EMU Golf Legend Bruce Cunningham Announces Retirement - Eastern Michigan University Athletics (2024)

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – After three decades of unparalleled dedication and transformative leadership at Eastern Michigan University, Head Men's Golf Coach Bruce Cunningham announced his retirement today, May 24. The 2023-24 season marked Cunningham's 30th year leading the Eastern Michigan men's golf team.

"It has been a privilege every day to coach and mentor our student-athletes," said Cunningham. "With the addition of the GameAbove Golf Performance Center, everything is in place to pass the baton and enable the next coach and future teams to train and practice like champions. I will continue to be an ambassador of our golf program and serve as a bridge between current, past, and future players. I have been blessed to recruit extremely talented student-athletes whose dedication to our core values helped build the foundation on which this program is based. Their passion, competitive spirit, and dedication greatly influenced our national success."

Since he arrived at EMU in 1994, Cunningham has been instrumental in shaping the men's golf program into a powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark on generations of student-athletes. Under his tutelage, the Eagle golfers achieved remarkable success, consistently ranking among the top contenders in the Mid-American Conference. Cunningham's leadership propelled EMU to victory, clinching the MAC title in 2007, 2008, and 2019, with numerous top-three finishes throughout his tenure.

Among his many accolades, Cunningham's legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to excellence. Named MAC Coach of the Year three times, he is one of the most decorated coaches in the conference's history. His impact extends beyond the scoreboard, nurturing the personal and athletic development of hundreds of student-athletes who have thrived under his mentorship.

"Eastern Michigan has provided me with the professional courtesy and framework to build a nationally relevant Division I program," Cunningham continued. "Our program is a testament to every student-athlete, past and present, who committed their college careers to EMU and were accountable to our values, goals, and expectations. Our student-athletes deserve all the credit for taking equal ownership of the program and did everything asked of them emotionally, mentally, and physically to meet our team goals and expectations. Eagle Crest Golf Club and the GameAbove Golf Performance Center will ensure the future pursuit of competitive excellence with state-of-the-art golf facilities critical in the pursuit of our student-athletes skill development."

"Bruce Cunningham's impact on our men's golf program has been extraordinary," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "Under his leadership, our team has celebrated numerous victories and multiple NCAA tournament appearances. His dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped champions on the course and nurtured the growth and development of countless student-athletes at Eastern Michigan. As he steps away from his role, we look to continue to honor his legacy and the mark he leaves on EMU and collegiate golf."

Earlier this year, Eastern Michigan held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the GameAbove Golf Performance Center at Eagle Crest Golf Course. The building is dedicated in honor of Cunningham and marked the culmination of a visionary project that promises to redefine the landscape of collegiate golf training at EMU.

"GameAbove extends our heartfelt congratulations to Bruce on his retirement," said GameAbove's Chairman Keith Stone. "I had the honor of getting to know Bruce personally and many of his past players. Witnessing his exceptional leadership, mentorship, and passion for the game, his players, and this university was remarkable. It is because of this profound impact that our decision to dedicate the GameAbove Golf Performance Center in his honor was a natural choice. This dedication symbolizes the deep respect and appreciation we have for Bruce and his contributions. His legacy sets a good foundation to build upon for the future of the EMU Golf program. We cannot express our gratitude enough."

The two-story facility, perched elegantly overlooking the 18th green and Ford Lake, was made possible through an $8 million gift from GameAbove, a successful multi-venture brand that also engages philanthropically with Eastern Michigan. The facility is a testament to EMU and GameAbove's commitment to excellence in collegiate golf. This state-of-the-art training complex, spanning 13,000 square feet, is designed to propel the Eastern men's and women's golf teams to new heights of success. With lockerrooms, meeting spaces, indoor putting, and chipping areas, and cutting-edge simulators, the facility provides an unparalleled training environment for all elements of the game.

"The GameAbove Golf Performance Center opened this past January and will ensure our mission to win more MAC championships and earn NCAA postseason appearances," Cunningham remarked. "It is a difficult task but an attainable expectation. I am very proud to have played an important role in shaping the vision and design of the facility. It is critical for recruiting, skill development, and advancing both golf programs."

Cunningham's influence reverberates throughout collegiate golf, with his tenure ranking among the longest in MAC history. His steadfast commitment to the NCAA experience has resulted in multiple tournament appearances, showcasing EMU's competitive prowess on a national stage. Notable achievements include guiding the Eagles to the NCAA Championships and mentoring individual standouts who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Cunningham ranks as the fourth-longest tenured head coach in EMU history behind former track & field coach Bob Parks (33 years), women's gymnastics' Steve Wilce (32 years), and men's swimming & diving's Peter Linn (31 years). Furthermore, he is tied for the ninth-longest tenure of any Mid-American Conference head coach. All told, Cunningham ranks eighth in coaching longevity by seasons at the same school in Division I men's golf history.

In his time in Ypsilanti, Cunningham became accustomed to the NCAA experience. The 61-year-old mentor placed a team or an individual in six NCAA Tournaments during his time at EMU. In 2010, Cunningham guided the Eagles to the 11th seed in the NCAA Northwest Regional, finishing seventh out of 13 squads. The team selection was the fourth NCAA berth in program history and the first as an at-large.

In 2009, Christopher Ross earned an at-large bid to the NCAA South Central Regional Championships in Stillwater, Okla. In 2008, the Eagles placed 14th out of 27 teams at the NCAA Central Regional after a 15th-place showing out of 27 at the 2007 NCAA East Regional, which was EMU's first team appearance in more than 60 years. Additionally, former EMU great Korey Mahoney qualified as an individual in both the 2005 and 2006 championships.

Beyond the fairways, Cunningham's dedication to golf extends to his roles as Head PGA Golf Professional at Eagle Crest Golf Club and his active involvement in golf committees, including the Mid-American Conference Golf Coaches Advisory Council and the NCAA District IV Golf Committee. Cunningham also served as an Assistant Golf Professional at Oakland Hills Country Club, Marion Country Club, and Palm-Aire Country Club His comprehensive understanding of the sport's intricacies and his passion for its advancement have made him a respected figure in golf administration.

Cunningham's journey to golf ambassadorship is rooted in a lifelong commitment to the sport. A Class-A PGA Golf Professional, his career trajectory has been marked by a deep-seated passion for teaching and promoting golf at all levels. From his early days as an assistant golf professional at prestigious clubs to his tenure at EMU, Cunningham's expertise and leadership have left an indelible imprint on the golfing community.

"I need to thank our support staff – sports medicine, equipment, media relations, strength & conditioning, academic support, and Wes Blevin and the Eagle Crest staff – for working tirelessly with our program to learn and play at the highest level. I've also had the privilege and honor to represent incredible athletic directors and direct reports over the years. Lastly, I'd be remiss not to mention my wife, Marci, and our two children, Allegra and Hagen, for being by my side throughout this wonderful journey."

A 1985 graduate of Wittenberg University, Cunningham was a two-time Most Valuable Player on the golf team and played in three national championships. He was also captain of the squad.

Cunningham is a native of Ashland, Ohio, and attended Ashland High School. There, he was a three-time all-conference golfer, earning Most Valuable Golfer honors and serving as captain of the squad. He also was a two-time letterwinner on the basketball team.

Eastern Michigan will conduct a national search for the program's next head coach.

Longest Division I Men's Golf Tenure at the Same School
Coach, School (1st Season) - Total
Murray Rudisill, Old Dominion (1975-76) - 49
Tony Joy, Youngstown State (1983-84) - 41
Tommy Hunter, Georgetown (1984-85) - 40
Jim Bracken, Cal State Northridge (1986-87) - 38
Bob Lynch, St. Joseph's (Pa.) (1990-91) - 34
John Crooks, Campbell (1991-92) - 33
Bruce Brockbank, BYU (1992-93) - 32
Bruce Cunningham, Eastern Michigan (1994-95) - 30
John Bermel, Northern Iowa (1994-95) - 30
Bruce Heppler, Georgia Tech (1995-96) – 29

Longest MAC Head Coach Tenure at the Same School
Years - Coach, School (School - Sport) - Total
40 - Carolyn Condit (Miami - Volleyball) 1983-2023
39 - Margo Jonker (CMU - Softball) 1980-2019
34 - Bob Parks (EMU - T&F/XC) 1967-2000
32- Steve Wilce (EMU - Gymnastics) 1983-2014
31 - Pete Lindsay (Miami - M. Swimming) 1985-2016
31 - Dave Jennings (Miami - W. Swimming) 1982-2013
31 - Warren Steller (BGSU - Baseball) 1925-59
31 - Peter Linn (EMU - M/W Swimming) 1988-2019
30 - Bruce Cunningham (EMU - Golf (M) 1994-2024
30 - Danny Schmitz (BGSU - Baseball) 1990-2020
29 - Denise Van De Walle (BGSU - Volleyball) 1983-2011

Bob Parks - track & field/cross country (34 years)
Steve Wilce - gymnastics (32)
Peter Linn - swimming and diving (31)
Bruce Cunningham – men's golf (30)
Elton J. Rynearson - football (26)