Cal Ends Long-Time Partnership with Walter Chun After Nearly Three Decades!

After an almost 30-year stint with the program, Walter Chun has been let go from his position as head men’s golf coach at the University of California. The announcement was made on Tuesday night and Peter Ireland, assistant coach, will take over in a temporary capacity while a hunt for Chun’s successor goes nationwide.

For almost three decades, Walter Chun has been involved with Cal’s golf program. He started as a player and later transitioned to different coaching positions. During the past eight seasons, he served as director of golf after working for twelve years under renowned head coach Steve Desimone in an assistant capacity. Additionally, he possesses both a bachelor’s degree in business (2001) and a master’s degree in education (2003) from Cal.

Cal athletic director Jim Knowlton expressed gratitude to Walter for his remarkable service as a head coach, assistant coach, and student-athlete. According to him, Walter had always demonstrated the department’s values with finesse; however, at present times it was imperative for them to venture into another direction.

Chun’s departure comes after a season where Cal finished 24th at the NCAA Championship and ranked No. 21 nationally. Despite the strong finish, the Bears recently faced setbacks with two top returners, rising sophomore Eric Lee and Ethan Fang, transferring to Oklahoma State. Lee was notably the 2022 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year.

During his tenure, Chun added immense value to Cal’s golf program by competing in 9 of the team’s total appearances at NCAA Championships. He also mentored significant former players such as Collin Morikawa who was victorious in two majors. His steadfast dedication has definitely made a permanent mark on the squad.

As the search for a new head coach begins, the program looks ahead to a new era, aiming to build on Chun’s legacy while striving for continued success on the national stage.