Argentinean golf coach strives for success in both men’s and women’s teams

By Mariana Rodas | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Santiago Cavanagh always wanted to coach a golf team, and in 2008 his desire came true when he took over the Flagler College women’s golf team. In the spring of 2009 started coaching the men’s team, as well.

Cavanagh was born in Argentina and came to the United States to play golf in college. He graduated from LMU in Tennessee in 2002. While playing at LMU, the Argentinean demonstrated his potential by wining seven tournaments and achieving a ranking position No. 38 in NCAA Division II and 12th in the South Region. Cavanagh has also worked as the head professional at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine and an assistant pro at the Ridgeway Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee.

Cavanagh’s key for improving the team since he first came to Flagler College was organizing their practices; in 2010 he guided both programs into the Peach Belt Conference. In that year the women’s team won the inaugural Peach Belt Championship and he was named the PBC Men’s Golf Coach of the year. The following year, Flagler College won its first PBC Men’s Golf Championship. In 2010 and 2011, both teams were nationally ranked — the women’s team finished at No. 21 and the men ranked No. 18 at the end of the season.

Both men’s and women’s team goals for this season are to win the PBC championship and advance to post season.

Another great quality of Cavanagh is his great relationship with his players. Alessandro Melle, a Brazilian from the team said, ¨Santiago is a leader and helps us get better at golf, school and to be a better person. He is helping us achieve our goals.”

Sebastian Barnoya, a freshman, has the same opinion about him: ¨He is a great coach and even a better person. He cares about our life, not only how we play golf.” Cavanagh motivates his players to achieve their goals and gives them the support to get better everyday, he said.