CIU Director of Athletics Darren Richie has announced Jake Montgomery as CIU's next head men's golf coach in May of 2023. Montgomery becomes the fourth men's golf coach in program history and is just the second CIU athlete to return to become a head coach at their alma mater. Montgomery spent the spring as the interim men's golf coach and will now have the interim tag dropped after a successful spring period building rapport with the Rams' student-athletes.
"I am pleased to see Jake returning to CIU as our next head men's golf coach," said Richie. "It is always a plus when you can bring in someone who already understands the culture of the school and knows the formula for success as a CIU student-athlete. I look forward to watching Jake get the best out of a program he once competed for."
Montgomery competed for the Rams from 2018-2021 and is the most decorated men's golfer in the history of the program as a three-time NCCAA All-American and All-Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) performer. In addition, Montgomery holds eight of the Rams' top all-time ten lowest 18-hole scores. Before competing for CIU, Montgomery spent two seasons as a member of the Bob Jones University (S.C.) men's golf program.
"I am super excited to be given this opportunity. Being a former player, this program has made a huge impact on my life, and I can't wait to grow it into something special," commented Montgomery, "I've got a group of guys that I know are going to put it in the off-season work. I'm excited about the upcoming years."
A native of Irmo, S.C., and a graduate of Dutch Fork High School, Montgomery has worked as one of the assistant golf professionals at Spring Valley Country Club. At Spring Valley, he has given lessons and helped run the PGA Junior League program. When not working as a golf pro, Montgomery continues to play golf professionally, picking up a win in 2022 on the Carolina Mountain Professional Golf Tour.
Montgomery holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from CIU.
