2014-15 men’s golf team. (Photo courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics)

LOWELL, Mass. — UMass Lowell Athletic Director Dana Skinner announced today that Jim Mahoney has retired as the head golf coach at UMass Lowell and highly regarded local golf veteran Ken Hughes has been hired as his successor.  Mahoney led the River Hawks for the past three years after serving as an assistant coach for five years under Gary Mucica.

“Jim took the reigns of the program just as we were entering Division I, and we thank him for the contributions he made during this important transition,” said Skinner.

Mahoney will continue to serve the University as an adjunct professor in the Manning School of Business.

“Ken has long been an outstanding player and teacher of the game,” said Skinner. “His has earned the respect of the golf community and we’re pleased he will be joining our staff.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the UMass Lowell athletics family and embrace the opportunity to guide the golf program through the Division I transition,” said Hughes.  “ I am looking forward to creating an environment that will develop exceptional River Hawk student-athletes.”

Hughes is a graduate of UMass Amherst where he played football.  He has developed his golf game over many years and is a past champion of the prestigious Lowell City Golf Tournament. A member of Vesper and Long Meadow Golf Clubs, Hughes served as the head golf coach at Dracut High School for twelve years.  He recently earned his Level I golf teaching certification from the Titleist Performance Institute.

Students wanting to learn more about the golf program can contact Coach Hughes at ken_hughes@uml.edu.