EDINBURG, Texas - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Tuesday the hiring of Philip Tate, who had been the men's and women's head golf coach at St. Thomas University, as the new UTRGV men's golf head coach.
"It is an exciting time to join the UTRGV Athletics Department," Tate said. "I anticipate continued growth, development and success over the next several years. I am very happy and humble to have been asked to lead an already strong golf program."
Tate spent the last two years at St. Thomas where he led the men's team to multiple top-five finishes. Last season, he guided the men's team to a second place finish at the UTB Invitational and a fifth place finish at the NAIA Contender Tournament. He also guided Richard Le to the NAIA National Championship as an individual.
In 2014, Tate guided the men's team to a Red River Athletic Conference championship and then they followed with a 17th place finish at the NAIA Men's National Championship. That year he also guided a pair of men's golfers to the Red River Athletic Conference All-Tournament Team.
"We are very pleased to appoint Philip Tate to the position of Head Men's Golf Coach," UTRGV Director of Athletics Chris King said. "Philip is one of the outstanding young coaches in Texas and will be a tremendous addition to our staff. He is regarded as a fine teacher of the game and a terrific recruiter with established relationships throughout Texas and the rest of the country. Most importantly, I know how important ensuring a positive student-athlete experience is to him and I believe that the young men in our program will benefit greatly from his leadership, mentoring and coaching."
Prior to his time at St. Thomas, Tate was an assistant coach at Texas State University during the 2012-13 season and spent some time as one of the boy's and girl's golf coach at Trinity Valley School. Tate spent time as the Assistant Golf Professional at Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth where he was able to gain experience coaching young athletes.
Tate also has a vast background as a golfer. He was a four-year letterman at Texas Tech University, where he was a two-time All-American Scholar and was a member of the 1996 Southwest Conference Championship team. He competed in 32 events during his time at Texas Tech.
Tate also competed professionally on the North Atlantic/Tight Lies Tour for four years.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PHILIP TATE
Jeff Mitchell, University of North Texas Women's Head Golf Coach
I have had the pleasure to know Philip since 1998 when I coached him at Texas Tech. He is a fun guy to be around and is very knowledgeable in the game of golf. I anticipate him doing great things there. I think UTRGV is real lucky to have him and it will be fun to have him around.
Bill Montigel, Texas Christian University Men's Head Golf Coach
I have known Philip for a long time. He is a great choice for the men's golf coach at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He works very hard, gets along with everyone, a great recruiter and has a high golf IQ.
Shane Howell, Texas State University Men's Head Golf Coach
I believe UTRGV made a home run hire by naming Philip Tate their new golf coach. Philip not only brings a wealth of golf knowledge with him to UTRGV golf but a unique ability to build great relationships with his players. Combining these two factors together will produce a dynamic championship golf program on and off the golf course at UTRGV under Philip's leadership.
David Shuster, Houston Baptist University Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach
I think Philip is a stand up kind of guy. He does his research really well and is adamant about taking his teams to a higher level. He has the drive and will have a bright future at UTRGV because he will strive further and further to take the program to new heights. I think he will do a great job for UTRGV.
Brandt Kieschnick, Sam Houston State University Men's Golf Head Coach
I think it a very good hire. He is a great coach and will do great things there. He wants to do great things there. Philip was a good player in college himself and will use his experience to help the players and the program to be successful.