This upcoming season will be the last dance for Dartmouth College men’s golf coach Rich Parker, as he announced his plans to retire following its conclusion late last week.
Parker, who is also well-known in the area for his fundraising work, namely with the Greenie Invitational golf tournament, has headed up the Big Green men’s program since 2005, when he first served as interim head coach before the interim tag was removed.
During his tenure so far, the Big Green have been runners-up at the Ivy League Championships three times, during the 2011-2012, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018 seasons.
“All good things must come to an end,” Parker, who has a strong professional golf resume, including an appearance in the 1990 U.S. Open, and is a New Hampshire golf hall of famer, said in a news release from the college.
“I’m proud to have carried on the traditions set by Tommy Keane and Bill Johnson — together, the three of us coached for 100 years. I’m going to miss the student-athletes and all my coaching friends across the country and beyond,” he added.
In addition to his appearance at the U.S. Open, Parker has been the Vermont and New Hampshire PGA Player of the Year, has won several New Hampshire Open championships and has picked up victories in Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
“Rich has invested his heart in this program, and it shows in everything from the student-athletes he’s coached to the community he’s built around Dartmouth golf,” said Dartmouth athletic director Mike Harrity in the news release.
“We are thrilled he’ll be back for one more year, and we look forward to honoring a remarkable career.”
Last season, the Big Green finished fifth at the Ivy League Championships, which was their best finish at the event since the 2022-2023 season, when they finished third.
“I also want to thank our Friends of Golf, all of my former players, and our alumni for their never-ending support and generosity over the years. This program would not be what it is without you,” Parker said in the news release.
“But I’m really excited for this final year, and I plan on enjoying every minute of the ride.”
