MIAMI SHORES, Fla. — Shannon Sykora has been named the acting head coach for the Barry University women’s golf team.
Sykora, who has served as the assistant coach for both the Buccaneer men’s and women’s programs for the last two years, steps into his first head coaching position.
During his two seasons, the Bucs advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championships twice on the men’s side and once on the women’s. The women’s trip to the nationals was just the second in program history. The team’s combined to go 450-115-3, win eight event titles and finish second another 12 times. He has served as mentor to five All-Americans and five Scholar All-Americans.
“I’m appreciative of the opportunity to advance the program forward and continue building off our fourth place finish at the national championships last year,” Sykora said.
Sykora brings over 11 years of professional and instructional experience to the Buccaneers. Prior to joining the Barry coaching staff, Sykora most recently served as the First Assistant Golf Professional at the Teton Pines Country Club in Jackson, Wyo. At Teton Pines, he was the lead junior instructor.
Prior to Teton Pines, Sykora served as the head professional at Pine Island Ridge Country Club in local Davie, Fla. Sykora was responsible for overseeing all aspects of golf operations. Sykora led the organization of tournaments and directed instruction of an active teaching program.
In addition to his professional experience, Sykora brings a wealth of playing experience to Barry. Since 1995, Sykora’s tour stops include the Nationwide Tour, European Tour, Challenge Tour, New England Tour, North Atlantic Tour and the Tour De Las Americas. Sykora won on the North Atlantic Tour 11 times, and was the 1998 NAT Player of the Year. In all, Sykora has over 20 tour victories worldwide.
Sykora, a 1994 graduate of the University of Tulsa, earned his bachelor’s degree in communication. The fourth coach in program history, he takes over for Gina Umeck, who departed at the end of the 2012 campaign after two seasons at the helm.