The Jacksonville University Men's Golf team on the course, embracing teamwork and sportsmanship.
Jacksonville University has welcomed back Mike Blackburn as the head coach of the men’s golf program starting summer 2023. Having previously guided the team from 2008 to 2019, Blackburn played a pivotal role in achieving remarkable milestones such as the program’s first NCAA Men’s Golf Championship appearance in 2017. His leadership and commitment to mentoring student-athletes are expected to revitalize the Dolphins’ reputation in collegiate golf, focusing on empowering young talent for future success.
Jacksonville, Florida – Jacksonville University has recently made a thrilling announcement that has the local golf community buzzing with excitement! In the summer of 2023, Mike Blackburn was welcomed back as the head coach of the men’s golf program, a role he previously held from 2008 to 2019. After taking a step back to serve as the Director of Golf, it seems that Blackburn’s remarkable history and passion for mentoring student-athletes have drawn him back to the helm of the golf team.
Blackburn’s journey with the Jacksonville Dolphins is nothing short of impressive. During his first tenure as head coach, he helped the team achieve some incredible milestones, including the program’s first-ever appearance at the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship in 2017. That momentous year, the team made waves by finishing in the top-five at the Louisiana Regional!
It was under Blackburn’s visionary leadership that the Dolphins soared to new heights. The 2017 season not only saw the team finish third at the ASUN Championship, but it also included a stunning victory at the Golfweek Program Challenge in South Carolina. Star players like David Wicks shone brightly, clinching individual medals and solidifying their place in JU golf history.
While serving as Director of Golf, Blackburn poured his energy into enhancing the program’s visibility and outreach. He founded relationships with boosters and worked tirelessly to rally support for JU golf. His commitment didn’t go unnoticed; Blackburn was revered for creating a nurturing environment that allowed young golfers to strive for their dreams. The joy of seeing players chase their golfing aspirations brings him immense satisfaction, and it’s clear that his heart has always been in coaching.
During Blackburn’s previous tenure, he led the men’s golf program to a total of five tournament victories and saw players earn individual medalist honors an impressive six times. The Dolphins also excelled in key statistics, recording the top-four seasons for total birdies and the top-three for total eagles in a single year. Talk about impressive!
Blackburn’s success wasn’t limited to just a single season. His notable coaching achievements included helping players earn All-Conference recognition eleven times, and five of his charges gracefully made the All-Freshman team. The acclaim didn’t stop there! In 2017, Wicks was named the ASUN Conference’s Player of the Year, marking a significant milestone as only the second Dolphin to earn that prestigious honor.
As Blackburn takes the reins once again, there’s an air of optimism around the JU golf program. His return is seen as a strategic move to rebuild the team’s winning reputation while focusing on developing young talent. Blackburn has always been passionate about empowering players, and his experience makes him the perfect fit to guide them into their golfing futures.
Furthermore, the way he integrates team spirit, individual excellence, and a competitive edge is bound to breathe new life into the Dolphins’ preparations for the upcoming seasons. With a strong leader at the helm, the students will surely engage with the game like never before, as Blackburn teaches them the intricacies of golf while fostering valuable life lessons.
This is an exciting chapter for the Jacksonville University men’s golf program! With Mike Blackburn at the forefront, the Dolphins are poised to not only compete but excel in the world of collegiate golf. The community, alumni, and fans will undoubtedly plow behind this revitalized program as they embark on their new journey. Let’s keep our eyes open and our clubs ready; the future looks bright!
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