East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee announced the hiring of Andy Walker as head coach of the men's golf program on June 12. This announcement follows a $6.5 million commitment from GameAbove to support EMU Golf.

Walker, a four-time national champion as a player and coach, has an extensive coaching resume, including positions at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Lynn University, and South Mountain Community College (SMCC). As a student-athlete, Walker helped Pepperdine University win the 1997 NCAA National Championship before embarking on an 11-year professional playing career.

"Andy Walker's impressive professional golf experience and unwavering commitment to building meaningful player and donor relationships make him a perfect fit for Eastern Michigan University," said Wetherbee. "His results-driven approach and remarkable history of developing highly successful student-athletes both on and off the course are unparalleled."

Walker recently completed his third season as head coach at VCU, where he significantly improved the team's performance. Under his leadership, VCU men's golf rose from a No. 187 national ranking to a top-40 powerhouse within two and a half seasons. His tenure saw several accolades for his players, including seven Atlantic 10 Conference selections and multiple individual awards.

"I'd like to thank Scott Wetherbee, Dan McLean, and GameAbove for this great opportunity," Walker said. "Eastern Golf is in the midst of a transformation that not too many programs around the country have the benefit of being part of."

GameAbove's latest commitment brings their total support for EMU Golf to over $14.5 million, marking the greatest level of support from a single donor to one sport in the University's history.

The 2023-24 season was notable for VCU under Walker's guidance. The team won the Atlantic 10 Championship by 25 shots and earned individual co-champions from VCU. They secured three wins out of eleven events they participated in and ended with one of the best winning percentages in NCAA Division I golf.

Walker's previous coaching roles include leading Lynn University to an NCAA National Championship in his first season (2019) and guiding SMCC to back-to-back NJCAA Division II National Championships in 2015 and 2016.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Walker has trained junior to professional-level golfers at the Golf Channel Academy and has been featured as a television and radio personality since 2010.

Before coaching, Walker played professionally for 11 years on various tours worldwide, achieving numerous victories and top-10 finishes. He also had success as a student-athlete at Pepperdine University.

EMU recently opened the GameAbove Golf Performance Center at Eagle Crest Golf Course on January 16, 2024. The facility was made possible through an $8 million gift from GameAbove and is designed to enhance training for EMU's men's and women's golf teams.

Eagle Crest Golf Club has been ranked No. 9 in the Top 25 College Golf Courses by Golf Pass Golfers' Choice 2024.