(Gilbert, AZ) Park University Gilbert Director of Athletics has announced Justin Searles as the head men’s and women’s golf coach for the Buccaneers effective immediately. Searles has been the interim head coach since February.
“Justin has an energy and passion for golf that is infectious,” said Fore. “He is a teacher and student of the game and his players will benefit from his experience and knowledge.”
A Gilbert, Ariz., native, Searles prepped at Desert Ridge High School and then a semester at community college before deciding to make the move to start his professional career which featured runs on the Nationwide and Web.Com Tours (currently the Korn Ferry Tour). He also played on the Hooters Tour and the All-American Gateway Tour where he won two events and posted 15 top-10 finishes. In addition, he played on the Canadian Tour (PGA Sanctioned), Pepsi Tour and E-Golf Tour. He won 20 events on the Pepsi Tour, with 10 runner-up finishes and was a two-time season ending money list leader.
Searles imprint can already be found on the Buccaneer program this past spring. He led the men’s team to a third place finish with three freshman in the starting lineup and a top-10 individual finish by Josh Smith. The Buccaneers had finished in third place in the conference tournament the past two seasons but the team had lost two all-conference players from those teams. He also helped freshman Gracie Soto knock eight strokes off of her fall scoring average in the spring and helped her to post a new career low round.
“I want to uplift these students-athletes in a positive way on and off the golf course and build a winning culture,” said Searles. “Success in this game depends less on strength of the body and more on the strength of the mind and character.”
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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