The Seattle University athletic department has announced the hiring of Don Rasmussen as the school’s head golf coach, a significant step in the process of reestablishing the golf program at the university.

Rasmussen has been the head golf coach at Tacoma Community College since March 2005, responsible for all aspects of both the men’s and women’s golf programs. In 2005, the women’s golf team won the NWAACC championship.

From July 1994 through March 2000, he was the head golf coach at the University of Idaho, during which time he established the Vandal Junior Golf Camp for junior golfers within the local community who might not otherwise be able to afford a golf camp experience. During his time in Moscow, Idaho, Rasmussen helped make the Vandal golf programs competitive in the Big Sky and Big West conferences.

"We welcome Don to the Seattle U. family. He has substantial coaching experience and contacts in the Northwest and has demonstrated an ability to build a strong program from the beginning," Athletic Director Bill Hogan said.

Since March 2006, Rasmussen has been a golf instructor at the First Tee of Olympia, teaching students of all ages and abilities, but with a focus on tournament-oriented junior golfers. Previously he was director of instruction at both Washington National Golf Club and First Tee of Olympia, as well as an assistant professional at the University of Idaho Golf Course and The Falls Golf Course in Woodinville.

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” Rasmussen said. “Seattle University has a rich tradition both academically and athletically and I intend for the men’s and women’s golf programs to add to both of those traditions. It is great to have another Division I program in the state of Washington, especially on the west side of the state. Seattle University will create opportunities for some excellent junior golfers that, in the past, might have left the state to play elsewhere.”

Seattle University announced that men’s and women’s golf, along with men’s and women’s tennis, will be added to the school’s sport sponsorship package beginning with the 2008-09 season. The golf program will join the rest of the athletic department as it moves to Division I status.

Rasmussen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies from Northwest College (now Northwest University) in 1986. He is a Class A member of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and has attended numerous PGA schools and teaching summits. He will assume his duties as Seattle University head golf coach on January 7.