Chris MacDonald has stepped down as head coach of the University of British Columbia golf program after twenty-four seasons. MacDonald took over the UBC women’s team in 2001 and added leadership of the men’s program in 2004.

During his tenure, UBC won seven NAIA Women’s Golf Championships and two NAIA Men’s Golf Championships. His teams also captured eighteen Golf Canada Canadian University and College Championships on the women’s side and nine on the men’s side. UBC swept every Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship they entered under his direction and earned wins in NCAA Division One fields.

More than eighty UBC players earned All Canadian honors during MacDonald’s time with the program. He received nine NAIA Coach of the Year awards and the Dave Williams Award in 2008 and 2023. He was also recognized by the Golf Coaches Association of America, PGA of Canada, PGA of British Columbia, and Sport BC.

MacDonald played a major role in fundraising for the program and the Thunderbird Golf Society, helping grow the endowment that supports scholarships, coaching, and national level scheduling.

UBC managing director Kavie Toor thanked MacDonald for his long service and acknowledged the success the program sustained throughout his leadership.

MacDonald leaves the program with a strong foundation for future competition in Canada and within the NAIA.

Source:
UBC Thunderbirds