Georgia’s Chris Haack announces retirement

Staff Reports

ATHENS, Ga. — For three decades, the standard for college golf in Athens was measured not only in trophies, but in men molded and careers launched.

On Friday, Chris Haack announced that he will retire as head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs men’s golf program at the end of the season, closing a 30-year run that elevated Georgia into one of the sport’s national powers. Haack will remain with the program as a special advisor during the 2026-27 season.

In a sport defined by tradition and legacy, Haack built both.

He led Georgia to the only two national championships in program history — in 1999 and 2005 — along with eight Southeastern Conference titles and a program-record 70 team tournament victories. The Bulldogs finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Championships nine times under his watch and placed among the top 20 on 17 occasions. Twice they were national runners-up, and twice more they finished third.

But numbers alone cannot capture the reach of Haack’s tenure.

“After much reflection and a whirlwind of emotions, I’ve made the decision to retire as head coach of the University of Georgia men’s golf program,” Haack said in a statement. “While it’s bittersweet to step away, I’m genuinely excited for the next chapter and deeply confident in the bright future ahead for this storied program.”

Haack’s confidence in that future includes longtime assistant Mookie DeMoss, whom he praised, as well as what he described as a talented returning roster and an outstanding recruiting class.

For 30 years, Haack had what he called a “front-row seat” to watch some of the finest golfers in UGA history develop — not just as players, but as men.

“I love every one of them like a son,” Haack said. “The memories we’ve created, the relationships we’ve built and the triumphs we’ve shared will stay with me forever.”

Those relationships stretch far beyond Athens.

Under Haack’s tutelage, 70 Bulldogs earned a combined 119 All-America honors. In 2001, Georgia became the first program in history to have all five starters named All-Americans in the same season. He coached two National Players of the Year — Chris Kirk (2007 Ben Hogan Award) and Russell Henley (2010 Fred Haskins Award) — along with six SEC Players of the Year and eight SEC Freshmen of the Year.

His influence echoes loudly on the PGA Tour. Twelve former Bulldogs have combined for 46 Tour victories, including 12 by Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion, and a major championship triumph by Brian Harman at The Open. Collectively, Haack’s players have earned more than $350 million in professional prize money.

Kevin Kisner said Haack’s impact extended well beyond golf.

“Coach Haack not only guided me on the golf course but also inspired me to grow as a person,” Kisner said. “His unwavering support and wisdom helped shape both my golf career and my character.”

Henley echoed that sentiment.

“He was very encouraging and put me in an environment where I could steadily get better and compete at the highest possible level,” Henley said. “He helped me focus on getting better in the long term and to enjoy the present moment. It was exactly what I needed to hear.”

Haack’s coaching tree has flourished as well. Ryan Hybl, now the head coach at Oklahoma and a former Georgia player and assistant, described Haack as “a major part of my life for over half of my life.”

“He not only gave me an opportunity to play college golf at the highest level, but he also helped me get my coaching career started at UGA,” Hybl said. “Chris Haack is a DGD.”

Former Bulldog Nick Cassini credited Haack for teaching his teams to compete for something bigger than themselves, while PGA Tour pro Keith Mitchell recalled a program built on the belief that “iron sharpens iron.”

“Nothing was given to us,” Mitchell said. “Every spot in the lineup was earned.”

That edge, paired with an emphasis on academics, defined Haack’s era. Georgia players earned 32 Scholar All-America citations during his tenure, and the team captured eight Faculty Athletic Representative Awards for posting the highest team GPA at Georgia.

“Chris Haack has guided the men’s golf program with excellence over the past 30 years,” said Josh Brooks, Georgia’s J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics. “His impact extends far beyond Athens. He is a giant on the national stage, respected by coaches, players and the entire golf community for his integrity and commitment to his student-athletes.”

UGA President Jere W. Morehead called Haack “a cornerstone of the University of Georgia athletic department,” praising his commitment to academic success and personal growth.

Before arriving in Athens in 1996, Haack spent 15 years with the American Junior Golf Association, where he captained Canon Cup teams that included future Hall of Famer Tiger Woods. Even then, he was building relationships and shaping futures.

Now, as he prepares to step away from the range and the recruiting trail, Haack turns his attention to family — his wife, Ronda, and their growing brood of six, soon-to-be seven grandchildren.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime,” Haack said. “Go Dawgs forever.”

For 30 years, Georgia golf carried his imprint — in championship banners, in PGA Tour scorecards, and in the quiet confidence of young men prepared for whatever waited beyond the 18th green.