Aug. 15, 2003
The University of Kentucky men’s golf program named Lexington native Dan Utley assistant coach, head coach Brian Craig announced Friday. Utley is a member of the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) and has extensive teaching experience at various country clubs.
“Dan brings an incredible amount of experience and success as both a player and instructor to our program,” Craig said. “He has a strong passion for coaching and, most importantly, has excellent people skills. Dan will be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes and entire program as we strive to win the SEC Championship.”
Utley comes to UK after serving as an assistant golf professional at the Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Md. Utley was responsible for every tournament program as well as teaching and coaching responsibilities at Columbia.
Prior to becoming an assistant at Columbia, Utley served as an assistant golf professional at the Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Va. At Farmington, Utley was the junior golf director for 60 youth summer golf programs, tournament director for men’s day golf events and oversaw day-to-day operations for the club golf shop, which was the top merchandiser in Virginia in 2001. In March 2002, Utley completed the Golf Professional Training Program, a three-level program consisting of seminars, work experience activities, self-study courses and testing.
“I am thrilled to be associated with the University of Kentucky men’s golf program,” Utley said. “Coach Craig has this team getting better each day and I am eager to help make this program great.”
Utley attended Tates Creek High School and the University of Louisville where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in sports administration with a concentration in teaching.
In 1994, Utley won the prestigious UK/Johnny Owens Invitational, shooting a three-day 216 and leading his Louisville team to an overall tournament championship. That same year, Utley won the Kentucky state amateur championship and was named Kentucky state amateur player-of-the-year. In 1995, Utley was the Kentucky state amateur championship runner-up.
Utley and his wife, Jackie, have been married for three years.
