A Legend Steps Down: Georgia Golf Coach Chris Haack Announces Retirement
ATHENS, Ga. - An era of unprecedented success in Southeastern Conference golf is nearing its end. Chris Haack, the architect of the Georgia Bulldogs' men's golf dynasty, announced he will retire following the current season, his 30th at the helm. The move marks a significant transition for a program that has become a national powerhouse and a prolific pipeline to the PGA Tour under his leadership.
Haack's tenure in Athens has been nothing short of legendary. He guided the Bulldogs to the only two national championships in the school's history, capturing the NCAA crowns in 1999 and 2005. His teams also claimed eight SEC championships and a staggering 70 team tournament victories, a program record. A five-time SEC Coach of the Year and two-time National Coach of the Year, Haack's influence is evident in the generations of talent he has mentored, including PGA Tour mainstays like two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and 2023 Open Champion Brian Harman. In total, his former players have amassed 46 PGA tour wins and earned over $350 million.
Longtime assistant coach and former Bulldog standout Mookie DeMoss has been named as Haack's successor. DeMoss, who played for Haack from 2011-15 and served as a team captain, returned to the program as an assistant in 2024 after a professional career. He takes over a program in strong health, with Haack praising a talented roster and the nation's top-ranked 2026 recruiting class. Haack will remain with the Bulldogs as a special advisor for the 2026-27 season to aid in the transition.
QUICK HITS
- Dawgs Tennis Pulls Off Upset: The No. 33 Georgia men's tennis team delivered a stunning upset in Athens, defeating the No. 15 Florida Gators 4-1 on Monday. The loss drops the Gators to 0-2 in early conference play, marking a significant early-season conference victory for the Bulldogs on their home court.
- Mizzou Football Sets Spring Schedule: The Missouri Tigers have officially announced their schedule for spring football camp. The team will hold a series of practices and press conferences over the next three weeks, offering a first look at new coordinators and players. However, fans will have to wait for the fall to see the team in action at Memorial Stadium, as Mizzou will not hold a traditional spring game this year due to ongoing stadium construction.
- Mizzou Women's Golf Notches Third Win: The Missouri women's golf team is on a roll, capturing its third tournament victory of the year at the Westbrook Invitational. The Tigers shot a remarkable 37-under par as a team to claim the title, punctuated by a tournament-best 17-under in the final round. Freshman Ebba Liljeberg led the charge, finishing third individually.
- Mississippi State Soccer Finalizes Staff: The Mississippi State women's soccer program has completed its staff with the hiring of Lucy Ream as Director of Soccer Operations. Ream joins the Bulldogs after serving in the same capacity at Lipscomb, reuniting with head coach Kevin O'Brien.
PORTAL WATCH
All remained quiet on the SEC transfer portal front over the last 12 hours, with no new entries or commitments to report across the conference.
RECRUITING BUZZ
There were no new football or basketball commitments announced for any SEC schools within the last 12 hours.
GAMES TO WATCH (Tuesday, Feb. 24)
- Softball: The undefeated and top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (13-0) puts its perfect record on the line as it hosts in-state opponent UAB at Rhoads Stadium.
- Baseball: The No. 10 Florida Gators baseball team begins a two-game midweek set at home against FIU. It's the first meeting between the two schools on the diamond since 1998.
- Men's Basketball: The Missouri Tigers face a daunting task as they welcome the No. 22 Tennessee Volunteers to Mizzou Arena. It will be the Tigers' third consecutive game against a ranked opponent.