Five Coaches Named Finalists for 2026 Dave Williams Award

The Golf Coaches Association of America announced the finalists for the 2026 NCAA Division I Dave Williams Coach of the Year Award presented by Golf Pride Grips.

The finalists are Auburn’s Nick Clinard, Florida’s J.C. Deacon, Ole Miss’ Chris Malloy, Arkansas’ Brad McMakin, and Virginia’s Bowen Sargent. All five coaches are leading their programs this week at the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California.

Clinard guided Auburn to four team victories and 11 top three finishes this season. The Tigers posted an NCAA record tying 77 under total at the Amer Ari Invitational and have remained ranked No. 1 in the Scoreboard powered by Clippd rankings since March 11. Auburn has been led by Ben Hogan Award winner Jackson Koivun along with Arnold Palmer Cup selections Josiah Gilbert and Cayden Pope.

Deacon led Florida to six victories and 10 top three finishes during the 2025 to 2026 season. The Gators claimed a 24 shot win at the NCAA Columbus Regional and also captured the Gators Invitational by 14 shots. Florida’s lineup featured Arnold Palmer Cup selections Luke Poulter, Jack Turner, and Zack Swanwick alongside All SEC performer Matthew Kress.

Malloy helped Ole Miss secure three victories and 11 top five finishes this season, including the program’s first SEC Championship since 1984. The Rebels also captured titles at the Mossy Oak Collegiate and The Invitational at The Honors Course. Ole Miss enters nationals ranked ninth in Scoreboard powered by Clippd.

McMakin guided Arkansas to three team victories and nine top five finishes during the season. The Razorbacks won the All American Intercollegiate, Watersound Invitational, and Blessings Collegiate Invitational while remaining inside the top 11 of the national rankings throughout the year.

Sargent led Virginia to a program record seven tournament wins and a second consecutive ACC Championship title. The Cavaliers also earned a share of the NCAA Winston Salem Regional title and advanced to the NCAA Championship for a fourth straight season. Virginia has been anchored by Jack Nicklaus Award finalist Ben James and three golfers ranked inside the top 50 nationally.

The Dave Williams Award honors the national coach of the year across NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, NJCAA Division I, and NJCAA Division II men’s golf.

Source: GCAA