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In
August of 1999, David Pezzino became the fifth head women's golf
coach at Florida International University. In those three and
a half years, the New Jersey native has led his team to two FIU/Pat
Bradley Invitational wins, three players were named All-Sun Belt
Conference each year and one player has moved on to an NCAA Regional.
Pezzino has started the brand new FIU Spring Classic at the
Country Club of Miami and moved the Pat Bradley Invitational to
Puerto Rico, which attracted some of the top programs in the country.
He has great connections in the South Florida area. He now
has the team practicing at one of the finest golf schools in the
country, the Jim McLean Learning Center at the Doral Golf Resort
and Country Club. The players are able to use the center's equipment,
including videotape, to help their swings and short game.
"I have known David for several years now and have watched
him grow into a wonderful coach and instructor," said Jim
McLean. "His knowledge of the collegiate game is unmatched.
David prepares his team to be ready not only for collegiate golf,
but life after college as well."
"I feel we have the best practice facility in the country,"
said Pezzino. "We are very fortunate that Mr. McLean allows
us to us his facility. His kind gift will allow our team to practice
at the number one golf school in the country."
In 1999-2000, Pezzino set lofty goals for his first year.
He was able to accomplish most of them, including a second-place
showing at the Sun Belt Conference Championships. He inherited
a team with only five players, as well as one that was hurt for
the year.
The fall 2002 schedule saw the up and coming Golden Panther
squad finish in the top-10 three times, including the 25th Annual
FIU/Pat Bradley Invitational.
In 1996, Pezzino first started coaching as a player/coach while
at St. Thomas University in Miami for the men's program. The
Bobcats were nationally ranked from 1997-99, which included a
Florida Sun Conference Coach of the Year award in 1998.
St. Thomas made NAIA National Championship appearances in 1998-99,
while eight players were voted to the All-Florida Sun Conference
team.
Pezzino, who turned professional over the summer, didn't even
like golf growing up as a youngster. He grew up playing football
in New Jersey, until his father turned him on to golf.
Out of high school, Pezzino went and learned from 1954 World
Champion Bob Toski, who taught him the mental part of the game.
"Mr. Toski taught me how to compete and how to be a professional.
We spent many hours together. He helped me become a better person
and coach. I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to work
with him."
The former nationally ranked junior earned his bachelors degree
in Sports Administration at St. Thomas in 1997. Following graduation,
Pezzino worked as a rules official for the South Florida PGA.
"We have a bright future at FIU," said Pezzino about his team. "The potential is great. I look forward to bringing this program along its road to success."
Pezzino is married the former Kristy Pininski. She works as
a clinical pharmacist for the Miami Veterans Hospital. They reside
in Miramar.
