Former Owl Standout Michael Whitehead Added to Golf Staff
7/15/2019 3:44:00 PM | Men's Golf
HOUSTON, Texas — Rice head golf coach Justin Emil announced Monday afternoon the addition of former Rice standout Michael Whitehead to the coaching staff as assistant coach.
"It's a perfect fit," said Emil. "Michael has all the tools to make a huge impact on our program. He is a fantastic person, excellent player and extremely hard worker. He knows what it takes to be a successful Rice student-athlete, as he's done that himself at a high level. I am so excited to have someone come in with the passion and enthusiasm that Michael has to help our program. He is without a doubt one of the greatest golfers in Rice history. It's going to be an awesome season."
Whitehead returns to South Main after spending the last seven years playing professionally, amassing eight career victories on various tours. Prior to turning pro, Whitehead qualified for the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., taking the place of Tiger Woods, who withdrew with an injury.
"What a true honor it is to be able to return to and coach at your alma mater," said Whitehead. "I am so incredibly fortunate because there are so few people who get opportunities like this, and I am so excited to make the most of it. The year ahead is incredibly bright. This team is so fun, and the guys are so unique, and I am fired up to watch and be a part of their growth, wherever and however I can. I've seen a lot in this game, having played professional for most of the last decade, and I am grateful for the chance to share it with guys who truly are exceptional."
This will be Whitehead's second stint on the coaching staff at Rice, serving in a volunteer role from 2011-2013. During that time, he helped coach the Owls to the 2013 Conference USA Championship.
A four-year letterwinner, Whitehead completed a stellar career at Rice in 2011. He is second with a 73.60 stroke average and an average versus par of +1.82 since 1991. He holds Rice records with 145 rounds played, 51 rounds of par or better, seven top five finishes and 24 top 20 finishes, while placing third with 11 top 10 finishes.
His 2011 senior season proved to be one of the best individual seasons in Rice golf history. In 38 rounds, he amassed a stroke average of 71.18 and an average versus par of -0.63, the only season under par since 1991. He had 23 rounds of par or better. In 13 tournaments, he earned 10 top 20 and six top 10 finishes. Conference USA honored him with its Player of the Year award and he was named to the PING All-Region team.
At the 2011 Border Olympics, he had the best tournament in Rice history. In the final round, he posted a 10-under par 62 to finish 19-under par and earn his only victory in his Rice career.
He was also stellar in the classroom, twice being named a Golf Coaches Association All-America Scholar and being a four-time C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member. He was also named to the 2011 C-USA All-Academic Team.
Added Whitehead, "Believe me, Rice student-athletes are truly exceptional. The amount of discipline it takes to manage the school load and the athletic endeavor isn't light. What a cool chance to identify with our players in so many aspects of the life they're going through right now, and to encourage them that there's light on the other side of Sallyport. I also want to thank Justin for considering me and allowing me to help him in his pursuit of excellence with this program. I look forward to learning from him and helping him in whatever way I can. From the deepest and sincerest parts of me: Go Owls!"
Whitehead, a member of Will Rice College, graduated from Rice in 2011 with a degree in Sports Management.
"It's a perfect fit," said Emil. "Michael has all the tools to make a huge impact on our program. He is a fantastic person, excellent player and extremely hard worker. He knows what it takes to be a successful Rice student-athlete, as he's done that himself at a high level. I am so excited to have someone come in with the passion and enthusiasm that Michael has to help our program. He is without a doubt one of the greatest golfers in Rice history. It's going to be an awesome season."
Whitehead returns to South Main after spending the last seven years playing professionally, amassing eight career victories on various tours. Prior to turning pro, Whitehead qualified for the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., taking the place of Tiger Woods, who withdrew with an injury.
"What a true honor it is to be able to return to and coach at your alma mater," said Whitehead. "I am so incredibly fortunate because there are so few people who get opportunities like this, and I am so excited to make the most of it. The year ahead is incredibly bright. This team is so fun, and the guys are so unique, and I am fired up to watch and be a part of their growth, wherever and however I can. I've seen a lot in this game, having played professional for most of the last decade, and I am grateful for the chance to share it with guys who truly are exceptional."
This will be Whitehead's second stint on the coaching staff at Rice, serving in a volunteer role from 2011-2013. During that time, he helped coach the Owls to the 2013 Conference USA Championship.
A four-year letterwinner, Whitehead completed a stellar career at Rice in 2011. He is second with a 73.60 stroke average and an average versus par of +1.82 since 1991. He holds Rice records with 145 rounds played, 51 rounds of par or better, seven top five finishes and 24 top 20 finishes, while placing third with 11 top 10 finishes.
His 2011 senior season proved to be one of the best individual seasons in Rice golf history. In 38 rounds, he amassed a stroke average of 71.18 and an average versus par of -0.63, the only season under par since 1991. He had 23 rounds of par or better. In 13 tournaments, he earned 10 top 20 and six top 10 finishes. Conference USA honored him with its Player of the Year award and he was named to the PING All-Region team.
At the 2011 Border Olympics, he had the best tournament in Rice history. In the final round, he posted a 10-under par 62 to finish 19-under par and earn his only victory in his Rice career.
He was also stellar in the classroom, twice being named a Golf Coaches Association All-America Scholar and being a four-time C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member. He was also named to the 2011 C-USA All-Academic Team.
Added Whitehead, "Believe me, Rice student-athletes are truly exceptional. The amount of discipline it takes to manage the school load and the athletic endeavor isn't light. What a cool chance to identify with our players in so many aspects of the life they're going through right now, and to encourage them that there's light on the other side of Sallyport. I also want to thank Justin for considering me and allowing me to help him in his pursuit of excellence with this program. I look forward to learning from him and helping him in whatever way I can. From the deepest and sincerest parts of me: Go Owls!"
Whitehead, a member of Will Rice College, graduated from Rice in 2011 with a degree in Sports Management.