Kate Golden returns to The University of Texas after an 18-year LPGA career.
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Women's Golf head coach Martha Richards announced the addition of former UT All-American Kate Golden to the coaching staff for the 2010-11 season. Golden will serve as the Longhorns' volunteer assistant coach.
"It is an unbelievable feeling to be part of the Texas Women's Golf program once again," Golden said. "The University of Texas has been a big part of my life, and it's great to be back in Austin and working with a team that is so close to my heart. I look forward to working with Martha and adding another great chapter to my experiences with Texas."
Golden joins the Texas staff after serving as the interim women's golf head coach at Florida State during the spring 2010 season. Under Golden's tutelage, the Seminoles finished in 10th place at the 2010 NCAA Women's Golf Championship to earn their best national finish since winning the 1981 AIAW Championship. Additionally, Golden guided FSU to No. 14 in the final national rankings by GolfStat and No. 22 in GolfWeek's season-ending standings after inheriting a team that was unranked in both polls.
Prior to her stint at Florida State, Golden was a volunteer assistant coach for the men's golf team at Houston.
An 18-year LPGA veteran (1992-2010), Golden's professional career included a victory at the 2001 State Farm Classic, appearances in more than 30 major championships and nearly $1.5 million in career earnings. En route to the State Farm Classic title, Golden set a then-tournament record of 21-under-par during the 72-hole event. She totaled eight top-five finishes and 14 top-10s.
"I'm excited to have Kate join the Texas Women's Golf staff," Richards said. "Kate adds an infusion of energy to our team, and she knows through-and-through what it means to be a Longhorn. Her wealth of experience on the LPGA and in the coaching ranks makes her a valuable addition to our program."
A 1989 Texas graduate, Golden was a four-year member of the Women's Golf team under former head coach Pat Weis. She earned All-America second team honors in 1989 and was a three-time All-Southwest Conference First Team selection (1987-89). Golden was named to the Southwest Conference All-Decade team for the 1980s and won three collegiate events during her career.
The 1987 Southwest Conference individual champion, Golden is the daughter of Texas Ex Joe Bob Golden, the 1954 SWC men's golf individual champion. The Goldens were the only father-daughter tandem in the history of the Southwest Conference to win individual conference titles in the same sport. Joe Bob Golden played at Texas for Harvey Penick from 1952-54 and served as his assistant while attending law school at UT.
A former member of the LPGA Board of Directors and the LPGA Player Committee, Golden is currently on the Board of Directors for the charitable organization Golfers Against Cancer.