Pennell Named Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach

MARS HILL, N.C. – David Pennell has been named as the new Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach at Mars Hill University, Athletic Director David Riggins announced today. Coach Pennell will begin his duties immediately.

Riggins stated, "David Pennell is a great fit for the golf program at Mars Hill University. He has everything that was on our wish list- he is a teaching PGA professional, he has extensive college coaching experience, he has knowledge of our geographic footprint and he has a great reputation among golf enthusiasts in the southeast. Our collegiate golfers will benefit from Coach Pennell's knowledge of both golf skills and life skills. We welcome Coach Pennell to the MHU athletic family."

Pennell comes to Mars Hill from Columbia College where he served in the same capacity. He brings 16 years of collegiate coaching experience with him to the Lions' programs. He coached at the college level at Montreat and Brevard before serving as the head coach at Columbia since 2013.

Pennell stated, "I am extremely excited to be able to return to Western North Carolina to coach both the men and women golf programs at Mars Hill University. Being from the Asheville area since 1976, it was a blessing from God to be able to return.  I look forward to working with everyone at MHU."

Pennell is a Class "A" Life member of the PGA of America, a 36-year member of the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and has spent 34 years as a teaching professional. Pennell effectively conducted an average of 20 lessons per week and also conducted clinics for men, ladies and junior players. He is also an authorized club fitter for Ping.

During his lengthy career as a golf professional, Pennell served as an instructor for N.C. State Golf Schools, and served as the Head Professional at Glen Cannon Country Club, North Wood Golf Club, Falcon's Lair Golf Course, Lake Lure Golf Course and The Great Smokies Hilton Golf Course.

Pennell played collegiate golf for the University of North Carolina at Asheville before turning professional in 1977.

David's professional accomplishments include:

• 35-year Retired Class A life member of the PGA
• Past Tournament Chairman, Men's Golf in Appalachian Athletic Conference – 2001-2009
• Past Tournament Chairman, Women's Golf in AAC – 2007-2011
• Past NAIA Rater for Men's Golf in the AAC from 2003-2010
• Rater for Women's Golf in the AAC from 2007 to 2016
• Served on Tournament Committee for the NAIA Women's National Championship, 2011-2016
• 2007 AAC/NAIA Region XII Coach of the Year in Women's Golf
• Coach Pennell was also named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Rater for the 2015-16 school year

Pennell has three children: Charles David Pennell, Stephanie Diane Pennell, and Ryan Daniel Pennell, and two grandchildren, Beckett Charles Pennell and Kinslee Ryan Pennell. Pennell will reside in Fletcher, N.C.