Longtime Penn State men’s golf head coach Greg Nye announced his retirement Tuesday following the conclusion of his 31st season in the role and 39 years in collegiate coaching.
“I have so many fantastic memories and stories with my teams and fellow coaches,” said Nye in a press release. “The centennial celebration of Penn State golf last fall definitely created a wonderful setting for us all to share these memories and create a few more. I am so grateful for the efforts of many who have made our program shine through the years in competition, and in the classroom. I believe we did it all the right way and I am very proud of all we achieved. The program has been left on good footing for new leadership. I wish nothing but success for the current team and coaching staff going forward.”
During his Penn State career, Nye raised the program to become one of the most prominent in the Northeast. He led the Nittany Lions to five NCAA Finals appearances, including the first by a Northeastern or Mid-Atlantic team in his third year on the job, as well as 22 NCAA Regional team appearances and twice qualifying individuals. Over the course of his career, he mentored 89 NCAA All-Region players, five Mid-Atlantic Region Players of the Year, 17 All-Big Ten selections and 10 NCAA All-Americans.
Nye recorded his 75th tournament championship in April as the Nittany Lions won the Rutherford Intercollegiate.
In his three decades coaching at Penn State, he was named the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Regional Coach of the Year 11 times.
“Greg elevated the Penn State men’s golf program to a Northeastern power while leading with integrity, class, and always valuing a true student-athlete experience. He has made a profound impact in the lives of so many,” Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. We wish Greg and his family nothing but the best in retirement.”
Prior to taking over at Penn State in 1992, Nye was head coach of the Bowling Green men’s and women’s golf teams for eight years.
Nye’s announcement comes just eight days following the retirement of longtime women’s golf coach Denise St. Pierre, who also stepped down after 31 years as Penn State head coach.
