McPhaul Announces Retirement

Press McPhaul, who has served as head coach for the NC State men's golf team for the past eight years, has announced that he will retire from college coaching at the conclusion of the season.

McPhaul has dedicated many years to Wolfpack golf, competing as a student-athlete under legendary head coach Richard Sykes from 1991-96, serving as Sykes' assistant from 1998-2000 and spending eight seasons as head coach at his alma mater.

"I want to thank Press for all that he's done for NC State's men's golf program throughout his career," said McMurray Family Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan. "He's not only been a great coach, but a great leader of men and an integral part of our Wolfpack family. We wish him, Lynn and the family the best as they embark on this new chapter of their lives."

Under McPhaul's guidance, NC State has appeared in six NCAA Regionals, including the 2025 Urbana Regional, and advanced to the NCAA Championships twice. In his eight seasons as head coach at NC State, the Pack has won 16 tournament titles as a team and golfers have won 15 individual titles. His athletes have combined for 113 top-10 finishes in eight years, including 58 combined top-five finishes.

"Being a coach at NC State is a dream come true. Following in the footsteps of my coach, mentor and friend Richard Sykes while representing Wolfpack Athletics these past eight years has been an honor," said McPhaul. "In light of changes in the college athletics landscape, I have evaluated what I want to do. This process has led me to the decision to pursue a new path personally.

"I will always cherish the relationship I have with my student-athletes and I want to thank each one of them. It has been a joy to coach you. I also want to thank the support staff, strength coaches, athletic trainers, nutritionists and so many others who have labored to help our team stretch and grow.

"Finally, I want to thank Boo Corrigan and his team for running an athletics program that I am proud to be part of. I will continue to be proud to pull for my alma mater and know there is great stuff ahead for the Wolfpack!"

Six of the nine golfers that have posted a season stroke average under 71.0 in program history did it under McPhaul.

He has coached seven All-ACC selections, including 2018 ACC Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year Stephen Franken.

His athletes also excelled academically, as at least two golfers have been named to the ACC's All-Academic team and the Golf Coaches Association of American All-America Scholars team every season he's been a head coach.

A Sanford, N.C., native, McPhaul was selected to succeed Sykes in leading the NC State men's golf program on June 13, 2017.

Following his stint as an assistant coach for the Wolfpack, McPhaul served as head coach at Vanderbilt (2000-06) and then spent 11 seasons as head coach at East Carolina.

McPhaul was a co-captain of the 1995-96 Wolfpack squad. He participated in three NCAA Championships (1993, 1995, 1996) and helped lead NC State to an eighth-place finish in 1995 and a 1996 NCAA East Regional title.

A national search for NC State's next head coach will begin immediately.

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