University of Tennessee Athletics
Men's Golf
- Title:
- Volunteer Assistant Coach
Philip Pettitt Jr., who played golf at the University of Tennessee from 2004-08, has served as a volunteer assistant coach for the UT men's program since January of 2017.
A 2008 graduate of UT with a degree in sport management, Pettitt was welcomed back to the program at his alma mater by his collegiate coach, Jim Kelson, and by Sean Pacetti, who was then in his second year as the Vols' director of instruction and player development.
"Philip Pettitt is one of the greatest competitors I have ever had the privilege of coaching," Kelson said. "Perhaps most importantly, Philip is one of the finest human beings I have ever met. Philip's integrity is impeccable. His morals and values are without equal.
"I cannot think of a better person to be around our players than Philip Pettitt. When he was a player and captain for us, everyone around Philip got better both on and off the course. He is unquestionably a positive natural-born leader."
During his four-year playing career at Tennessee, Pettitt posted two tournament wins, four top-five finishes, six top 10s and 14 top 20s. He also helped lead Tennessee to a pair of NCAA Championship appearances in 2005 and 2007. His 73.31 career scoring average ranked eighth in UT history at the conclusion of his career.
As a junior in 2006-07, Pettitt earned PING Division I All-Region, first-team All-SEC and SEC Academic Honor Roll accolades after posting a 72.86 scoring average and five top-15 finishes. He competed in the 2007 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. He added SEC Academic Honor Roll distinction as a senior in 2008 as well.
"Philip worked as hard at his game as any player I have ever coached during my coaching career," Kelson said. "He elevated others to do the same."
Pettitt enjoyed a successful professional golf career from 2008 to 2015, competing full-time on the NGA Pro Golf Tour, Web.com Tour and Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada. He was named the 2009 NGA Rookie of the Year after posting a 70.52 scoring average with seven top-20 finishes and a win in the Capitol Chevrolet Classic. Pettitt starred on the NGA Pro Golf Tour for three years, totaling $271,853 in career earnings with a 65.83 round average.
In 2011, he earned his Nationwide Tour card (now the Web.com Tour). From 2008 to 2014, he played in 76 events on the Web.com Tour, posting four top-10s and 13 top-25s and totaling $252,811 in prize money. In 2015, he competed in seven events on the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada Tour with his best finish coming at the SIGA Dakota Dunes Open presented by SaskTel, where he tied for eighth at 14-under.
"With Philip's vast playing experience, coupled with his infectious positive and strong personality, he will undoubtedly have a positive effect on our program," Kelson said.
Pettitt, who will continue to reside in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was a key member of some of Tennessee's best teams over the past 15 years. Kelson expected his former student to share his wisdom and experience with the current Vols.
"His knowledge and passion for the game and learning is tremendous," Kelson said. "As Philip played for me, Philip knows exactly what I expect out of our players and coaches. He will be a terrific sounding board for our entire team."
