June 26, 2008

The University of Dayton has named PGA professional and Miami Valley Golf Club Director of Operations Chris Hale as the new men's golf head coach.

Hale replaces UD alum Drew Tyrer who guided the Flyers for three seasons and resigned in April to focus on a career in health care administration.

"I am really excited to follow in Drew's footsteps and make the kids' experience here at UD better," Hale said. "I know with my many years of teaching this game that I will help them in their development on-and-off the course."

Hale, who achieved PGA membership in February 1973, comes to UD after serving as the Director of Golf Operations at the Miami Valley Golf Club. Since November 2005, Hale helped develop and maintain a budge of up to $3.5 million, managed the golf operations staff and improved golf teaching programs.

"My main focus is helping others be more competitive and understanding the game," said Hale. "I am excited to use my previous experience to help improve and advance the team not only athletically, but teach and continue the team's success."

A Dayton native, Hale's other duties during his 30-year career include serving as the head golf club professional at Cassel Hills Golf Course in Vandalia, Ohio and owning and operating the Penn Terra Golf Course in Brookville, Ohio.

"To bring in a coach of Chris' pedigree and caliber is a tremendous addition to our program," said UD Associate Athletic Director Mike Kelly. "The experiences he's enjoyed as a club professional, owning his own course and playing as a professional shows Chris has been around quality golf a long time and that he understands the game. What impressed me the most is his enthusiasm for the position. Coach Hale has the right experience and a passion for UD that is unmatched."

This will be Hale's first collegiate head coaching job. However, Hale will have a solid foundation in place with the return of all nine UD golfers from a year ago.

Hale takes over a squad that placed second at the 2008 Atlantic 10 Men's Golf Championship, had two first-team All-Atlantic 10 selections and an individual medalist in the tournament for the first time in the program's history.

Last season UD also placed in the Top 10 at six events and had three Flyers, Rob Chappell, Zach Glassman and Ian Gilley, earn Atlantic 10 weekly honors.