Men's Golf
- Title:
- Head Coach
Keenan Hickton was named the seventh head coach in Louisiana Tech men's golf history in July 2026, arriving in Ruston after building Sewanee into a Division III championship contender in just two seasons.
"Keenan emerged as the clear choice to lead our men's golf program because of his proven ability to develop student-athletes, build a championship culture, and lead with integrity," said Louisiana Tech Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey. "Throughout the search process, he demonstrated a clear vision for the future of Louisiana Tech Golf and an understanding of what it takes to compete for championships in the Sun Belt Conference while developing young men who will be successful long after their playing days are over. We are excited to welcome Keenan to Ruston and look forward to the impact he will have on our golf program, department and University and community."
Building a Winner at Sewanee
Hickton was named the 2026 NCAA Division III Dave Williams National Coach of the Year after directing the Tigers to a historic season, one that included eight top-five finishes — seven of them coming in as many spring tournaments — two tournament titles and a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championship, the best national finish in program history.
Sewanee opened the 2025-26 campaign with a win at the Gate City Invitational before capturing its second consecutive Southern Athletic Association championship, shattering the conference scoring record with a three-round total of 837 (-27), a 13-stroke margin of victory. The performance earned Hickton back-to-back SAA Coach of the Year honors. Before his arrival, Sewanee had won just two conference titles since 1995.
Hickton's Tigers produced four PING All-Region IV selections in 2026, after also placing four on the all-region team in his first season — eight honorees across his two years, compared to just five total from 2010-24. In year one (2024-25), he led Sewanee to the SAA championship and was recognized alongside his staff as SAA Coaching Staff of the Year.
"Keenan has built a reputation as a proven leader, recruiter, and developer of student-athletes," said professional golf coach Brad Pullin. "He is an intelligent young man who knows the formula for individuals to maximize scoring that translates to team success. He understands what it takes to create a winning culture while developing young men both on and off the golf course. I'm excited to welcome Keenan to the Louisiana Tech family and look forward to seeing the future of Bulldog Golf under his leadership."
Six Years Building a Power at Emory
Before Sewanee, Hickton spent six seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Emory University, including a stint as interim head coach for the 2018 fall preview, which the Eagles won by 24 strokes. Over that six-year run, Emory compiled an 812-109 head-to-head record, won 22 tournaments, captured three University Athletic Association championships and earned the program's first-ever No. 1 national ranking. The Eagles posted top-five finishes at the NCAA Division III Championship in both 2022 and 2025, including a school-record third-place finish in his final season on staff.
Hickton coached three UAA Players of the Year and a National Freshman of the Year and National Player of the Year in Jackson Klutznick, who went on to represent the United States in the Arnold Palmer Cup. He also helped develop former All-Americans Matt Organisak and Max Schwarz, both of whom advanced to professional careers on the Korn Ferry Tour.
A Decorated Playing Career
A standout student-athlete at Emory himself, Hickton helped the Eagles to three UAA team championships, earning First Team All-UAA honors as a junior and senior and Second Team recognition as a sophomore. He was named conference tournament MVP as a senior and finished his career ranked ninth in program history in scoring. Hickton was also a two-time Srixon/Cleveland Golf Division III All-Scholar Team honoree.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hickton earned his bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from Emory in 2018.
