Ole Miss Men’s Golf Coach Ernest Ross Celebrates Historic SEC Championship
Oxford, Mississippi — Ernest Ross, a former Ole Miss golfer and coach, celebrated the Rebels’ recent victory at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship. Ross, who played for the university from 1970 to 1974 and coached the team twice, said he is proud of the program’s progress and its current success.
Ross, who took over as head coach in 1979-80, led Ole Miss to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 1984 and secured the SEC title that same year. He recalled how his teams in the early 1980s steadily improved, finishing second in the SEC in 1982 and narrowly missing the title in 1983. Ross emphasized the importance of building confidence, noting he had shirts made for his players with the message “1983 SEC Tournament Champions” to foster belief.
The 1984 team, which included All-Americans Dave Peege and Darren Cole, marked a milestone as the first Ole Miss men’s golf team to reach the NCAA Tournament. That squad also featured Duane Lorio, Chip Sullivan, and Gary Martin. The following year, Ross’s team finished fourth nationally, with Cole, Peege, Sullivan, Lorio, and Glen Day making up the roster.
Since relocating to North Carolina in 2022, Ross remains involved in golf as a starter at a local club and keeps a close eye on Ole Miss sports. He expressed excitement over the Rebels’ recent SEC victory, watching the final match against Florida on TV. Ross also shared admiration for current coach Chris Malloy, a former Rebel player who has built multiple successful teams.
Ross, who served as Ole Miss’s head coach from 1979 to 1987 and again from 2004 to 2014, was named SEC Coach of the Year in 1982 and 1984. He also led five Rebel teams to NCAA tournaments during his second tenure. Inducted into the Mississippi Golf Hall of Fame earlier this year, Ross continues to follow Ole Miss golf closely and appreciates the contributions of former players like Cameron Tankersley, Tom Fischer, and NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso.
Reflecting on the program’s humble beginnings, Ross recalled finishing last in the SEC in 1979-80 before steadily climbing the ranks. His leadership helped establish Ole Miss as a prominent college golf program, a legacy he continues to celebrate today.
Source: Original Article
