Women's Golf

Dirk Willis Named Head Coach of UW-Platteville Golf Programs

**Release and graphic courtesy of UW-Platteville Sports Information

PLATTEVILLE, Wis.--Dirk Willis has been named head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's and women's golf teams, announced Wednesday by Director of Athletics and Recreation Sam Koenig.

"Bringing Dirk back to UW-Platteville is a special moment for our university and golf programs," said Koenig. "No stranger to UW-Platteville and the community, he understands what it means to represent this university. Throughout his career, Dirk has built successful teams and created winning cultures. His experience as both a coach and PGA professional will provide tremendous opportunities for our student-athletes. We are excited for him to build a strong Pioneer Golf family!"

A Platteville native and proud UW-Platteville alumnus, Dirk was an All-Conference golfer for the Pioneers in 1991-92, the last season which UW-Platteville sponsored men's golf. His return to campus reflects his strong connection to the community, university, and the sport of golf in the state of Wisconsin.

"Returning to UW-Platteville, is incredibly meaningful to me," Willis said. "Throughout my coaching and professional career, I have experienced how strong team culture can shape student-athletes as competitors, leaders and people. I am excited to draw on those experiences as we strengthen the women's program and reestablish men's golf, creating new opportunities for members of our team while supporting the university's goals for growth, competitive excellence and a transformational student-athlete experience."

Willis brings a unique combination of coaching success and industry leadership. A PGA Golf Professional since 1999, he most recently served as Vice President of Global Golf and Real Estate at Kohler Hospitality before retiring from the position. In the role, Willis oversaw operations at world-renowned golf facilities including Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run and The Craigtoun in St. Andrews, Scotland.  While at Kohler, Willis was instrumental in the creation of the10-hole, par-3 short course, The Baths at Blackwolf Run (opened in 2021) and the new Purebred Farms golf course.

As a coach, Willis built one of Wisconsin's premier high school golf programs at Kohler High School, leading teams to conference, regional, sectional, and state championships while mentoring numerous student-athletes who continued careers at the collegiate level. He has also served as President of the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin and represented the sport on the WIAA Advisory Board. In 2013, Willis earned the WPGA section award for Junior Golf Development.

Over his career, Willis has served as an executive committee member on multiple PGA Championships, U.S. Women's Opens and the 43rd Ryder Cup Matches. At Kohler, he won the Wisconsin PGA's Merchandiser of the Year Award in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and in 2007 he won the PGA's National Merchandiser of the Year Award.

As a golfer, Willis started playing his competitive career at the age of 10 after his family joined the Platteville Golf and Country Club, winning numerous regional junior tournaments. During that time, he was mentored by fellow Pioneer Golf Team Alums, Dick McKichan and Steve Zielke. While competing for the Platteville High School team, he won several tournaments, including conference, regional, and sectional titles, as well as setting the school scoring average record and the individual tournament scoring record at the time.  He concluded his high school career by finishing second at the WIAA State Championship and earning All-State Team honors from the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin.

Monday, November 9 will serve as Willis' first day in the office. He will prepare for the women's team's spring session of competition and the men's team's first competition in fall of 2027.
 
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