Men's Golf | October 29
DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University men's and women's golf programs announced on Thursday the addition of former Huskie
Zach Place to the coaching staff as an assistant coach.
"We're fired up to welcome Zach back to NIU," said men's golf head coach
John Carlson. "His passion for the game, relentless work ethic, playing ability and knowledge of instruction will make an immediate impact on our student-athletes. He'll also bring tremendous value to our alumni network and help strengthen our connections throughout the Chicago golf community."
Place was a member of the NIU men's golf team from 2019-24 and helped lead the Huskies to the Mid-American Conference championship in 2023. He was NIU's top finisher at the MAC Tournament that year, tying for fifth at even par to earn a spot on the MAC All-Tournament Team. Place had a career-best 54-hole score of 207 at the 2023 NCAA Regional in Salem, S.C., tying for 14
th place at nine-under par.
"I'm incredibly excited to be back at NIU and to have the opportunity to give back to a program that has meant so much to me," Place said. "After spending five years as a student-athlete, I'm looking forward to bringing my experiences and knowledge back to DeKalb. NIU played a major role in my development as a player and a person. I'm grateful for the opportunity to help the next generation of Huskies achieve their goals."
A two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection, Place was named to the Academic All-MAC Team four times. Place is in the top-10 all-time in career scoring average in NIU men's golf history at 74.364.
"Having Zach return to the NIU golf programs as an assistant coach is special," head women's golf coach
Kim Kester said. "He's a great golfer, an even better person and someone who understands what this program means. We're excited to have him back home and part of the program."
Place received his bachelor's and master's degrees from NIU. He has spent the past three years competing as a professional golfer in Monday qualifiers for PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Americas events, as well as qualifying schools for professional tours.
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