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Texas' Ragan New Golf Coach

Sept. 10, 1997

Vanderbilt has named Jim Ragan of tradition-rich University of Texas as its new men's golf head coach.

"Jim Ragan knows what it takes to have a championship caliber golf program," says Director of Athletics Todd Turner. "He possesses a unique blend of professional knowledge, experience, personal integrity, and a passion for excellence that will serve our student-athletes and golf program well for many years to come. We are pleased and feel extremely fortunate to have attracted him to Vanderbilt."

Ragan has been the assistant at Texas since 1994, directing recruiting along with coaching and administrative responsibilities. Longhorn golf was in the national spotlight during those years, finishing third in the 1994 NCAA Tournament. In 1997, Brad Elder won the Nicklaus Collegiate Player of the Year and the Fred Haskins Award in addition to first team all-America honors. In addition, Longhorn Jeff Fahrenbruch won the Ben Hogan Award as the nation's top student-athlete, compiling a 4.0 GPA.

"Vanderbilt's great reputation and interest in building a strong golf program are my primary thoughts in coming to Nashville," Ragan says. "I am most impressed with the Nashville golf community -- the many quality facilities and the enthusiasm so many people have for the sport."

"I also look forward to working with Mason Rudolph," Ragan continues. "He is an asset to the program and significant to the future of Vanderbilt golf."

Rudolph, former PGA touring professional, has recently been promoted to Director of Golf, where he will handle fund-raising, public relations and administrative matters for both men's and women's programs as well as advising Commodore golfers.

"I'm thrilled that Jim is coming to Vanderbilt," Rudolph says. "He's coming from a perennial power. He had the best player in the country this year. His addition is great for our program and I will help him any way I can."

A graduate of Mississippi State, Ragan was the youngest instructor in the history of Golf Digest Schools, teaching mini-courses and traveling domestically and internationally.

Ragan was a teaching professional at the Sea Island, Ga., Learning Center and was involved in new course and practice range construction. Prior to that, he was at the Old Waverly Club in West Point, Miss., site of the 1999 Women's Open and also was an outside supervisor at the Tournament Players Club at Avenel in Potomac, Md.

Ragan and his wife, Lisa, are expecting their first child in December.