Illinois Head Coach Mike Small Again Named Top Coach in College Golf

llinois head coach Mike Small has again been voted the best coach in college golf, earning the top spot in Golfweek’s 2025 College Golf Coaching Survey conducted by Lance Ringler and Cameron Jourdan.

Small also ranked first in a similar survey ten years ago. This year’s results placed Oklahoma’s Ryan Hybl, Oklahoma State’s Alan Bratton, Vanderbilt’s Scott Limbaugh, and Auburn’s Nick Clinard behind him.

Now in his 26th season leading the Illini, Small’s record includes 18 NCAA Championship appearances, nine NCAA Match Play berths, seven NCAA Regional titles, 13 Big Ten championships, and two individual NCAA champions, Scott Langley in 2010 and Thomas Pieters in 2012. His players have earned 39 All-America honors and 68 All-Big Ten selections.

Being chosen first by his peers in two separate surveys a decade apart reflects the consistent success of Illinois golf under his leadership.

Source: Fighting Illini Athletics