Robert Allen "Buddy" Harston is the golf coach for the Bisons and Lady Bisons golf teams.
Harston is a former member of the Bisons baseball team from 1970 to 1974 and an assistant baseball coach for the Bisons from 1974 to 1977. He has been a professional golf player for more than 30 years.
Although baseball was Harston’s first love, he started playing golf at a young age with his parents and brother.
“I remember getting to see Arnold Palmer play and always thought if baseball didn’t work out, I would pursue golf,” said Harston.
Harston, 57, replaced Dr. Ralph Samples, who retired in May of 2006 after 39 years as the golf coach.
"There is a great athletic tradition at Lipscomb especially in baseball, basketball and golf,” said Harston. “People who go to Lipscomb love athletics. That is enough tradition right there.”
Harston has a strict philosophy when it comes to coaching. He prefers “old school” teaching methods and brings what he learned from playing baseball under Coach Dugan to the green.
“Golfers are athletes,” said Harston. “We work out hard because in the end, the stronger one will win.”
Harston also focuses his players on the mental aspect of the game.
"Buddy is a man of great character and integrity and shares a strong commitment to the Christian mission of our institution,” said Steve Potts, Lipscomb’s former Director of Athletics. "For 30 years, he has immersed himself in the game of golf as a competitor, teacher and student. His expertise and experience will enable us to build on the 39-year legacy left by Coach Ralph Samples."
Harston served as director of golf/head golf professional at Lexington Country Club from 1986 to December of 2005.
Prior to that position he was the assistant golf professional in Nashville at Belle Meade Country Club from 1984 to 1986.
Harston has also spent time in the Florida serving as director of personnel for FAF, Inc., and as an assistant golf professional at The Deerwood Club in Jacksonville, Fla., and Costa Del Sol in Miami.
He is also active on the PGA Senior Tour, having participated in the PGA Senior Open, PGA Senior Championship and the Senior British Open.
