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VANCOUVER – After a celebrated 24 seasons leading the UBC Golf program, head coach Chris MacDonald has chosen to resign from the role in order to spend more time with his family. MacDonald served as the head coach of the program for nearly 25 years after taking over the women’s golf team in 2001 followed by an appointment to also lead the men’s team in 2004.
MacDonald led the Thunderbirds to seven Women’s NAIA Golf Championships and two Men’s NAIA Golf Championships. His teams also took home 18 Golf Canada Canadian University/College Championships on the women’s side while collecting nine men’s titles. The T-Birds won both sides of all five Cascade Collegiate Conference Championships that they competed in during MacDonald’s term while also showing well in elevated competition, winning events in NCAA Division 1 golf. The notable achievements weren’t limited to just on the course as UBC Golf produced over eighty All-Canadians during MacDonald’s tenure.
A nine-time NAIA Coach of the Year, MacDonald has also been named coach of the year by the Golf Coaches Association of America, while additionally being honoured with the prestigious Dave Williams Award, recognizing him as the top coach in the NAIA in 2008 and 2023. Other accolades include MacDonald being recognized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada, Professional Golfers’ Association of BC – Lower Mainland, and he’s won Sport BC’s Male Coach of the Year, at different points in his UBC career.
Chris contributed significantly to fundraising efforts for the UBC Golf program and the Thunderbird Golf Society, helping support the growth of the UBC golf endowment over several years, from many generous donors. Chris and his Thunderbird student-athletes assisted the Thunderbird Golf Society with their annual golf event, now in its fortieth year, which helped fund player scholarships, coaching support, and competitive scheduling. The combined efforts in growing a healthy endowment will support the UBC golf program for years to come.
“I’d like to thank Chris for his contributions during his time with UBC Athletics and Recreation and acknowledge the successes of the golf program under his guidance. We wish Chris all the best in his future endeavors.” – Kavie Toor, Managing Director – UBC Athletics and Recreation
MacDonald leaves the UBC Golf Program in a favourable position, with a solid foundation for future success. We are grateful to Chris for the dedicated years he spent in helping maintain a championship presence throughout competitions in Canada and the NAIA as the head coach of UBC men’s and women’s golf.
