Gophers golf announces two head coaches

Gophers golf is getting two new faces to lead its men’s and women’s programs, the team announced Thursday. John Carlson and Michele Redman will take over the two programs, respectively, according to Athletic Director Joel Maturi.

Redman graduated from Indiana University as a four-time All-Big Ten and two-time All-America selection. She is competing in her 20th season on the LPGA Tour.

“Michele brings with her an unbelievable wealth of golf knowledge and experience to the University of Minnesota,” Maturi said in a statement released Thursday. “Our women’s program is coming off its best season in history and I have no doubt that Michele’s background of teaching will continue that progression.”

The women’s team had a successful year on the links but it was mired in controversy away from them. Former golf director John Harris resigned in late June amid a pending lawsuit filed against him and the Board of Regents alleging discrimination and hiring under false pretences. The Daily first broke the story in early Decemeber.

Despite behind-the-scenes issues, the women finished sixth in the Big Ten Championships and 19th in the NCAA championships in May.

Carlson is a holdover from last year’s men’s team, for which he served as the associate head coach.

The men didn’t have quite as successful of a season, finishing eighth in the Big Ten championships. They did, however, have two participants — Donald Constable and Erik Van Rooyen — qualify for the NCAA Regional.

Carlson golfed for the University of Wisconsin and has worked as an assistant golf professional at Wayzata Country Club as well as a professional on the Nationwide and NGA Tours.