Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer announced on Friday that Ray Farnell has been named the next head coach of the Lindenwood men's golf program.

"Having someone of Coach Farnell's caliber leading our program is an incredible opportunity not only for our current student-athletes, but also for those who will choose to call Lindenwood home in the future," said Coomer

Farnell has spent the last two seasons as an assistant on staff. During that time, Farnell has guided the Lions to a pair of top five finishes at the OVC Tournament, including a second place finish this past season. Under Farnell, Santiago Juesas was named to the All-OVC Newcomer Team.

"I am extremely grateful and honored to be the next head coach of the Lindenwood University Men's Golf Team," said Farnell. "I want to thank Dr Porter, Jason Coomer and the entire Lindenwood Athletic Department for this tremendous opportunity. I have enjoyed my experience at Lindenwood the past two years working with Coach Schaub and look forward to continuing the program's growth and success."

In 2023-24, the Lions captured the Lindenwood Invitational by 15 strokes. The Lions also took home a third-place finish at the Carpenter-Chaney Classic in April. The black and gold had four student-athletes earn All-OVC accolades.

Farnell came to Lindenwood after spending the last three years as the head golf professional at Whitmoor Country Club in Weldon Springs, Mo. During that time, he was the lead golf instructor and was responsible for directing all member tournaments and corporate events.

"Ray brings a wealth of experience, both as a high-level player and as a respected teacher and as a caddy on tour," Coomer continued. "His insights and expertise will be invaluable to the continued growth and success of our program."

Prior to his time at Whitmoor, Farnell was a caddie on the PGA Tour, participating in over 600 events and helping the likes of Harold Varner III, Ricky Barnes, Nathan Green, Kevin Stadler, Matt Jones, and Greg Kraft.

Farnell competed on the PGA Tour Australasia/New South Wales Mazda Pro Am Circuit from 2000-2007.

Farnell graduated in 1994 from Salesian College in Melbourne, Australia with a degree in general studies. He then went on to gain an Associates of Applied Studies from the PGA Australia Program in 1997.

"From the beginning, it was clear that Coach Farnell has a compelling vision for Lindenwood Golf.  A vision that focuses on academic excellence, winning championships and developing student-athletes to compete at the highest levels beyond their collegiate careers," said Coomer.