Jeff Nelson Hired to Coach MSUB Women’s Golf (Mar. 31, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings Athletics Director Dr. Gary Gray announced Thursday that Jeff Nelson has been hired as the school’s new women’s golf coach.  Nelson will begin immediately.  Men’s coach Roger Burckley has been coaching both the men’s and women’s teams this spring.

“We’re very pleased to be able to hire Jeff,” said Gray.  “I believe he will provide stability to our women’s program and give it the opportunity to grow into a competitive NCAA Division II program.  Jeff has a wealth of experience, and I think his ability to teach the game will be a great benefit for our student-athletes.”

Nelson, a native of Sidney, MT, is currently the Head Golf Pro at The Briarwood Golf Club, the home course of the Yellowjackets.  He will continue his duties at The Briarwood while coaching the Lady Yellowjackets.

“I’m excited about the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to building the program to its maximum potential,” said Nelson.  “The big thing I want to work on this year is working with the players and their swings.  I want to help them become the best players they can.  The other thing I’m looking forward to is the recruiting.  I will start by recruiting Montana golfers.  As this program builds, I think we’ll get interest from more quality players.”

In high school, Nelson won the 1991 State “A” Championship.  He went on to play collegiate golf at Dickinson State where he earned All-Conference honors in 1995.  Nelson is in his second year as the golf pro at The Briarwood and his tenth year overall as a golf pro.  He coached the Billings Central High School teams last year.  He was also a coach at Sidney High School for four years before moving to Billings.