Bolivar, Mo. – SBU Director of Athletics, Clark Sheehy is excited to announce Lee Manly as the new Head Men's Golf Coach, marking the revival of Bearcats golf after a six-year hiatus. Manly, will recruit for the program during Spring of 2026, with tournaments beginning in Fall of 2026.
 
"We are excited to welcome Coach Manly to the SBU Athletics Department." Sheehy said, "He brings great experience having played and coached college golf and will be a very strong addition to our University & Athletic Department. It's a great day to be a Bearcat!"
 
Manly was the head men's golf coach at NCAA Division I school Samford University for three seasons. He comes in with a player-centered approach and emphasis on academic excellence. His goal is to give his athletes the opportunity to enjoy their experience at SBU, while competing at a high level in the GLVC.
 
"I am excited about the opportunity to bring men's golf back to SBU!" Manly said, "I am looking forward to the unique opportunity to build a roster of student-athletes that want to compete at the collegiate level and become an asset to the student body!"
 
Coach Manly comes in with numerous years of sales experience which will pose as an advantage in the recruiting process of seeking high level student-athletes.  Years spent building relationships and leading teams will translate into effective recruiting, player development, and program growth.
 
He and the team will join the formidable GLVC, which has had numerous years of success in men's golf. Including two teams finishing in the NCAA Championships last season, with the reigning conference Champions (Missouri S&T), qualifying for the quarterfinals.
 
"Golf has given me such memorable experiences and taught me so much about life, I am thrilled to provide an avenue for these boys to create their own experiences"
 
Manly earned his bachelor's degree at Samford University with an AL Marketing Major. While there he was a member of the varsity golf team and a team captain his senior year. He later went on to earn his master's in business administration at Samford University.
 
In the Spring of 2027, they will be the 14^th team competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship. Anyone interested in reaching out to coach Manly can do so by emailing him at lee.manly@sbuniv.edu.