After three semesters as the WSU Men’s Golf Assistant Coach, Dustin White takes on a new role as the head coach for the upcoming season.

In his golfing career at WSU, Dustin White made quite an impact on WSU golf, scoring in the top 25 at tournaments 27 times, the second highest amount in Cougar golf history before graduating in 2003.

Former WSU Men’s Golf Head Coach Garrett Clegg departed to his alma mater of University of Utah in early May 2016, allowing White to take on the responsibility of head coach.

The Daily Evergreen sat down with the new Cougar Golf coaching staff, Assistant Coach Chris Gilbert and White to understand their mindset as the fall season is set for tee off on Sept. 12 at the Palouse Ridge Golf Club.

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Q: What are some of the jobs as Head Coach of a golf team?

White: “Day-to-day, it really varies. From team travel, scheduling practices, working with guys on their schedules.”

Gilbert: “Recruiting. Recruit and develop.”

White: “When it comes down to actually working with the guys, they all kind of have their “go-to” people that they feel comfortable with, like their swing instructor or their support group. So we facilitate that, but we have also played at a high level and know what it takes to succeed in both, college and beyond. We use that experience to teach and connect with them better so we can get more out of what they already have.”

Q: Has your past with WSU played a role in the position you are in now?

White: “I think that it has helped no doubt. It helps just to know Pullman, and how to working with the location. People don’t normally associate WSU as a ‘golf school,’ but I think that with the facilities and the staff that we have now, there is no reason that we shouldn’t be.

“Yeah I know the weather is not ideal all year round, but I think that if you take into account the fall season, spring season, and summer seasons that our golfers play in, I would like to think that they would like to take a break.”

Gilbert: “Even still, we use the indoor facilities to work on strength, form and conditioning all during the winter. You have the option to work year round on your golf game, and even at some of the best states for golf, you can’t find that.”

Q: What is the vibe that you get from inside of the locker room?

“White: Light and energetic. I’m trying to create a culture of consistency. That’s what we are looking for now. We have won a couple of times and had some really good finishes on some really big-time fields, now it’s more of getting there and staying there. Not so much of the ups and downs but more of a natural progression. Get inside that top 50, get inside that top 35, and it will take consistency week – in and week – out to get there. And with Chris being here, it’s going to be a good fit for everyone.

“Seven returners and two new guys coming in. I think there are good things ahead for in the next few years, for sure.”