Pacific Lutheran University announced the hiring of Al Patterson as head coach for the Lute men's and women's golf programs in the summer of 2024.
The 2025-2026 season saw the men's team win the Washington Cup, finishing 1-0 in dual matches, while logging runner-up finishes at the PLU Invitational and the George Fox Invitational. The Lutes placed fourth at the NWC Fall Classic before placing fifth at both the NWC Spring Classic and the NWC Championships. Five Lutes earned CSC Academic All-District honors at the end of the year, including Koen Solis who tied for first at the George Fox Invite and Soren Bostrom who claimed medalist honors at the PLU Invite.
Under Patterson's direction the PLU women's team was fifth at the 2026 NWC Championships with Jayda Thomas tying for first place at the event. Thomas ended the season as a Second Team All-Conference selection and earned NWC Golfer of the Week on two occasions.
Patterson's first season at the helm in 2024-2025 saw the men's squad place fifth at the NWC Championship with Koen Solis winning NWC Golfer of the Week on two occasions during the season. The PLU women placed seventh in Patterson's debut season with Emily Alicea earning NWC Golfer of the Week honors in the spring.
"Al has decades of golf experience and local ties to the area that make him a great fit for our department," said Athletic Director Mike Snyder.
"It's exciting to see Al's leadership and vision, and we can't wait to see him build the Lutes back into a program that routinely contends for Northwest Conference Championships."
A golf professional since 1995, Patterson has been the assistant pro at Canterwood Golf and Country Club in Gig Harbor since 2021. Prior to Canterwood, Patterson spent 15 years as the head pro at Kitsap Golf & Country Club and has experience as a pro at McCormick Woods.
"I'm super excited to join PLU and coach the men's and women's programs. I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know the team and get the ball rolling," said Patterson.
Patterson was a four-year letterwinner at Western Washington University, earning NAIA All-District honors twice while also winning the WWU Invitational on two occasions. After graduation, Patterson's golf resume includes winning the Western Washington PGA Match Play Championship and the Chapter Championship, while also winning two Club Championships at Gold Mountain Golf Club.
