Golf Alumni Reunion

Golf alumni from all three eras of Eastern Florida State College joined together March 18 for a first-of-its-kind reunion for players and to honor the coach who started it all, Floyd Horgen.

In 1966, Horgen arrived at then named Brevard Junior College with the intent of becoming the new assistant basketball coach. When he arrived for his first game, he saw his name listed on the program as the golf coach. With this twist of fate, he ended up as one of the most well-known and successful coaches in collegiate golf. He led his teams to win seven national titles during the Brevard Community College era.

“Almost everything good that has happened in the last 50 years was related to golf, including meeting my wife, Joline, on the green,” he said.

The idea for a golf reunion was a no-brainer for golf alumni Steve Lamontagne.

“We started in October, putting this together. Many moons ago we all played for BCC and I thought it would be great for everyone to get together. Playing in Brevard were the best two years of my life” said Lamontagne, General Manager of Suntree Country Club.

He played for Horgen at BCC in the mid-1980s and was the National Junior College Champion in 1985. He went on to play as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour for nearly 10 years. “He believed in me,” Lamontagne said of Floyd as he spoke to the crowd of former players and coaches at the golf alumni cocktail reception.

The EFSC golf legacy continues through current coach Jamie Howell. Howell was a member of the PGA Tour Tournament Players Series from 1983-1986 as well as the PGA European Tour from 1988-1990. He also traveled extensively throughout the United States, playing in professional events before joining EFSC in 2002. With a men’s team of nine players and a women’s team of seven players, Howell is leaving a legacy of his own.

When asked about his hopes for the future of EFSC golf, he said “to continue the tradition of excellence that Coach Horgen established and leave both men’s and lady’s programs in a good place for those who follow.”

EFSC has a 52 year legacy of golf excellence, starting with Horgen in 1966 and continuing today with Howell. We look forward to another 52 years of success!