GATORS GOLF: Dudley Hart Honored as Assistant Coach of the Year

The Golf Coaches Association of America (GCCA) honored the 2023 Jan Strickland Outstanding Assistant Coach of the Year award upon Gator Great and accomplished assistant coach, Dudley Hart. This well-deserved recognition was announced on Tuesday, marking a significant achievement for both Hart and the University of Florida's golf program.

Florida assistant coach Dudley Hart and player John Dubois. Photo via UAA/FloridaGators.com

The accolade places Hart among an elite few, as he becomes only the second Gator in the program's history to receive this honor.

This year's recognition holds particular significance as it compliments the acknowledgment of head coach J.C. Deacon, who has garnered the national coach of the year title. Together, Hart and Deacon have brought success to Florida's golf program, marking the first time in history that the university has secured both the national assistant and head coach of the year awards in the same season.

Hart's journey to this achievement has been paved with dedication and commitment. Prior to his current role as an assistant coach, he served as a volunteer assistant coach from 2017 to 2020 before officially assuming his position as an assistant coach on September 15, 2021.

His influence and expertise were pivotal in guiding the Gators to their fifth National Championship in program history, a remarkable achievement that had been elusive for 22 years. Additionally, Hart played a role in Florida's sweep at the NCAAs, with golfer Fred Biondi securing the individual title.

Under Hart's guidance, the Gators achieved another notable milestone by reaching match play at the national championships for the first time in the program's history. Last year, they secured their best finish in the match play era, reinforcing Hart's invaluable contributions.

Florida's performance in stroke play further attests to Hart's coaching. The team secured a second-place finish, posting a score of 1,118 (-2), which stands as the program's lowest all-time score at Grayhawk and the first under par team score at the NCAAs since 2006. Notably, the 1,118 round score marked a new record in the history of the National Championships.

Hart's dedication to excellence extended beyond national competitions. He played a pivotal role in propelling Florida to their 16th SEC Championship victory, breaking a 12-year drought. The Gators' victory came after a rematch against No. 1 Vanderbilt.

The 2023 season also saw Florida achieve an unprecedented feat, clinching the NCAA team and individual titles as well as the conference championship in the same season for the first time in the program's history.

Throughout the season, Florida's dominance was evident in their six-team titles and six individual titles. Notably, the six-team victories marked a notable resurgence, flashing back to the days of 2003-04 when the Gators secured seven wins in a single season. The six medalist honors tied a program record and were achieved only twice before, in 1989-90 and 2010-11.

Hart's coaching was also reflected in the numerous honors earned by his players. Four golfers—Fred Biondi, Ricky Castillo, John DuBois, and Yuxin Lin—garnered PING All-American honors. This remarkable achievement tied the record for the most selections by a school in that year.

"I'm very happy that Coach Hart's tireless work ethic and dedication to our players and the University of Florida is being rewarded. He has been a tremendous addition to our golf program and his impact on and off the golf course has been incredible. I have a great deal of trust and appreciation for Dudley. He's a great friend and model college golf coach," said Head Coach J.C. Deacon.

Assistant Coach Dudley Hart, humbled by the recognition, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thank you for the honor of being selected as the 2023 Jan Strickland Award winner. I am humbled to be considered for this Award along with the other finalists… At this stage in my life, it is a special experience for me to be able to help the student-athletes on the Gator Golf Team improve as golfers and to grow as young men."

This historic year for Gator Men's Golf keeps on getting better.