Eastern Michigan Athletics
Men's Golf
- Title:
- Head Coach
- Email:
- bruce.cunningham@emich.edu
- Phone:
- 734.487.6703
Bruce Cunningham is in his 13th year at the helm of the Eastern Michigan men’s golf program.
During his tenure, Eagle golfers have had some of their most successful years, finishing in the top five at the Mid-American Conference Championship for the past six seasons years. The team stroke average has also improved each year since he took over the reins.
During his time in Ypsilanti, Cunningham has become accustomed to the NCAA experience. The 13th-year mentor has either placed a team or an individual in the last four NCAA Tournaments, dating back to the 2005 campaign. Just last season, the Eagles placed 15th at the NCAA East Regional in their 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.
Cunningham guided the Green and White to its second consecutive MAC Championship in 2008. Trailing by one shot heading into the final threesome of the three-day, 72-hole tournament, the Eagles’ Peter Sauerbrei completed his round with a par on the par four 18th. His Kent State opponent, David Ludlow, then missed a bogey putt and had to settle for a six to give Eastern Michigan the one-stroke victory, 1,171-1,172.
In 2007, Cunningham guided the Eagles to their first Mid-American Conference Championship. Heading into the championship’s final 18 holes, Akron held a five stroke lead over the EMU. However, that all changed as the Eagles finished the final round at one-over par 289, while UA carded a nine-over 297. For the tournament, the Green and White fired a 1,138 (285-290-274-289) to equal the school-record for the best 72-hole tournament total.
For his efforts, Cunningham was selected the Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008. He is just the second EMU coach to capture the honor and the first since EMU Hall of Famer Jim Nelson did so during the 1980 season.
At Eastern Michigan, Cunningham has mentored some of the best golfers in EMU history, including Jordan Young, Ed Maunder, Brent Goulding, Rob Couture, Jaysen Hansen and Jeff Mankiewicz, Brad Pemberton, Graham Hill as well as Mahoney.
In addition to his duties as the head coach, he is also the Head PGA Golf Professional at Eagle Crest Golf Club. He has served on the Mid-American Conference Golf Coaches Advisory Council since 2001. Cunningham is also in his second season as a member of the NCAA District IV Golf Committee. He previously was the Chairman of the NCAA District IV Ethics Committee from 1997-2001.
The 42-year-old Cunningham came to EMU near the end of the 1994 spring season after serving as an assistant golf professional at Oakland Hills Country Club for five years. He is a Class-A PGA Golf Professional.
While at Oakland Hills Cunningham served as one of the teaching pros, responsible for giving lessons and clinics. He also assisted in the running of the 1991 U.S. Senior Open Championship. Also from 1989-93 Cunningham was the senior tournament director for the Junior Ping Tour presented by ESPN and Golfweek.
Prior to his five years at Oakland Hills, Cunningham was an assistant golf pro at Palm Aire Country Club for the winter seasons from 1987-89. He was the assistant pro at Marion (Ohio) Country Club from 1986-88.
A 1985 graduate of Wittenberg University, Cunningham was a two-time "Most Valuable Player" on the golf team and played in four national championships. He was also captain of the squad.
Cunningham is a native of Ashland, Ohio and attended Ashland High School where he was a three-time all-conference golfer, earning "Most Valuable Golfer" honors as well as serving as captain of the squad. He also played on the basketball team, and earned third team all-league honors in that sport.
Cunningham and his wife Marci have two children, Allegra (3-22-98) and Hagen (7-10-2000).
