Randall Rhodes takes over as golf coach, Chris Lankford to be assistant
July 5, 2023
by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director
HENDERSON, Tenn. — The Freed-Hardeman University Lion and Lady Lion golf programs will have a pair of new faces leading the way on the links beginning in the 2023-24 seasons with the announcement of the hiring of Randall Rhodes as Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach and his assistant coach, Chris Lankford.
With over 30 years of leadership experience and 12 years of being around competitive golf, Rhodes hopes to make an immediate impact on the teams. "We will focus on the preparation necessary to play our best and to compete for championships," said Rhodes. "I'm excited about having a team atmosphere and a commitment to excellence."
Rhodes has been a golfer for over 35 years and hopes to spread his love for the game to his charges, saying, "Freed-Hardeman provides a life-changing experience for students and the FHU golf program is part of making that happen for athletes. Incoming players can expect commitment to working hard and having fun. Players will experience a passion to help them develop their talents and to achieve their potential."
Rhodes graduated from Northeastern State (Okla.) University with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science in 1990, followed by a Master's Degree in IT Management in 2023 from Western Governors (Utah) University. He is married to Kim, with one son, Tyler - who is a senior on FHU's golf team.
Joining Rhodes as assistant coach will be Chris Lankford. Lankford retired this year after 30 years as a physical educator in North Carolina high schools. For 23 years, Lankford served as a head baseball coach, while dipping his toes into coaching softball, basketball, and football, in addition to working as an athletic director.
"I am excited about the opportunity to join the FHU athletic department and serve as assistant golf coach," said Lankford. "I am thankful to be a part of the FHU family, and the spiritual values that it stands for."
Lankford graduated from Appalachian State (N.C.) University in 1993 and is married with two sons: Dalton, a 2021 Freed-Hardeman graduate, and Thaddaeus - a senior at FHU.
Athletic Director Jonathan Estes said of his new coaches, "I am extremely excited and thankful that Coaches Rhodes and Lankford are joining the FHU Athletics family and serving the young men and women in our golf programs. Both of these coaches are Godly men and husbands and fathers who have a passion to develop our student-athletes into the men and women they were created to be. When you combine the years these two have had to lead and pursue excellence in a variety of team settings, I think the future of FHU Golf is very bright."