b'C oaching golf has been Chris Williams gig since 2019, when he started his role as assistant coach of the mens golf team Formerat Marquette University. In 2021, he went to Auburn University to serve as its assistant coach, and was instrumental in building the team that would win the 2024 NCAA Division I Mens Golf World No. 1 Championship, the Tigers first ever. But he hasnt always donned the metaphorical headset. If his name is recognizable, its probably because he spent Chrissome 46 weeks as the World No. 1-ranked mens amateur player between 2012-2013 as an anchor to the University of WilliamsWashington mens golf team, becoming the schools all-time individual wins leader. He played in two U.S. Opens and won has foundthe 2012 Mark H. McCormack Medal as the worlds top amateur. Hailing from Moscow, Idaho, his himselfexceptional amateur career was supplemented by four individual Idaho again high school state championships and as many North Idaho Golfer of the Year awards. by Logan Groeneveld-Meijer He won the WJGA Junior State Championship, Sahalee Players Championship, Pacific Coast Amateur, Washington Mens Amateur, and the Western Amateur. He was selected to the U.S. Williams was givenTeam in the 2011 Walker Cup, the 2012 Eisenhower Trophy, and the Ben Hoganthe 2011 and 2012 Palmer Cup. He was named the PNGA and Award in 2013, honoring him as theWA Golf Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012. best college golfer inNot bad, right? Its a gem of an amateur career that traces the U.S. that year. back to Williams upbringing in the Gem State, and the support that was around him.Ten years older than Chris is his brother Pete, himself introduced to the game by their father, who Chris described as an addict to the game. Pete went on to play at the University of Idaho, giving Chris a high-level playing partner with whom he could practice his own skills.Chris had casually played golf prior to his ninth-grade year and shifted his athletic focus there from baseball around that time. Living in Moscow with an Idaho Vandal brother provided him near-unfettered access to the University of Idaho Golf Course during the summer months, with its predominantly student clientele out of town.Id bike to the course at 6:00 to be there at 7:00 in the morning, play 18 holes, have lunch, go back out and play 18 more, Williams said of those youthful days, adding how he always had full support of his parents when it came to tournament transportation later on.Williams won the 2012 Washington Mens Amateur and Western Amateur, and in 2011 won the Pacific Coast Amateur and Sahalee Players Championship, among his many amateur titles. He was named the WA Golf and PNGA Mens Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012. 28 PACIFIC NORTHWEST GOLFER|SEPT 2025'