CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini head coach Mike Small announced the addition of Justin Bardgett to the Illinois men's golf staff as assistant coach on Thursday. Coming to Illinois from Army West Point, Bardgett also brings seven years of professional playing experience to Champaign-Urbana.
"We are thrilled to have Justin join our men's golf program," head coach Mike Small said. "He is a proven player with a strong knowledge of the game, and a burning desire to coach collegiate golf. Justin brings with him a strong work ethic, unquestioned character, and a personality that team members and recruits will love to be around. He will fit in well around here."
During his time with the Army West Point golf team, Bardgett (Barge-A) helped coach the Black Knights to the 2019 Patriot League Championship title, the 12th for the program and the first since 2016. With Bardgett's assistance, all five individuals placed among the top 25 at the tournament, with four finishing in the top 10. The Black Knights advanced to the NCAA Austin Regional to conclude the season, and saw junior Justin Williamson earn PING All-Region honors.
"I am extremely excited to get started in Champaign," Bardgett said. "I have great respect and admiration for the University of Illinois golf program and head coach Mike Small. The success that the program has enjoyed under his guidance is remarkable and I can't wait to get started working towards Big Ten and National Championships."
Bardgett also spent several years in the professional ranks as he was a member of both the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica and the PGA TOUR Canada. He appeared in the field at the PGA TOUR's 2011 Puerto Rico Open, and also played in events on the Korn Ferry Tour, formerly the Web.com Tour. Most recently, Bardgett earned top 10 finishes at the Metropolitan Open (St. Louis, Mo.), the Navajo Trails Open (Durango, Colo.), and the San Juan Open (Farmington, N.M.).
A 2010 graduate of the University of Colorado, Bardgett was a leader among the Buffaloes men's golf program. In his senior season, Bardgett lead the team with his 72.92 stroke average, which also marked the ninth best average in Colorado history. He qualified for the 2010 NCAA Championships as an individual for the Buffaloes, also leading the team with four top-10 finishes throughout that season.
During his collegiate career, Bardgett was also a standout in the amateur ranks as he earned medalist honors at the U.S. Amateur Qualifier at Boulder Country Club in 2009 after coming off of victories at the 2008 Missouri State Amateur and Missouri Four-Ball Championship.
Bardgett is a native of St. Louis, Missouri.
THE BARDGETT FILE
Birthdate: February 19, 1987
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Education: B.S., marketing – University of Colorado, 2010
| Coaching Experience |
| 2018-19 |
United States Military Academy (Army West Point) |
Assistant Coach |
| 2017-18 |
University of Missouri - St. Louis |
Volunteer Assistant Coach |
| Professional Playing Experience |
| 2010-2019 |
Played in events on the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and PGA TOUR Canada |
|
Played in the 2011 PGA TOUR Puerto Rico Open |
| Collegiate Playing Experience |
| 2005-2010 |
University of Colorado |
Collegiate Career Highlights
• Qualified for the 2010 NCAA Championships as an individual
• Led the Buffaloes with a team-best 72.92 season stroke average in 2010, marking the ninth best stroke average in program history
• Earned medalist honors at the 2009 U.S. Amateur Qualifier at Boulder Country Club
• 2008 Missouri State Amateur Champion
• 2008 Missouri State Four-Ball Champion
• Four-year letterwinner
