Austin Ernst, who won the NCAA Championship on Texas A&M’s home course in College Station, is now heading to College Station to start a new career. During her pre-tournament news conference at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, the three-time LPGA champion announced that she had accepted a position as an assistant at A&M.
Ernst said, “It’s sad that I’m stepping away from professional golf at full-time. But it’s what I need to do for my health.”
After suffering a neck problem, Ernst has not played in an LPGA event for 14 months. The 31-year old said that she initially didn’t understand the severity of her injury, believing she would only miss a few tournaments.
She was shocked to learn that her worst-case scenario would be that she could no longer play golf. She had gone 10 years with no injuries.
She said, “I’ve never had anything like it.” You think you are invincible.
Austin Ernst, winner of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship at Pinnacle Country Club. (Photo: Gunnar Rathbun/USA TODAY Sports)
Last semester, Ernst got her first taste of coaching at a college when she volunteered with the University of Richmond. The former LSU athlete was there when Richmond won the conference championship and advanced into regionals.
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Ernst said, “My area of expertise would be more in player development. You know, preparation for tournaments, management of courses, etc.” “How can I get a little better? How do I take the next step?” said Ernst.
I’m looking forward that part of it. I love golf. “I’m a golf nerd who loves golf, so I’ll still be able play a bit with them.”
Austin Ernst, a LSU student, is the 2011 Division 1 NCAA Women’s Individual champion at Traditions Golf Club Bryan in Texas.
Stacy Lewis’ husband, Gerrod, is the head coach at A&M. He led the Aggies in a SEC championship this spring, and to a semi-finals run at the NCAA Championship 2023. Ernst will play a few more LPGA events this summer before she starts her new job in august.
Ernst became a professional in 2012. She won her first LPGA championship in 2014, at the Portland Classic. Six years later she won in Arkansas. Her most recent victory was in 2021, at the Drive On Championship. Ernst, a two-time Solheim Cup competitor, finished as runner-up to Angela Stanford in the 2018 Evian Championship.
Drew, Ernst’s younger brother, caddied on the LPGA for Andrea Lee.
Ernst said, “I believe that everyone thinks they are seeing a ghost whenever they see me.” I’ve seen a lot of people do double takes so far this week. It was great to be out on tour again.
