The 2019-20 season will be Dennis Nelson's fourth season at the helm of the Hampton University men’s and women’s golf programs.
In 2018-19, the golf team ventured into new territory participating in the Big South Conference. Junior Jakari Harris was named one of ten George A. Christenberry Award recipients by the conference for having a top grade point average.
The 2017-18 season saw the men's team post three top-three finishes, including second place marks at the Hampton University Golf Invitational and the Maryland Eastern Shore Collegiate Challenge. The women were just as successful under Nelson, posting four top-three finishes, including a victory in the BCGCA Invitational in Raleigh, N.C.
In 2016-17, the women’s team captured the fall Delaware State Tournament, while the men had top three finishes in the Savannah State and Maryland Eastern Shore fall tournaments. The men saw a 20-stroke drop in team average in Nelson’s first year.
On top of being a three-time Tidewater Amateur Tour national tournament champion (2006-08), Nelson is also a three-time champion at Eagle Haven Club (2008, 2011, 2013), a two-time champion at Sewell’s Point (2011, 2014), and a champion at Aeropine’s Club (2012).
Earlier in 2015, Nelson finished 64th out of 170 players at the Eastern Amateur.
Nelson is a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served in a variety of capacities from 1989 through 2013. His naval career started in basic training in Great Lakes, Ill. before Nelson moved to Chesapeake, Va. in 1989. He served as Chief Petty Officer Aviation Boatswain’s Mate until 2013.
In addition, Nelson served as aviation trainer and evaluator from 2005-08.
During his service, Nelson was a two-time recipient of the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal and a four-time recipient of the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was awarded seven Navy Good Conduct Medals and nine Sea Service Deployment Medals.
In addition, Nelson was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Nelson graduated from Wando (S.C.) High School in 1988 before enlisting.
Nelson, a native of Mount Pleasant, S.C., has one son, Tre’Vaughn (23). In his spare time, Nelson enjoys playing golf, softball, and going bowling.
