JulieHovland

Julie Hovland, former Illinois women’s golf assistant coach, was hired as a University of Kentucky women’s golf assistant coach, it was announced by head coach Golda Borst on Friday, Aug. 1.

“I’m super excited to join the Kentucky women’s golf family,” Hovland said. “The short time I’ve spent with Golda and Will (Sallee) has been amazing. They’re both great to be around, and I can tell already Kentucky is such a special place to be. I can’t wait to meet the team in person and get the season started. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

“We’re excited to welcome Julie to our coaching staff and the KWG family,” Borst said. “I know she’s going to be a great asset to our team as she comes from a strong playing and coaching background, while her positive attitude precedes her. We can’t wait to get to work and get this season underway!”

Prior to arriving in the Bluegrass, she spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Illinois (2023-24, 2024-25). In her most recent season in Champaign, she helped guide the Fighting Illini to a strong spring, which included two runner-up finishes at the Spring Break Shootout and the Florida State Match Up, followed by winning the Boilermaker Spring Classic. The Fighting Illini also finished in third place at the 2025 Big Ten Championship at the Havre de Grace, Maryland, in April.

Before that, she spent one season as a graduate assistant at her alma mater South Alabama (2022-23).  Hovland helped lead the Jaguars to one tournament victory to go along with five top-five finishes as a team, while she also coached two individual medalists on the season.

Hovland was a five-year letterwinner at South Alabama from 2018-22, ending her collegiate career as one of the most decorated players in program history. She became the first Jaguar to be named Sun Belt Conference Women’s Golfer of the Year in 2021, earning two medalist honors during the season to go along with five top-five finishes. Hovland also became the first golfer to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Regional Championship in program history. During her senior season, Hovland set program records for lowest 54-hole tournament score (-12, 204), birdies in a tournament (19) and matched a program record by firing a 66 at the USA Intercollegiate.

A native of Bergen, Norway, Hovland attended WANG Toppidrett Oslo and was a member at Oslo Golf Club. She helped the club win junior Norwegian titles in 2016 and 2017, and a senior title in 2016.