By Adrienne Esposito, Staff Writer
After 14 years as head coach of Newman University’s women’s golf team, Coach Don Farquhar will be retiring in May.
In 1998, Farquhar was hired as the golf pro at Rolling Hills Country Club, and later became the director of operations as well. He accepted the position as head coach for the women’s golf team at Newman in 2005.
Farquhar later opened GolfTEC with his business partner Rich Maril in 2012, then left Rolling Hills in 2015 to devote more time to his business and coaching at Newman.
As a PGA qualifying coach, Farquhar carries a significant set of credentials to make him a highly qualified and knowledgeable coach, senior Imkeleen Meyer said.
“My game has grown a lot since I started here as a freshman… He can see the bigger picture, and if you work with him, he’s just amazing at what he does. He has so much knowledge,” Meyer said.
Farquhar said in an email that he’s most enjoyed the relationships that he built with his players at Newman.
“I have had players from all over the world come here and see what we have at Newman. They will always be part of my family as well as the Newman family,” Farquhar said.
Farquhar hopes to see the team improve individually and together, and ultimately advance to the super regional in Amarillo.
“We have a lot of talent, and I want them to learn how to win,” Farquhar said.
Meyer said the team has similar goals in mind with plans to compete in regionals, not only for themselves but also as a parting gift to Coach Farquhar.
“He always tries to get you to a point where you can be the best you can be. And he pushes you hard so that you can be there,” Meyer said.
While at Newman, Farquhar was named Coach of the Year during the 2005-06 season. The team has captured nine event championships and earned seven top-three finishes in the league finals under his direction. Nineteen individual golfers have earned a top-ten spot in the finals as well. During the 2014-15 season, the team attended regionals for the first time in Newman history.
Athletic Director, Vic Trilli, said that they are in no hurry to find someone to fill the position, as Farquhar is staying with Newman until May.
After the spring season, Farquhar plans to spend his retirement playing the game he loves and spending time with his grandson.
PHOTO: WOMEN’S GOLF COACH Dan Farquhar will retire at the end of the academic year. Courtesy Photo, Newman Athletics
