steve phelps - head men's golf coach


Steve Phelps was named head coach of the Southeastern men’s golf program in July 2009. Coach Phelps is the third coach in the program’s history and comes to Southeastern after spending the past 15 years in the golf business.

Before joining Southeastern, Coach Phelps was an assistant golf professional at Lone Palm Golf Club, in Lakeland, Fla. where he was director of tournament operations and taught lessons for five years.

From 2003 to 2005, Coach Phelps was the general manager of Pro Golf of Lakeland. He has also been an assistant golf professional at the Tournament Players Club of Tampa Bay, Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Fla. and Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla.

He earned his Class A PGA professional certificate in 1998 and graduated from Florida State University in 1994 with a business degree in hotel, restaurant, and club management.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of a very successful athletics program here at Southeastern University," said Phelps on being named Fire Head Coach. "The spiritual culture of Southeastern was the biggest draw for coming here, and to be able to coach golf was the ultimate bonus.”

Coach Phelps graduated from nearby Lakeland Senior High School in 1989 and has been a resident of Lakeland for more than 30 years.

“I am so thankful to Dr. Lyle Bowlin (Vice President for Academic Affairs) and Duane Aagaard (Athletics Director) for providing me with such a great opportunity here at Southeastern,” Phelps said.

He and his wife Becky have two children: Steven and Carley.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Steve is just the right guy for Southeastern. He is a wonderful golf instructor and a faithful, grounded person. I think he and Southeastern's golf team have a win-win. Congratulations to both of them." –Jeff Cox, President, Linder Industrial Machinery Company

"Steve Phelps is an outstanding young man who will be a great leader for Southeastern University's golf program. Steve is a skilled golf teacher and a wonderful Christian family man. He will build strong relationships with the student-athletes at Southeastern and represent the university in a professional and effective manner. This is a great example of the right man for the right job." –Nis Nissen, Marketing Consultant, The Nissen Group

"Steve Phelps is synonymous with Lakeland Golf; he has been teaching at various country clubs across the city for more than 15 years, recently at Lone Palm Golf Club.  Steve's PGA background will add to the rich history of the Fire men's golf program.  Additionally, he brings a sincere and humble faith as he joins the athletic department. It will be exciting to watch Steve integrate his golf training to lead young men in their walk with Christ." –Duane Aagaard, Southeastern University Athletic Director

"Steve is a great golf instructor. He is kind, easy-going, and fun to be around. I enjoy taking lessons from Steve." –Kyle Kirby, Lakeland Senior High School student and golfer