Information Schedule Philosophy Instructors Application/Waiver FAQ

Academy Instructors

Academy Director, Larry Penley – 2004 NCAA Coach of the Year – 6 Time ACC Coach of the Year

Clemson Coach Larry Penley is the winningest coach in Clemson history in terms of team championships (58) while producing 51 All-Americans. In the prior 24 years the Tigers have finished in the top 20, twenty one times with 7 top four finishes. Clemson has also won the East Regionals in 1993, ’94,’95, 2000,2002,2003 & 2004 – an amazing feat considering no other NCAA team has recorded more than 3 regional titles! The Tigers have also been the ACC Champions 9 times under Coach Penley.

The Tigers have been just as successful in the classroom. Coach Penley’s teams have graduated at a rate of 96%. During his 23 years as head coach, the Tigers have had 9 academic All Americans.

As a player, Coach Penley has also excelled, He was a 1981 All-ACC performer while playing for Clemson with a stroke average of 72.66. He also is the 1987 and 1998 South Carolina amateur winner, setting a scoring record in 1987 with a score of 277 (-11). He also has won the 1990 SCGA Mid-Am and the 1992 Carolinas Golf Association Mid Am.

Mike Carlisle - Clemson ‘80

• 2005 Coach of the Year
• Head Coach of the USC-Aiken Pacers (15 yrs)
• 2004, 2005, 2006 NCAA Div II National Champions
• Pacers have won 73 titles
• Produced 40 All-Americans
• District III coach of the year 7 years in a row
• Named Coach of Team USA in the Fuji USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championship
• He has won the Carolinas Amateur & SCGA Mid Am

“Coach Carlisle brings playing and coaching experience to our staff. He has been one of the best amateur players in the southeast for quite some time. His coaching record speaks for itself. USC-Aiken is known as the NCAA Division II powerhouse.”

Jay Seawell - USC '88

• Head Coach, University of Alabama (5 Years)
• Has lead Alabama into the Top 10 in his short tenure.
• Alabama has made NCAA’s 3 of 4 seasons under Seawell
• Head Coach at Augusta St. University from 1998-2002
• In 2002 led Augusta State to their first top 5 finish in the NCAA’s
• Head Coach at Anderson College 1991-1995
• Coach of the year 5 times
• Coached 6 All-Americans
• Coached 5 Palmer Cup Team Members
• Class “A” PGA Member
• 2-Time MVP at USC

“Jay is known throughout South Carolina for his teaching ability, Coach Seawell is a tremendous addition to our staff. He excels coaching junior golfers as well as the experienced player.”

Jordan Byrd - Furman University ‘98

• Assistant Coach, Clemson University (2005-present)
• First Assistant Coach at Clemson University
• Assisted the Tigers to a 7th Place finish in the NCAA’s in his first year coaching
• 2007 US Mid Amateur Quarter - Finalist
• Southern Conference Champion
• 2 Time – All Conference at Furman University
• 2nd Place Finish in SC Amateur 2006
• Played Professionally for 2 Years on NGA Hooters Tour

“In Jordan’s young coaching career he has made an immediate impact on the success of Clemson golf. Jordan also brings playing experience as he was one of the top amateurs in the state this past summer.”

Nicky Goetze - Clemson '93

• 00-03 Florida State Head Coach
• 98-00 Mississippi State Head Coach
• 97-98 UTEP Head Coach
• 96-97 Florida Gator Assistant Coach
• 3-time All-American at Clemson
• 2-time Academic All-American
• Won 1995 BC Tel Pacific Open

“Nicky has been a winner at every level of competition. His work habits and overall knowledge of the game will be valuable when teaching our students fundamentals. His competitive experience will be a tremendous asset to our instructional staff.”