N.C. State names McPhaul men’s golf coach

Press McPhaul played golf at N.C. State for Richard Sykes and later coached with him. It only seems fitting McPhaul will replace Sykes as the new coach of the Wolfpack’s men’s golf team.

McPhaul was hired on Tuesday to follow his mentor at N.C. State. McPhaul had spent the previous 11 years as East Carolina’s coach. McPhaul actually already has a win at N.C. State’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course. ECU won the Wolfpack Fall Intercollegiate there in October.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to return to Raleigh, to lead the N.C. State men's golf program, and succeed a Wolfpack legend in Richard Sykes, who I view as both a mentor and friend,” McPhaul said in a statement released by the school. “I am grateful to (athletic director) Debbie (Yow) for the opportunity to return home, and I look forward to the challenge ahead.”

McPhaul, 44, played golf for the Wolfpack from 1991 to ’96 and helped them win the NCAA East Regional title in his final season. He began his coaching career as an assistant to Sykes two years later.

Sykes retired this spring after his 46th season as the head coach.

McPhaul got his first head-coaching job at Vanderbilt in 2000 and worked there for seven years, leading the Commodores to their first NCAA championship appearance in 2003 and three regional appearances.

He was hired by ECU in 2007 and led the Pirates to the NCAA regionals four times and their first NCAA championship appearance in 2012.

"We are extremely excited that Press has chosen to come home and lead our men's golf program,” Yow said in a statement released by the school. “His knowledge and love of N.C. State, and track record of building programs make him an ideal fit.”

This story was originally published June 13, 2017 at 4:38 PM with the headline "N.C. State names McPhaul men’s golf coach."