When Ole Miss head coach Ernest Ross was in search of a new assistant coach two years ago, he wanted someone that could help take the team to the next level. He found that man in Jack O'Keefe, who brought with him a wealth of experience as a player at the highest level, in addition to his coaching credentials.
O'Keefe is in his third year with the program after coaching the University of Central Arkansas golf team from 2007-10.
In his first season with the Rebels, O'Keefe helped guide the team to its fifth consecutive NCAA Regional appearance. He helped coach All-American Jonathan Randolph to another All-SEC season.
While at Central Arkansas, O'Keefe helped the Bears jump up in the rankings from 139th at the beginning of the 2009-10 season all the way to 63rd in the year end Golfweek poll. O'Keefe guided Central Arkansas to a runner-up finish in the Southland Conference in 2010 and placed all five players on the All-Southland Conference Team (the only team to have five players make All-Conference). During the last four seasons, O'Keefe's teams won seven team tournaments (four in the 2009-10 season), and had six individual medalists.
Prior to coaching at Central Arkansas, O'Keefe was the head golf professional at Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, Ark. While at Hot Springs Country Club, O'Keefe directed over 200 tournaments annually and also taught over 400 lessons each year. He also directed the junior golf camps each year with over 60 juniors participating each summer.
O'Keefe played professionally for 10 years all over the world. His highlights included earning his PGA Tour card in 1997 (175th on Official PGA Tour Money List), competing in the U.S. Open in 1996 at Oakland Hills (72-71-76-76), competing on the Nike Tour in 1996 (15th on Official Nike Tour Money List), 1995 Player of the Year honors on the Hooters Tour ($100,000 Bonus), 1995 International Rookie of the Year, and 1994 Australasian Tour Rookie of the Year (19th on Official Australasian Tour Money List).
An accomplished college golfer at the University of Arkansas, O'Keefe was a four-time All-American, two-time All SEC performer, All SWC performer and had three individual victories as his teams at Arkansas won 10 team tournament titles his last two years.
O'Keefe specializes in course management, short game fundamentals, golf swing analysis and player development. Other responsibilities include recruiting, scheduling of practices, and academic support and supervision.
O'Keefe graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Industrial and Technology Education.
O'Keefe and his wife Susan, have four children, Lucy, John Freeman, Henry and Hogan.
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