Kelechi Ezihie Balances a World Record Golf Marathon with His LSUS MBA

Kelechi Ezihie decided to pursue an online MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics through LSU Shreveport because he wanted to grow professionally, but he was also pursuing a record-breaking legacy. While working full-time and building his business, Golf Insights, Kelechi trained for and successfully completed a 36-hour golf marathon, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records. All this on top of taking classes!  

Read more about how LSU Online provided the structure and flexibility Kelechi needed to reach new heights academically and athletically. 

Meet Kelechi Ezihie 

1. What initially made you apply to the online MBA in Data Analytics at LSUS?
   I applied because I knew I wanted to grow not just as a business owner, but as a leader. I was building Golf Insights from the ground up, and I wanted to be able to use real data to back my decisions, tell our story, and show impact. LSUS had the flexibility I needed, and the focus on data analytics felt like the perfect bridge between the creative and strategic sides of what I do.
2. How did you balance life, work, and studies while preparing for your Guinness World Record attempt?
   Honestly, it was tough. There were nights I was exhausted from work, trying to study while also preparing mentally and physically for a 36-hour golf marathon. But I stayed focused on my why. I kept telling myself: this is bigger than me. It’s about inspiring others, especially young Black men, to aim higher. That purpose helped me push through and stay disciplined.
3. What was your favorite course or topic in the MBA program, and why?
   I really enjoyed Data Visualization. There’s something powerful about being able to turn numbers into a story people can see and understand. Whether I’m tracking event turnout, fundraising goals, or sponsorship value, that course helped me present insights clearly and that’s something I use all the time now.
4. How did the program prepare you to approach challenges like the golf marathon—mentally, logistically, or professionally?
   The MBA helped me build structure. I’ve always been a big-picture thinker, but the program helped me learn how to break big goals down into real steps. For the Guinness attempt, I had to plan everything—scheduling volunteers, tracking hydration, building a timeline, and managing whatever pops up. The mindset I developed through the program helped me stay calm and focused.
5. What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MBA program?
   Be intentional. Don’t just go through the motions to get the degree. Apply what you learn to something real—whether it’s your business, your job, your community. That’s where the magic happens. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with professors or classmates. There’s value in building relationships even in an online program.
6. What skills from the MBA have been most valuable in your life or career since starting the program?
   Strategic thinking has been huge for me. I’ve learned how to map out long-term goals, measure success, and adapt when things don’t go as planned. Data analysis and project planning have helped me level up Golf Insights—from better budgeting to pitching sponsors with confidence.
7. How do you see your MBA and data analytics knowledge supporting your future goals—whether in business, sports, or something else entirely?
   I want to build something long-lasting. One of my dreams is to open a golf and community center in Nigeria—somewhere kids can learn, grow, and dream. With what I’ve learned in this program, I now know how to build a business case for that. I can use data to show why it matters and how it can work.
8. Do you plan to use your degree to build or grow a venture related to sports, fitness, or community engagement?
   Yes, I do—100%. Golf Insights is already combining sport and community in creative ways, but I want to take it even further: more clinics, more partnerships, more impact. I’m using this degree as a launchpad to keep that mission growing.
9. What inspired you to take on the challenge of breaking a world record, and how did your time in the MBA program influence your mindset or approach?
   I wanted to prove to myself and others that anything is possible. The record wasn’t just about endurance; it was about legacy. I thought about all the people who never got a chance to dream this big. Being in the MBA program gave me a mindset of preparation and problem-solving. It helped me approach it not just emotionally, but strategically.
10. What parallels do you see between data-driven decision making (from your studies) and the strategy required in sports like golf or other pursuits?
    Golf is a thinking game. Every shot is a decision. You read the wind, the slope, the conditions—then you commit. It’s the same with data. You study the numbers, spot the patterns, and make a smart move. Both require patience, precision, and the ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned.

Meet Your Goals with LSU Online 

Kelechi Ezihie’s story highlights how ambition, backed by action and education, can help you move mountains! If you're ready to turn your passion into a career and level up in leadership, business, or analytics, LSU Online can help you get there. 

Learn more about the online LSUS MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics and explore how flexible, affordable, and career-focused online education can power your next big goal.