New WC golf coach back home

When Dave Rennhack heard that Weatherford College was looking for a new golf coach, he made a trip to the campus. While it was also a journey back in time, it was also a look at the future. 

"I was amazed by the growth and all the recently updated changes. I couldn't believe how nice the new state-of-the-art dorms, academic buildings and facilities were," said Rennhack, who is now the head coach of the men's and women's golf programs. 

Rennhack is also an alumnus of WC, where he played golf in the mid-1980s. 

"I attended Weatherford College years ago and it does feel like a trip down memory lane," Rennhack said. "It was exciting to discover that many of the staff members are still part of the campus, including the legendary coach Bob McKinley. A few of my former teammates are still in the area." 

PLAYING AT WC/UH  

Rennhack played for legendary WC golf coach Rod Embry, himself an alum who guided the golf program for more than three decades. A scholarship now exists in his memory following his passing in July of 2023. 

"I have some great memories visiting with him. He was a true gentleman that cared deeply about his players. Coach Embry had a big impact on putting the game in perspective, and I played really well my second semester," Rennhack said.  

"Our team was really close, we had fun traveling together and many of us are still friends today. We played for WC during a time were there weren't cell phones, so we got used to listening to a bunch of talk radio on team trips. Great times." 

Following his days playing at WC (1985-86), Rennhack transferred to the University of Houston and played for the Cougars. The team was coming off winning its 16th national championship the season before. 

"I got to play for Dave Williams, the winningest coach in college history," Rennhack recalled. "Looking back, I learned a lot about the game, strategies for recruiting and what it took to compete at the highest level." 

EXPERIENCE 

Rennhack was most recently the head golf professional at Rockwood Park Golf Course in Fort Worth since June of 2022. His resume as a PGA professional includes positions as a director of golf, general manager and teaching professional at several courses including being an owner of an indoor golf training studio in Colleyville from 2015 to 2022 and the Texas Legends Golf Ranch in The Colony from 1998 to 2002.  

He is also the owner and inventor of the SwingWave Golf Trainer, a patented system that utilizes the flow of water in a high-tech designed chamber to facilitate the proper motion of the ultimate golf swing.  

Rennhack has worked with college golfers before as a college instructor at the Golf Academy of America.  

"I developed and instructed classes for History of Golf, Managing Golf Operations, Golf Shop Merchandising, Methods of Teaching, Advanced Teaching Techniques and Golf Course Agronomy," he said. "I trained students how to use the latest in technology in golf instruction and club repair.   

"It was a two-year career college where students received an associate degree in Golf Course Management. Many of my former students became PGA professionals and work in the industry today. While working there I learned what it takes to be a part of a successful educational team." 

BACKGROUND  

Rennhack, 57, grew up in Conroe and Trophy Club. He was introduced to the game of golf at the age of 5 and started competing in events both locally and nationally at a young age. He attended and played for Southlake Carroll High School.  

He has been married to his wife Regina for over 31 years. She's a CPA at Whitley Penn in Fort Worth.   

They have three children, daughter Natalie and twin son and daughter Nicholas and Lindsey. Natalie is a University of North Texas graduate and works in the marketing department at Whitley Penn. Nicholas is a college swimmer and attends Carson Newman University in Tennessee. Lindsey fronts her own band and is a popular act throughout the DFW area and beyond. 

BECOMING A COLLEGE COACH  

"The opportunity to coach at the collegiate level and be a part of a quality organization with great people that are driven to make a positive impact on the lives of others attracted me to Weatherford College," Rennhack said. "Prior to joining WC, I enjoyed a fun career promoting the game of golf and developing new players and business as a PGA professional for over 35 years." 

Rennhack noted that he's created some great relationships in the golf industry and is looking forward to networking with the many instructors, coaches and friends he's met along the way.   

"After visiting and meeting with staff I knew how special the opportunity was," he said. "I'm excited about the future." 

Rennhack stressed that golf is just as mental as it is physical, and that hard work and a great attitude will take you a long way in the sport. 

"Over the years I've been fortunate to train some very talented young men and women with great success. I've had students become top junior players, win state championships, become collegiate players of the year and compete professionally," he said. 

He reminisced about caddying for a student player who qualified for an LPGA Tour event while attending the University of Tulsa.   

"Helping her warmup on the range next to Karrie Webb and Nancy Lopez is one of my fondest memories," he said. "I look forward to building a quality program that WC and the community will be proud of, along with creating a great experience for our players." 

WC TEAMS THIS SEASON 

"We have two very talented teams this year with great potential. Our men's team is capable of competing at the highest level on the national scene," Rennhack said. 

Returning players for the men's team include Tyler Gray, Alan Martinez, Ethan Armendarez, Braylon Mahanay, Orphe Poitrasson and Samuel Wolfe. New players include Giovanni Vezza, Jett Moore, Dawson Langan and Trenton Wright.   

"We have a great mix of international players along with great talent from the states," he said. 

Returning for the women's team is Grace Burland. New players include Kyla Morales, Ella Barton, Ellen Wilson, Corrina Haros, Catie Evertson, Emily Gutierrez, Emily Caldwell, Haylee Deen and Cara Bolt. 

"Everyone I've met at Weatherford College has a great attitude and is very supportive of all of our athletic programs," Rennhack said. "It's a great time to once again be a Coyote."