Mary Lou Mulflur, one of the best women’s college golf coaches, has announced her retirement after 42 seasons coaching the Washington women’s golf program. She took over the program in 1983, two years after her mentor, Edean Ihlenfeldt, retired. Mulflur earned four letters as a Husky in her college days and has been instrumental in the success of the program since then.
The highlight of Mulflur’s career was in 2016 when Washington won the national championship. Under her leadership, the team beat Virginia, UCLA, and Stanford to earn the program’s first national title. Mulflur’s contributions to Washington’s athletics department have been significant, with her teams earning NCAA Regional berths almost every year and advancing to the NCAA Championship 14 times. She was named national coach of the year in 2015 and 2016.
In her statement announcing her retirement, Mulflur emphasized the impact of Washington’s student-athletes on her career. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at her alma mater and reflected on the relationships she has built with the young women she has mentored over the years. Mulflur’s passion for the sport has been recognized with inductions into the Women’s Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame and various other honors.
Mulflur, who grew up in Portland, Oregon, has a long history in the sport, winning individual tournament championships and playing in pro and amateur events. She has been honored for her service to golf with awards like the NCGA Founders Award. Mulflur’s commitment to the sport extends beyond coaching, as she has played various roles in organizations like the WGCA and the NCAA.
As the longest-tenured employee in the Washington athletic department, Mulflur’s retirement marks the end of an era for the program she has dedicated over four decades to. She will coach the Huskies through the 2024-25 season before stepping down. Washington’s upcoming season will kick off with the Leadership and Golf Invitational at Chambers Bay Golf Course, offering a fitting start to Mulflur’s final year as head coach.
In conclusion, Mary Lou Mulflur’s retirement from coaching the Washington women’s golf program marks the end of an era for one of the best coaches in the sport. Her accomplishments, including a national championship in 2016, and her impact on countless student-athletes will leave a lasting legacy at Washington. As she prepares to step down after 42 seasons, Mulflur leaves behind a program that has thrived under her guidance and a community of athletes and colleagues who have been profoundly influenced by her leadership.
