TJGT will host its Tour Championship at the renowned Horseshoe Bay Resort @ Feb. 7-8, 2009. Horseshoe Bay Resort boasts three championship Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf courses, an 18-hole par 72 Dwarf Bermuda grass putting course. EACH YEAR TJGT HOSTS A MAJOR AWARDS EVENING AT ITS TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP THAT INCLUDES A MAJOR MULTI MEDIA PRESENTATION WITH VIDEOS, VARIOUS AWARDS AND A COLLEGE COACH SPEAKER. THIS YEAR’S SPEAKER IS COACH JOHN FIELDS - HEAD COACH OF TEXAS LONGHORNS MEN’S GOLF PROGRAM.
John Fields is in his 12th year at the helm of The University of Texas men’s golf program. During his first 11 years in Austin, Fields has positioned Texas as a consistent challenger for the national title and has led the Longhorns into the national spotlight year after year.
Fields became the Longhorns’ golf coach in August, 1997. Tradition, a history of success, and outstanding players helped draw Fields to the Forty Acres.
When Texas was looking for a man to become only the fifth golf coach in school history, the formula was simple. The school asked those who had played for Fields, and those who had played against Fields. His popularity and the success of his teams combined to sell UT Men’s Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds on Fields.
“Every player we talked to, whether from New Mexico or other institutions, knew John Fields and liked him,” said Dodds. “He is a good people person and an excellent mentor. When you look at all the things you want in a coach—recruiting skills, dealing with players academically and athletically, and knowledge of the game—he has high marks from everybody. The respect nationally is tremendous.”
Fields came to Austin after leading the University of New Mexico to nine NCAA Championship appearances in 10 years. His consistent effort on the recruiting trail translated into building a successful program - a formula that has continued to prove successful at Texas.
On the course, Fields’ laid-back demeanor translates into his coaching style, which involves being there to lend advice while letting his athletes play, and not trying to push a style or philosophy on them. On the recruiting trail, however, it is all about hard work. Fields is a tireless recruiter who scours the world looking for players who he believes are focused on success, both academically and athletically.
Fields has guided UT to three top-five finishes at the NCAA Championships and five appearances in top 10 in the final national rankings, including a fifth-place finish in 2003. He also has produced nine All-Americans at Texas (Matt Bortis, Matt Brost, Brad Elder, David Gossett, Jason Hartwick, Charlie Holland, John Klauk, Matthew Rosenfeld and J.J. Wall) who have earned a total of 16 All-America honors.
