George Hannon, affectionately called “Coach” by nearly everyone, coached the University of Texas golf team for 18 seasons where he won two national championships tutoring such successful professional players like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite. He spent most days at the Spanish Oaks golf club in Bee Caves giving lessons and greeting members and friends.

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In 18 seasons as a coach of the University of Texas men’s golf team, George Hannon saw his Longhorns win 12 SWC titles. He had National Championship teams in 1971 and 1972, and he coached Ben Crenshaw to two individual championships in 1971 and 1973, and a co-championship, with teammate Tom Kite, in 1972.

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Hannon’s Horns included Tour players Mark Brooks, Phil Blackmar, Brandel Chamblee, Rik Massengale, and Paul Thomas. Former Longhorn lettermen of the Hannon era include “50 or 60 men” who are currently club professionals. Hannon’s choice of degree programs (Pharmacy) left no time for him to play golf at U.T., although his college experience influenced his decision to make golf a career.

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While coaching, Hannon evolved a philosophy, which allowed his players to excel as individuals, while serving the best interest of the team. “When things go bad as they always will,” says Hannon, “youngsters need to know that throwing away a round is detrimental to the team. A 75 never hurts anyone in team golf and I wanted them to know they were helping one another succeed even when things went poorly for them as individuals.”