Chris Riley, a PGA Tour veteran who played in the 2004 Ryder Cup, has been hired to coach the USD men’s golf team.
The school on Thursday night announced that Riley — a San Diego native and Madison High alum — would be introduced Friday morning at a campus news conference. He served as a volunteer assistant the last two years at UNLV, his alma mater.
“Growing up, loving and learning the game of golf here in San Diego, I’m thrilled with the opportunity to USD and lead the men’s golf team,” Riley said in a statement. “My goal is to graduate fine young men, win championships and make an impact in the community.”
Riley, 43, was the first four-time All-American in any sport at UNLV. He graduated in 1996 and became a member of the PGA Tour three years later. His lone victory on the tour came in the 2002 Reno-Tahoe Open; two years later, he lost to John Daly in a playoff at the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines. He also had two top-four finishes in the PGA Championship (2002, 2004).
Riley, who was ranked as high as No. 21 in the world, represented America twice in major competitions, in the 1995 Walker Cup and the Ryder Cup. He lives in Point Loma with his wife and two daughters.
“There simply could not be a better role model and mentor for young men playing college golf today,” said Bill McGillis, USD’s athletic director. “We’ve hired a winner and wonderful man in Chris Riley, and I believe a rise to national prominence is on the horizon for our men’s golf program.”
Riley replaces Cory Scoggin, who was with the program for 10 years — four as an assistant and the last six as head coach. The Toreros reached the NCAA regionals in his first four seasons in charge, but failed to do so the past two years. Scoggin previously played and coached at Cal State San Marcos.
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