Peffer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Having already built a flourishing golf career, Ryan Peffer believes he's found the right place at the right time.

Peffer, 29, a 1999 Moniteau graduate, was named the men's and women's golf coach at Queens University, a Division II school in Charlotte.

"They have tremendous resources and the golf courses we play on are beautiful," Peffer said. "There's also a pro golf management program here that can serve as a huge recruiting tool."

Peffer had been the women's golf coach at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., for 2Z\x years. The Diplomats decreased their scoring average and increased their win total during both of Peffer's years at the helm.

"I feel Ryan's experience and enthusiasm for coaching is a great fit for the Queens golf programs," said university athletic director Jeannie King in a prepared statement. "Through his leadership at Franklin & Marshall, Ryan has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence through academics and athletics.

"His contributions to Queens will set the expectations for leading our programs to the next level."

An accomplished golfer in his own right, Peffer was a four-time all-Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference selection in high school and was KSAC golf MVP in 1997 and 1998.

He went on to Clarion University and became a three-time all-PSAC golfer, along with being named conference championship MVP his junior year.

Peffer got started in the golf industry at age 15, working part time on the grounds staff at Valley View Golf Course in Harrisville.

"I'm totally grateful for the way my career's worked out," he said. "I'm fortunate and blessed to be able to follow my passion."

After graduating from Clarion in 2003, Peffer became a PGA senior assistant golf professional at Lancaster Country Club. He served as the club's leading instructor and worked with the organization's staffing and budgeting.

While in Lancaster, he migrated into coaching at Franklin & Marshall.

"Lancaster is a family oriented golf club and I felt comfortable there," Peffer said. "I had thoughts of making the PGA Tour and pursuing a playing career that way, but the coaching thing just suited me.

"I found it rewarding to to work with younger, talented individuals in college."

The Queens men's team has two golfers ranked among the top 15 in NCAA Division II. Both men's and women's teams are picked to finish third in the Carolina Conference.

"Finish first in the conference and build some depth. Those are the immediate goals," Peffer said.

Just before beginning his coaching position at Queens, Peffer found himself dealing with a tragedy. Freshman golfer Marjorie Whitney was killed in an automobile accident Jan. 5.

"All I wanted to do with that was provide support and understanding to her teammates," Peffer said. "I've never had to deal with someone passing. ... Golf takes an immediate backseat in that situation.

"I'm not the type of person who has to be coaching at the Division I level, someone who's always looking to move up. I believe in thriving in the right situation and I may have found that in Charlotte," he added.