Troy University Athletics
Troy Promotes Bart Barnes to Women’s Golf Head Coach
8/2/2013 2:28:00 PM | Golf (W)
TROY, Ala. – Bart Barnes has been named the Troy University women's golf head coach after four seasons as an assistant for both the men's and women's programs, Athletic Director John Hartwell announced Friday.
"This is an exciting time for the Troy golf program with the addition of Bart as the women's head coach and with the state-of-the-art practice facility that is currently under construction," Hartwell said. "Bart has done an outstanding job as an assistant coach under now men's golf head coach Matt Terry, and I have no doubt that he will be a great leader for our women's program."
Barnes joined the Troy staff in Jan. 2010 following a standout playing career at Middle Tennessee and a stint on the National Golf Association Hooters Tour.
"I am excited for this opportunity and am very thankful to remain part of the Troy Athletics family," Barnes said. "I feel like this is a great opportunity to build on the success that we've had and at the same time take advantage of the split head coaches and build a new direction. I want to say thank you to the Troy community and Troy University for having trust in me and to my family and friends for their continued support."
The women's team is coming off its best finish at the Sun Belt Conference Championships after placing fourth at the event in April. Rising junior Langley Vannoy was the Trojans top finisher after placing 12th.
The Troy women claimed three team titles during the 2011-12 season and one last season under the guidance of Terry and Barnes. On the men's side, Troy's Jake Tucker and Tolver Dozier have qualified for back-to-back US Amateur Championships.
"I am really excited for Bart and this opportunity for him to transition himself as the women's head coach," Terry said. "I think that he is going to do a fantastic job and he is going to take what we've done and really improve on that by being able to focus on one team.
"I was very fortunate to have been able to do what I've done the last 11 years with the women's program. It made me much better of a coach and for that I will always be thankful. I'm looking forward to being able to watch the women grow under Bart's leadership."
Barnes began his collegiate career at Central Alabama Community College after being named the valedictorian of his senior class at Elba High School. Barnes earned Academic All-America honors at Central Alabama before finishing his career at Middle Tennessee. After graduating with a marketing degree from MTSU in 2008, Barnes represented the state of Alabama at the Southeastern Challenge Cup Matches.
The men's and women's teams will have a new practice facility at their disposal this fall. The renovation of the old Trojan Oak Golf Course will transform the approximately 40 acres of land into a course featuring five holes that can be played from varying tee locations. The teams will have a nine-hole, par-34 practice course plus state-of-the-art putting and chipping greens, a wedge practice area, a full driving range and a new golf clubhouse.
