish Fry last night for a true taste of the native food; peas and rice, coleslaw and conch fritters are some of my favorites,” McPhee said with a smile. “They also got to experience our native culture where everyone is friendly, and the pace is slower. Here, they know that life isn’t always about ‘you.’”
Dr. McPhee personally paid the team’s entry fees and made the trip with his wife Liz. The two have been married 45 years after having met when he was a student at Prairie View. He even took part in the pre-tournament College-Am event.
“It was the first time I had picked up a club in five years,” said McPhee. “I used to play regularly, but life got in the way.” But it is a life of joy and accomplishment.
He knows the players by name and even has some of the school’s other teams to his house for an occasional meal. He has done all he can to make the school of 22,000 students feel like a family. And he has delivered an international studies program at MTSU that includes students from 70 different countries, more than any other college or university in the state.
But, foremost on his mind this week is cheering on his women’s golf team to be at its best, and maybe win a title in his native country. That would be special.
###
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly-away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram to see why “It’s Better in The Bahamas.”
ABOUT OCEAN CLUB GOLF COURSE
Atlantis Paradise Island’s Ocean Club Golf Course offers a challenging and beautiful course for golfers desiring championship play. Masterfully conceived, the Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole, par 72 championship course stretches over 7,100 yards on Atlantis’ peninsula. The course has hosted iconic sporting events such as the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI), the Michael Douglas & Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic. For more information about Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and the Ocean Club please visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational
Contact: Jack Milko
[email protected]
Contact: Craig Smith
[email protected]
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION CONTACT:
Anita Johnson-Patty
[email protected]
ATLANTIS CONTACT:
Katie Longley
Atlantis Paradise Island
242-376-1034
[email protected]
Photo Credits 📸: Ronnie Archer
