The Pittsburg State men’s golf team made its collegiate tournament debut after a ten-year hiatus on Monday.
The Gorillas kicked off their 2024-25 season at “The Mule” in Warrensburg, Missouri, which was hosted by the University of Central Missouri.
Pittsburg State, located in Pittsburg, Kansas, had previously suspended its golf program after the 2013-14 season. However, the team has returned this fall under the leadership of head coach and alum Nick Long.
“I am thrilled, along with the players, to start the season and compete against other teams,” said Long, a former Gorilla player from 2000-03.
Additionally, Pittsburg State will be introducing a women’s team in anticipation of the 2025-26 season, with Long also serving as head coach for the women’s team.
Back in 2014, PSU athletic director Jim Johnson explained, “Suspending the golf program was a difficult decision that took careful consideration of financial and staffing factors. Ultimately, we believed it was the right choice at that time.”
Fast forward to January 2024.
“Today is another significant day for Pittsburg State,” Johnson remarked. “When we decided to suspend the men’s golf program in 2014, I was confident that we would eventually reach this point. It was just a matter of time before we could take the necessary steps to relaunch the program with the proper resources for success. We not only feel that we have achieved that goal, but we are also prepared to move forward with establishing a women’s program.”
