Bethune-Cookman hires former PGA player to lead golf program

Courtesy: Bethune-Cookman Athletics

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It was announced Tuesday, August 22, that Danny Forshey will become the new Director of Golf at Bethune-Cookman University. The announcement came from Lynn W. Thompson, BCU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, following an extensive international search that lasted almost the entire summer of 2017.

Forshey, a veteran coach and former Professional Golfers Association (PGA) tour player, arrives at Bethune-Cookman after spending the 2016-17 athletic year as the head coach for the men’s and women’s golf programs at Alcorn State University.

“To have the opportunity to come to Bethune-Cookman and work here is just awesome,” Forshey expressed. “It’s just humbling. I played golf for a living for 15 years, but over the past few years, my passion for coaching started overtaking my passion for playing the sport. I get chills just thinking about the fact that I’m the Director of Golf…at Bethune-Cookman University…in Daytona Beach, Florida.”

In his short stint at the helm of the Braves programs for men’s and women’s golf, Forshey helped the Lorman, Mississippi based institution to a historic season. He was named the 2017 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Coach of the Year after guiding the Braves to their highest-ever finish at the SWAC Championships on the men’s side. Additionally, Forshey coached Daniel Racioppa to the SWAC individual title and first-ever NCAA Regional appearance in school history.

New #3Cheers tonight 6pm @WLBT. A southpaw from Canada has made history at #Alcorn State. You'll meet Daniel Racioppa pic.twitter.com/lgORzopdlp

— Chris Hudgison (@ChrisHudgison) May 3, 2017

“We are proud to welcome Danny Forshey to the Wildcats family as our new director of golf, and we feel confident that he is the right choice to lead our program as we continue our legacy of winning championships in both our men’s and women’s golf programs,” said Lynn Thompson. “He is a family man who will teach far more than golf to our students. His approach to life and golf will add a layer of accountability to our program and provide a platform of confidence and excellence for our young Wildcats to stand upon.”

.@BCUgolf Announces @DannyForshey as New Director of Men's & Women's Programshttps://t.co/TSvTJXc5At pic.twitter.com/A1VYdjlizz

— ??Bethune-Cookman Golf (@BCUgolf) August 22, 2017

In the classroom, the Montgomery, Alabama native significantly improved the scores of every student-athlete on the roster on both the men’s and women’s squads with Alcorn State. The Braves won three tournaments as a team, in addition to Racioppa’s individual accomplishments throughout the 2016-17 campaign.

Prior to his stint at Alcorn State, Forshey enjoyed a 15-year professional playing career. He tallied 17 professional golf victories and has 19 years of experience within the golf industry. As a professional golfer from 2000 to 2013, he participated in the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Canada, Web.com Tour, Gateway Tour and Hooters Tour.

Forshey has directed his own golf academy since 2013. There he has lifted the game of his students in aspects of preparation via detailed, structured and consistent practice routines; mental techniques that he learned throughout his playing career, and time management in order to maximize their practice schedule.

He also spent time on the Emerald Coast Tour and SGA and NGA Tour from 1997-1999. He was responsible for managing his own travel plans and budget, both necessities in heading a Division I program. These stops allowed Forshey key opportunities and experiences learning from some of golf’s finest. While on tour, Forshey also learned many drills and techniques to improve mechanical and mental parts of the game.

A product of Amridge University, Forshey is married to wife Lindsey. Together, the couple has two kids — daughter, Hailey (14) and son, Ryan (9).

“This was the perfect time in my career, partnered with the historic program already established here at Bethune-Cookman,” admitted Forshey. “I’ve been hearing about Bethune-Cookman Golf for years. And now, I have the opportunity to work with such a great program.”

Forshey’s duties as BCU Director of Golf will start immediately.