First Tee Of WNY Executive Director Named Head Golf Coach

Hiring Of Andrew Bennett Brings Unique Partnership Between Daemen & First Tee Organization

AMHERST, N.Y. - Daemen College Director of Athletics Bridget Niland announced the hiring of Andrew Bennett as the next head coach of the Wildcats' NCAA Division II men's golf program. Bennett brings over 10 years of experience in the golf industry as well as a unique partnership for the College with The First Tee of Western New York, a nonprofit organization for which he serves as Executive Director. First Tee aims to encourage positive values and healthy choices in area youths through golf.

"We are very pleased to be bringing Andrew on board to join our talented coaching staff," said Niland. "Andrew's background and connections in the local golf community make him the ideal candidate to lead our men's golf program, and give it the kind of stability we've been looking for since transitioning the program to the NCAA Division II level. An added bonus is the partnership which will grow between Daemen Athletics and The First Tee of Western New York, both of which share a common vision of youth development through the experience of sports."

Since becoming Executive Director of First Tee in 2013, Bennett has been directly responsible for the organization's growth, 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 in the last three years through grants, fundraising events, individual giving and corporate partnerships.

Formerly a certified member of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), Bennett 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.). Prior to his leadership role at First Tee, Bennett worked as an account executive for the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County.

"I'm excited to share my experiences from the golf and nonprofit industries to help Daemen student-athletes," Bennett said. "Creating a supportive and encouraging environment for competition, learning and skill development is something I truly enjoy. I look forward to working with the respected and successful Daemen Athletics program, its staff and student-athletes."

The partnership formed between Daemen and First Tee will include an on-campus presence for the organization, providing opportunities for Daemen's student-athletes to be involved with the program and support its various functions throughout the year.

Bennett takes the reins of the program from Matt Clark who spent one season as the team's head coach. Clark, the assistant golf professional at Niagara Frontier Country Club (NFCC) in Youngstown, N.Y., will remain with the program as an assistant coach, and NFCC will remain as the program's main practice venue. The Daemen men's golf team competes as an independent member of NCAA Division II and the East Region.

A native of Tonawanda, N.Y. and graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bennett resides in Amherst with his wife and two young children. In addition to his coaching position at Daemen, Bennett will continue to serve as the varsity golf coach at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, a post he's held since 2015.

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