June 17, 2009

(San Francisco) - USF men's golf head coach Dr. Gary Nelson directed the Dons to the program's first West Coast Conference Championship in 19 years and the first NCAA Regional berth since 1991. For his efforts, Nelson was rewarded with a multi-year contract extension as announced today by Athletic Director Debra Gore-Mann.

"Dr. Nelson has done a remarkable job in energizing the men's golf program at the University of San Francisco," Gore-Mann said. "Coach Nelson came to USF with a plan to rebuild the program and has executed it successfully. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the men's golf program looks poised to contend on a national stage."

In just three years Nelson has shaped the USF program into a rising power on the West Coast. The Dons won two tournaments in 2008-09 with a five-stroke victory at the Saint Mary's Invitational at Poppy Hills during the Fall season and then capped the regular season with the 10th WCC title in program history at Hiddenbrooke Golf Club.

"The last three years have shown that USF has risen to be a serious contender on the national stage in golf," Nelson said. "Looking into the future, the next three years will be even more remarkable."

Under Nelson's direction, San Francisco posted its lowest scoring average since 1990, averaging 292.67 in 36 tournament rounds in 2008-09. Nelson was honored by his peers as the West Coast Conference Coach of the Year, becoming the first USF men's golf coach selected since Dick Nicolopulos in 2001. The Dons posted 11 top-10 finishes in 12 events in 2008-09 including five top-five showings. In addition to its tournament titles, USF posted third place showings at the 2008 Giustina Memorial Classic and the 2009 Triumph at Pauma Valley.

San Francisco hosted three events last season, beginning with the San Francisco Intercollegiate at The Olympic Club - the first college event on the storied course since 1995. USF also hosted the second Triumph at Pauma Valley in March and the 2009 NCAA West Regional at the Lake Merced Golf Club - one of USF's home courses.