Coach Poe pictured receiving the Dave Williams
National Coach of the Year Award

Poe has been the University of Central Missouri head golf coach for 20 years and has built the Mules’ golf program into one of the best in the nation. He was named the Division II Dave Williams Award winner presented by Eaton Golf Pride as national coach of the year.

In 2010 he led the Mules to their highest national finish in school history, finishing second in the nation at the Division II Championships in Noblesville, Ind. The finish was also the highest in MIAA history, while Justin Yoder’s individual finish of second was also an MIAA history best mark. The Mules won the Super Regional crown for the first time in school history as well, and qualified for nationals for the second time in as many seasons.

Under Poe’s direction, the Mules have won 10 MIAA championships, including six straight years (1997-2002). The Mules have also made 17 straight NCAA postseason appearances. Last season the Mules won the MIAA Championship and qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament held in Blaine, Wash. Poe has been named the MIAA Coach of the Year 10 times, and is a six-time recipient of the Eaton Golf Pride Regional Coach of the Year Award. In Poe’s career to date, he has helped to produce more than 54 All-MIAA Selections and 11 PING All-America honorees.

A native of Keokuk, Iowa, Poe graduated from UCM in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts Technology/Management with a minor in Photography. As a member of the Mules’ golf team, he was captain his junior and senior years and a two-time All-MIAA and All-NCAA District 5 selection. As a senior, he qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships in Columbus, Ga.

Following his collegiate career, Poe turned professional and became the assistant golf pro at UCM’s Keth Memorial Golf Course before being named to his current position of head golf professional and head golf coach in the summer of 1990.

In his professional career, Poe has won three tournaments and has qualified for a Ben Hogan tour event and two Nike tour events (both now known as the Nationwide Tour). He has been a member of the Professional Golfers Association since 1990.

The 47-year-old Poe and his wife Rhonda have two children, Andrea and Aaron, and 2 grandchildren.

The United States leads the Palmer Cup series 7-6-1.

- Palmer Cup -