Brooks Ward was hired as a assistant women’s golf coach at Longwood in July. He begins his first season with the Lancers in 2026-27.
Ward brings extensive experience in golf instruction, player development, tournament operations and golf facility management to the Lancers.
Ward joins Longwood after serving as head golf professional for First Tee – Greater Richmond at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, where he managed all aspects of facility operations, including budgeting, instruction, merchandising and marketing. During his tenure, instructional revenue increased by 28 percent, and he provided more than 500 hours of private instruction beginning in January 2024.
“Brooks brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program,” Longwood head coach Megan Weaver said. “From player development to tournament operations, he will be an immediate asset. His understanding of the game, combined with his ability to build relationships, is going to lead to a bright future as he shifts into collegiate coaching, and I’m so pleased Longwood women’s golf will be the first to benefit.”
Before becoming head golf professional, Ward served as senior assistant golf pro at First Tee – Greater Richmond's Belmont Golf Course. There, he supervised a staff of 35 employees, coordinated tournaments and leagues, managed inventory and vendor relationships, and expanded instructional programming by introducing corporate clinics, beginner classes and specialty events.
“I'm so excited to join the women's golf program and the Longwood community, said Ward. “Thank you to coach Weaver for the opportunity. I believe so strongly in the vision that she has instilled within the program, and I'm thrilled to walk alongside her to continue making a positive impact on the course, in the classroom and in the community. I'm confident in the women on this team and I'm honored to help them continue on their upward trajectory. Go 'Wood!"
Ward also held positions as a golf coach and instructor with The Edge Golf Academy in Richmond, Va., and as lead assistant PGA golf professional at Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club in Ocean View, Del., and Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville, Va. Across those roles, he developed junior and adult instructional programs, managed golf operations, supervised staff, oversaw tournament administration and contributed to annual budgeting and merchandising initiatives.
His background also includes experience in golf instruction, athlete development, practice planning, event management and the use of industry technologies including TrackMan and Golf Genius. He has also volunteered as an assistant coach with the Brentsville High School golf team, helping conduct practices and offseason training while assisting with tournament scoring support.
Ward earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from James Madison in 2018 and is pursuing his master’s in Sport Leadership at VCU.
