Courtesy of Grand Valley State Athletic Communications
ALLENDALE, MICH. – Athletic Director Keri Becker has announced the hiring of Gareth Lappin as the new men's head golf coach. Lappin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. He will take over for former head coach Gary Bissell, who became the head coach at the University of Denver.
"Gareth Lappin did an excellent job during his interview articulating how he will sustain the success in our men's golf program," Becker stated. "He demonstrated a high value on building relationships, developing talent, and delivering the best student-athlete experience. He is a teacher at heart and has a great network to recruit quality student-athletes."
Originally from Ireland, where he was a Junior Irish National Champion, Lappin played collegiately at Michigan State from 2014-18, where he was a letterwinner and was named a BIG TEN player to watch. Following his playing career in East Lansing, Lappin became a graduate assistant coach for the Spartans, where he was responsible for setting practice plans, tailoring players golf swings, and aiding in the recruitment of players.
For the past five years, Lappin has been a golf pro both in Ireland and in Michigan. He was a teaching pro at Belvoir Park Golf Club in Belfast and at the StoneWater Country Club in Grand Rapids. Lappin gave private lessons to multiple Division I golfers, among other players, ran junior development camps, guided junior golfers through the recruitment process, and conducted clinics and golf education sessions for golfers.
"I am excited to be named the head coach at Grand Valley State University," remarked Lappin. "I look to continue their momentum into the future and cement our place as a national title contender each year. Grand Valley State has incredible resources and facilities which gives us every opportunity to be successful on and off the course."
Lappin will take the reins of the Lakers, who are currently ranked fourth in the latest GCAA coaches poll. GVSU is back in action next Monday and Tuesday at the Doc Spragg Invitational down in Findlay, Ohio.
