ROCK HILL, SC—Winthrop head golf coach Eddie Weldon has announced his plans to retire on June 30 following a career that spans 19 years at Winthrop and 21 years on the high school level as an athletic director, football, track and golf coach.

 

“It was a difficult decision to make because of the kids in our program.  We have five juniors and three sophomores coming back next year on our men’s golf team; so it was tough having to tell them that I am leaving.  There is never a good time, but for me I feel this is the best time,” said Weldon.  “This is a great job and a great university and I will always love Winthrop and the wonderful people who are here.”

 

Weldon said his wife, Travis, is also retiring this year from the Fort Mill School District, and the couple is looking forward to traveling and spending time with their family.

 

As the Winthrop golf coach, Weldon led the Eagle men and women to 23 tournament titles, including three Big South Conference championships.  Individual players have captured 52 tournament championships, including nine Big South Conference titles, and 70 golfers have been named to All-Conference teams in the Big South. 

 

“We will certainly wish Coach Weldon the very best in his retirement years,” said Winthrop Athletic Director Tom Hickman.  “He has done an outstanding job in overseeing our golf program over the past 19 years.  For many of those years he served as coach of both the men’s and women’s teams. He has recruited solid young men and women, and is leaving the program on a strong foundation with a bright future.” 

 

The 63-year-old Hartsville, SC native earned his undergraduate degree from Erskine College and his master’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

 

Hickman says that a search to replace Weldon will begin immediately.