Andrew Bennett enters his first season at the Head Men's Golf Coach at Daemen College in 2016-17. A certified PGA Professional, Bennett brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.
In addition to his coaching role, Bennett is the Executive Director of The First Tee of Western New York, a not-for-profit organization which aims to encourage positive values and healthy choices in area youths through the experience of golf. With Bennett's hiring, Daemen has formed a unique partnership with The First Tee which will include a presence at the College for the organization, and opportunities for Daemen's student-athletes to be involved with the program and support its programming functions throughout the year.
Since becoming Executive Director, Bennett has been directly responsible for the growth of The First Tee, increasing its annual operating budget from $90,000 to over $300,000. Much of that increase has come in the form of new revenue as the organization has raised $350,000 since 2013 through grants, fundraising events, individual giving and corporate partnerships.
Prior to his time with The First Tee, Bennett worked as an account executive for the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and the United Way of Greater Niagara, and also as a marketing associate for The Travel Team, Inc.
Bennett also holds experience as an assistant golf professional at some of the finest courses in the eastern United States, including Old Chatman Golf Club (Chapel Hill, N.C.), McArthur Golf Club (Hobe Sound, Fla.), Oak Hill Country Club (Rochester, N.Y.) and Crag Burn Golf Club (East Aurora, N.Y.).
He has also served as the varsity golf coach at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute since 2015, a position he continues to hold in addition to his new role at Daemen.
A native of Tonawanda, N.Y., Bennett holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Science Degree in Communication and Leadership from Canisius College. He resides in Amherst with his wife and two children.
