Men's Golf Names New Assistant Coach
Wednesday, July 31, 2002 | Men's Golf
University of Florida men's golf coach Buddy Alexander announced Wednesday the hiring of former Gator golfer Michael Koulianos as the program's new assistant coach. Koulianos replaces Chris Tuten, who was also a former Gator golfer.
Koulianos will work with the team by helping to improve golfers' swing techniques and developing practice routines that will aid in athletes peaking at the correct time. His duties will also include assisting in recruiting, helping to plan course management, running camps and working in the gym with student-athletes.
"We know Michael pretty well from him playing here and what he can bring to the table," head coach Buddy Alexander said. "He was with the team for six weeks last season, the guys really liked him and learned a lot from him. He has a great knowledge of the golf swing and he will help out tremendously in a variety of ways."
A Tarpon Springs, Fla. native, Koulianos was a two-year letterwinner at Florida from 1996-1998. He played in six tournaments his freshman season with his highest finish, a ninth-place +5 (149) mark at the 1997 Silver Thorn Invitational. Injuries forced Koulianos to sit out most of his sophomore season, but he still managed to compete in the Preview and Golf World Invitationals to earn his second letter.
In the last few years, Koulianos has increased his instructional knowledge a great deal. He has practiced and instructed at the David Leadbetter Golf Academies in both Las Vegas, Nev. and Bradenton, Fla. He has also trained several players from schools such as Florida, Florida State and Mississippi State. Koulianos is currently the personal coach for Whitney Welch, who is a first team American Junior Golf Association All-American and U.S. Junior Girls' Runner-up. Koulianos credits a great deal of his teaching ability to his 20-year relationships with David Leadbetter and senior instructor Blaik Shew.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity of coaching at Florida," Koulianos said. "It gives me the chance to teach and relay competitive knowledge that only experience provides. It is the best of both worlds."
Koulianos made a strong attempt to qualify for the PGA Tour in 2000, when he advanced to the second stage of qualifying school. He also competed in Monday qualifiers for the PGA, Buy.com, NGA, Tommy Armour, Maverick, and Central Florida Tours.
