July 18, 2007

Athletics Director Eric Hyman is pleased to announce a new, unified University of South Carolina golf program, it was announced today.

Effective immediately, long-time men’s golf coach Puggy Blackmon will assume the newly created position of University of South Carolina Director of Golf. His primary responsibility will be to implement a structure utilizing the experience, expertise and talents of the entire coaching staff to benefit and develop all Gamecock golfers. He will also be involved in player development, fundraising and finding additional practice and playing facilities for the program.

“This is an organizational structure that is on the cutting edge,” said Hyman. “Several high profile schools, including Southern California, Minnesota and Purdue have gone to this model with a lot of success. Our goals are to win championships, graduate student-athletes and elevate South Carolina to a consistent position among the nation’s elite,” continued Hyman. “The new unified South Carolina Golf program will create a team and family environment in a highly competitive atmosphere with a commitment to excellence.”

Coach Bill McDonald will assume the position of Men’s Head Coach, while Kristi Coggins will continues as Women’s Head Coach. Michael Burcin will become the assistant coach for both men’s and women’s programs.

“We want to get our program to where we are consistently competing for championships,” said Blackmon. “This structure allows us to better utilize our expertise in crossing over to both the men’s and women’s squads. Along with my other duties, I will be able to work with the players who are not on the traveling squad to keep them focused and motivated.”

The University of South Carolina men’s golf team ended the 2006-07 season tied for 11th place in the final Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches Poll after a strong postseason performance. For the first time in school history, South Carolina won a regional team title, finishing 44 strokes under par at the NCAA West Regional in Tempe, Ariz. The Gamecocks advanced on the NCAA Championship in Williamsburg, Va., where they placed in a tie for 11th. It was the best showing for the Carolina golf team since also tying for 11th in 1998. The 2006-07 squad had no seniors and only two juniors on the 12-man roster.

Despite turning in the second-best 54-hole team score in school history and having two of its players post career-best 54-hole scores, the South Carolina women’s golf team saw its 2006-07 season come to an end at the NCAA East Regional Championship. The Gamecocks were four strokes shy of finishing among the top eight in the field and earning a berth into the NCAA Championship. The South Carolina women’s golf team placed five of its members on the National Golf Coaches Association’s All-American Scholar Team, matching six other schools for the highest figure in Division I women’s golf.