Golf: Former Husky Zaback Returns As Assistant Golf Coach

One of the finest golfers in the history of the UConn golf program has returned to help the current generation of Huskies.

STORRS, Conn. – One of the finest golfers in the history of the UConn golf program has returned to help the current generation of Huskies.

Zach Zaback, who graduated from UConn in 2016 after a stellar four-year career, will assume the role of assistant golf coach while he pursues a master's degree at UConn.

"The opportunity to have somebody come back and work with our players who has had the success of a guy like Zach is pretty special," said UConn 15-year head coach Dave Pezzino. "To see a guy like that who still has a love for UConn is also special. Then, you look at the fact that our guys know exactly what he did in college and now they are trying to chase down his records – that's a pretty cool part of our program's culture."

Zaback, originally from Farmington, has played golf professionally since his graduation from UConn, gaining status on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada, the Korn Ferry Tour, and in PGA Tour events, including the 2017 Travelers Championship, and the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

"I will help in any way Coach thinks I can," said Zaback, who will pursue a master's degree in Digital Marketing Strategy. "I think just the experience of having played at UConn and going on to play professionally … I've been around golf for a while, so I think I have some experience that I can show these guys. I'm excited to get into it and help the guys out."

Zaback, 28, is not unfamiliar with UConn's recent history, including winning last season's BIG EAST Conference championship.

"It seems like they have a really good team," he said. "I hope we can build off last year's success and I think there will be good things to come. But I do feel old around them. It seems crazy to me, but I'm 10 years older than some of these guys."

But Zaback knows exactly what they are going through.

When he graduated in 2016, Zaback left as the leading all-time scorer in UConn golf history, averaging 73.9 per round in 46 college events. Excluding the current active players, he still ranks among UConn's top five all-time. He won three college tournaments, had 15 Top 10 and 24 Top 20 finishes, 41 rounds of par-or-better, and 16 sub-70 rounds.

Zaback was a two-time Connecticut State Amateur Champion (2014, 2016), a three-time Division I PING All-Northeast Region pick, a two-time All-Conference selection, an All-New England pick, and was named the 2014 Connecticut State Golf Association Player of the Year.

And when the Huskies begin the spring portion of their 2021-22 schedule, he will have a new title – Coach.

Source: UConn Athletics