Michael Wilson, a key member of Cal-Berkeley’s 2004 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship team, was named the Alex and Marie Shipman Director of Men’s Golf at Cal in late July.
A 2007 alumnus, Wilson returns to Cal most recently following two successful seasons at the helm of the Colorado State men’s golf program (2022-24), having led the Rams to back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances and a 2023 NCAA Championship berth. He served as the head coach at Long Beach State for the five previous seasons (2017-22) and was named the 2021 Big West Coach of the Year after guiding the Beach to an NCAA Regional appearance and its first conference title in 52 years. He replaces former Cal head coach Walter Chun.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Michael back to Berkeley alongside his wife, Courtney, and their son, Ben,” Cal Athletic Director Jim Knowlton said. "Michael has been a winner at every step of his career – both as a player and as a head coach – and we’re confident he’ll take our program to great heights. Michael will be an excellent mentor for our student-athletes, and we're proud to have him leading our men’s golf program into an exciting new chapter.”
Colorado State flourished in Wilson’s two years with the program. The Rams reached their first NCAA Championship in 12 years in 2023 after placing fifth at the NCAA Auburn Regional and won their first three tournaments of the season along with nine total top five finishes.
“I’m humbled and honored to be named the next head men's golf coach at Cal – it’s a dream come true,” said Wilson, who grew up in Pacific Grove. “It’s great to return home, and I can't wait to get to work with the student-athletes, administration and the Cal Golf Family. Cal Golf has always been close to my heart as a Northern Californian, alumnus and member of the 2004 NCAA Championship team. My experience at Cal lasted me a lifetime. There’s incredible tradition here, a long history of developing elite golfers, an outstanding support group and the perfect environment to learn and grow both on the course and in the classroom. Cal has everything needed for a young golfer looking to achieve greatness.”
Wilson’s collegiate playing career was dotted with accolades, including being named the 2003 Pac-10 Conference Co-Freshman of the Year. He also earned a spot on the All-Pac-10 second team that season after posting a 71.9 scoring average, which was the best mark by a freshman in program history at the time. A sophomore on Cal’s 2004 NCAA title squad, Wilson’s third- and fourth-round scores of 69 and 71, respectively, were crucial components in the team’s championship run.