University of Memphis Athletics
Men's Golf
- Title:
- Head Men's Golf Coach
- Email:
- dbsmart@memphis.edu
- Phone:
- 901-831-0989
Blake Smart has elevated the University of Memphis men's golf program into one of the American Conference's premier programs through sustained success, player development and a culture of competitive excellence. Since arriving at Memphis in 2014, Smart has guided the Tigers to an American Conference Championship, three NCAA Regional appearances and the 2026 NCAA Championship Finals at Omni La Costa while developing All-Americans, conference champions, nationally ranked players, and Academic All-Conference student-athletes.
The 2025-26 season marked a defining chapter in Smart's tenure. Memphis earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Regional before advancing to the NCAA Championship Finals, capping one of the finest seasons in program history. The Tigers also finished runner-up at the American Conference Championship after holding the tournament lead entering the final round and climbed steadily in the national rankings while competing against one of the nation's most challenging schedules.
Under Smart's leadership, Memphis has become a consistent championship contender. The Tigers captured the 2019 American Conference Championship, earned NCAA Regional berths in 2016, 2019, and 2026, and have claimed numerous team championships while consistently competing against many of the nation's top programs. Smart was named the 2019 American Conference Coach of the Year after leading Memphis to its first conference championship since 2012.
Player development has been a hallmark of Smart's tenure. Under his guidance, Yixiang Wang has established himself as one of the nation's premier collegiate golfers. A two-time All-American Conference Team selection, Wang has one collegiate victory and has posted the Tigers' lowest stroke average in each of the past two seasons while rising into the national rankings.
Diego Lourenco has likewise developed into one of the most accomplished players in program history. A two-time All-Conference Team selection, Lourenco has earned four collegiate victories, highlighted by medalist honors at the 2026 American Conference Championship, and played a pivotal role in leading Memphis to the 2026 NCAA Championship Finals.
That success continues a long tradition of player development under Smart. He coached Lan Van Meijel to PING All-America honors, making him just the fourth All-American in program history, while Isaiah Jackson also earned All-America recognition during his Memphis career. Across his tenure, Smart has coached All-Americans, conference champions, All-Conference Team selections, Academic All-Conference performers, and golfers who have advanced to professional careers.
Beyond tournament results, Smart has built a program defined by accountability, preparation, and continuous improvement. His teams have consistently excelled in the classroom while earning a reputation for disciplined play, resilience, and representing the University of Memphis with distinction. His approach emphasizes developing complete student-athletes who are prepared to succeed both on the golf course and beyond graduation.
Prior to Memphis, Smart spent five seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma under Ryan Hybl. During his tenure, the Sooners advanced to four consecutive NCAA Championships while climbing from No. 105 to No. 15 nationally. Smart helped recruit and develop All-Americans, contributed to one of the program's most successful stretches academically and competitively, and played an integral role in recruiting, player development, fundraising, branding and program operations.
Before Oklahoma, Smart served as head coach at Kennesaw State, where he guided the Owls through their transition to Division I competition. He recruited the nucleus of the team that later advanced to the NCAA Championship, coached multiple All-Atlantic Sun performers, established the program's first booster club, secured the largest alumni gift in athletic department history, and helped oversee the development of the program's indoor practice facility.
A native of Cornelia, Georgia, Smart was an NAIA All-American at Berry College, where he earned degrees in business management and economics before completing his Master of
Business Administration. As both a player and coach, Smart has built his career around developing student-athletes, competing at the highest levels of collegiate golf, and continuing the proud tradition of Memphis men's golf.
