Sam Saunders Named Men’s Golf Assistant Coach

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –– New Mexico men’s golf coach Jake Harrington announced Friday that former UNM standout Sam Saunders has been named the program’s assistant coach. Saunders, who played for the Lobos from 2011-15, recently concluded a professional golf career.

“I am excited to have Sam come back and serve as our assistant coach,” Harrington said. “He is from Albuquerque and has such a passion for Lobo golf. He played a number of years professionally and he is going to help our players by passing his knowledge on to them, especially since he has been where they want to go in their careers. I know Sam will be a great recruiter because he knows how to sell what makes UNM so special.”

Saunders was a two-time Academic All-American during his collegiate career at New Mexico, helping the Lobos win the 2014 Mountain West championship. He earned All-Mountain West honors as a senior in 2015 after posting a career-best 72.69 stroke average for the season. He earned Mountain West Golfer of the Week recognition after a top-five finish to lead UNM to the team title at the 2015 3M Augusta Invitational. Saunders also reached the round of 32 of the 2012 U.S. Amateur Public Links, defeating Talor Gooch in the first round of match play.

After graduation, Saunders spent seven years as a professional golfer, playing on numerous tours. He played one season on the Korn Ferry Tour, four seasons playing on PGA Tour Canada and two seasons playing on PGA Tour Latinoamérica. During his career, he posted seven professional victories and made one appearance on the PGA Tour, the 2022 Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.

A graduate of La Cueva High School, Saunders was the 2009 Class 5A individual state champion while leading the Bears to two team state championships. In 2013, he was the Sun Country Amateur Golfer of the Year.

“Lobo golf is such a big part of my life, so I am incredibly honored to be coaching at my alma mater,” said Saunders. “I was born and raised in Albuquerque and had family play here, so I have truly grown up around this program. I appreciate the opportunity to come back and look forward to helping UNM golf have continued success.”

Saunders’ family has a rich tradition with Lobo golf. Sam’s older brother, Steve, was an All-American and Mountain West individual champion while playing for UNM from 2006-09. His uncles Jack Saunders (1985-89) and Jeff Fulweiler (1976-77) also golfed for the Lobos.