In this episode of College Golf Today, host Kelly Okun speaks with Lauren Guiao, assistant women’s golf coach at Purdue University and alumna of the golf program herself.
Lauren shares how she switched from an accounting path to coaching, knowing it was the right move after her first tournament on the other side of the ropes. She also explains how she navigated coaching former teammates by balancing personal relationships with constructive critique, a transition many up-and-coming coaches may face.
Lauren then dives into why the assistant golf coach role is her favorite place to be, relaying her responsibilities with recruiting, tournament qualifying and, most importantly, her players’ success on and off the golf course. She finishes with yet another definition of success that aspiring and current golf coaches should add to their philosophies.
Chapters:
[00:26] Meet Lauren Guiao: From College Player to College Coach
[00:48] From Accounting to Coaching
[02:58] How to Coach Former Teammates
[04:40] Why Being the Assistant Coach Is the “Best Job”
[06:44] Coach Lauren’s Take on Recruiting and NIL
[07:57] What Makes a Great Golf Recruit
[08:58] How-to: Tournament Qualifying and Lineup Picks
[13:10] Advice for Aspiring College Golf Coaches
[14:14] Defining Success as an Assistant Coach
