Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Restructures Golf Programs
April 15, 2003 | Cowboy Golf
Under the new plan, subject to Board of Regents approval, Mike Holder will become OSU's assistant athletics director for golf operations; Amy Weeks will be named the new head coach of the women's golf team; and Mike McGraw will be named associate head coach of both the men's and women's teams.
"We believe this plan creates an opportunity to utilize Mike Holder's years of experience with both programs while adding a qualified and energetic new head coach to the women's program," said OSU director of athletics Terry Don Phillips. "We hope to utilize this structure to create an efficient use of Karsten Creek and our other golf resources to build upon the foundation Ann Pitts established as our women's coach."
Holder on Saturday directed the OSU men's team to its eighth national title in his 27 years as head coach. During his tenure, Oklahoma State has finished first or second at the national tournament 18 times and has won 24 conference championships.
In his new capacity, he will continue as head coach of the men's team while having added duties that include oversight of all golf operations of the men's and women's programs.
"We're going to try to be the absolute best we can be in men's and women's golf, and neither program will be more important than the other," said Holder. "Nothing would make me happier than to see us win national championships in women's golf. The thing that I like about Amy Weeks is that she appears to have the right attitude -- a real desire to win. That she played here and got her degree from Oklahoma State is certainly a positive; this will be more than a job for her.
"I think Mike McGraw is the best coach in Division I golf. I'm happy for him to have a new title and new responsibilities so we can keep him here. It's good for any program to have someone like Mike associated with it. Mike's experience will be a big asset for Amy since she's a young coach."
As a player in the mid-1990s, Weeks was a key figure in some of OSU's best women's golf seasons. She completed her playing career as one of 16 Cowgirls to win a conference title, claiming the 1995 Big Eight championship, and was a member of three Big Eight championship teams.
In addition, Weeks was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 selection and a National Golf Coaches Association Academic All-American in 1995. At OSU, Weeks registered two top-five and four top-10 finishes during her four-year career.
Weeks replaces Pitts, who retired after 24 years in charge of the Cowgirl golf program and who directed OSU to 15 conference championships. She becomes just the second head coach in the history of Oklahoma State women's golf.
She joined Pitts' staff in 1997 and assumed responsibilities that included recruiting coordinator and practice coordinator. She also handled scheduling for the Cowgirl golf team and assisted in every other aspect of coaching.
"I am thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to coach at Oklahoma State," said Weeks. "I'm proud to be an alumni of OSU and Cowgirl Golf, and I believe my energy and experience will bring excitement to our program. With the players we have returning next year and a restructured relationship with our extremely successful men's program, I feel confident in our ability to compete for championships.
"I want to continue to emphasize the importance of academics. We will have three Academic All-Americans this year, and I believe we will build on that in the future. Also, I want to thank Coach Pitts for giving me the chance to be her assistant three years ago. She gave me the opportunity to grow and taught me a lot about dealing with young people. I appreciate having the opportunity to continue what Ann has built over the years and improve on that foundation."
In Weeks' three years on the OSU staff, the Cowgirls have claimed seven tournament championships, including the 1999 Big 12 Championship. Her experiences as a player and assistant coach have more than prepared her to take over one of the elite programs in women's collegiate golf, according to Ann Baer, OSU associate athletics director and senior woman administrator.
"One of the most impressive things was the letters we received from head coaches across the country who recommended Amy," said Baer. "They all characterized her as more than ready and well prepared to be a head coach at this level. I truly believe Amy will provide this program a great deal of continuity. Her enthusiastic energy and the proven track record of Mike Holder will be a very potent combination."
Weeks earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from OSU in 1998 and was married to Chris Berry in August 1999.
The personable McGraw, who has served as assistant men's coach for the past three years, had been a highly successful youth coach in the state for a decade before joining the OSU program. As head coach at Edmond North High School from 1994 to '97, he directed three state-championship teams in four years. As an assistant at Edmond Memorial during 1987-93, he was associated with six state titles in seven seasons.
"I think this is a great arrangement for both programs," said McGraw. "One program can help the other, and we can feed off each other's successes. I've had a fantastic three years working with Mike Holder; it's been hard work, but every bit has been rewarding. Even before the restructuring, Amy and I had struck up a good friendship and a positive working relationship, so the transition will not be difficult at all."
