The list of long-time college golf coaches who are calling it a career keeps getting longer.
On Friday, the University of Georgia announced that men’s coach Chris Haack will be retiring at the end of the 2025-26 season. Haack has been overseeing the Bulldogs program since July 1996. During his 30 seasons on the job, his teams have won two NCAA championship, eight SEC crowns and a school-record 70 tournament titles.
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“After much reflection and a whirlwind of emotions, I’ve made the decision to retire,” Haack said in a press release. “While it’s bittersweet to step away, I’m genuinely excited for the next chapter and deeply confident in the bright future ahead for this storied program.”
Haack is the third Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame member who has decided to step away from the college game in recent months. In December, Georgia Tech men’s coach Bruce Heppler announced his retirement after 30-plus years with the Yellow Jackers effective at the end of the season. And last month Mike McGraw, an NCAA winning coach at Oklahoma State who most recently oversaw the Baylor men’s program, announced he was stepping down immediately to take care of his ailing wife after more than 30 years as high school and college coach.
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Along with winning the NCAA title in 1999 and 2005, Haack’s Bulldog squads have garnered nine top-10 and 17 top-20 finishes at NCAAs. Along the way, he coached 70 players to a combined 119 All-America honors, including two national players of the year (Chris Kirk, 2007, and Russell Henley, 2010). In 2001, the Bulldogs became the first college golf program to have all five starters named All-Americans in the same season.
“For the last three decades, I’ve had a front-row seat to watch some of the finest golfers in UGA history develop, not just as players, but as men,” Haack said. “I love every one of them like a son. The memories we’ve created, the relationships we’ve built and the triumphs we’ve shared will stay with me forever. I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many exceptional people in the athletic department and with a remarkable coaching staff.”
Haack said that he’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife Ronda and their soon-to-be seven grandchildren. He will remain with the program as a special advisor for the 2026-27 seasons.
The school has not announced a replacement for Haack, who acknowledge that he’s leaving behind “an excellent” coach in assistant (and former Georgia player) Mookie DeMoss. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that DeMoss is likely to be named Haack’s successor as early as Friday.
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Frequently Haack’s players built on their college success when they turned pro. Twelve of his former players have combined to win 46 PGA Tour titles, including two Masters wins from Bubba Watson and an Open Championship victory by Brian Harman. According to the school, Haack’s players have claimed more than $350 million in career earnings on the course.
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Among Haack’s players who went on to successful pro careers is Brian Harman, seen here with his Georgia coach in 2007.
Haack’s players also performed well in the classroom, with 32 scholar All-American honors and eight times being recognized at Georgia for having the highest team grade point average of any sport.
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“Chris Haack has guided the men’s golf program with excellence over the past 30 years,” said UGa Athletic Director Josh Brooks. “His impact extends far beyond Athens. He is a giant on the national stage, respected by coaches, players and the entire golf community for his integrity and commitment to his student-athletes. We are forever grateful for his leadership.”
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