Columbia Golf: Meet Our Coaching Staff
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Successful athletic programs must have capable coaches. Here at Columbia, we have a coaching staff that is second to none... and they do way more than just golf-related tasks...
Please meet our assistant coaches, Ben James, and Stephen Larouere. Both bring a wealth of experience and a wide range of skill that help our student-athletes on AND off the course.
Ben James was promoted to Assistant Men's Golf Coach in July 2017 after serving two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach for the Columbia men's golf team. He begins his fourth season overall and third season as an assistant coach with the Columbia men's golf program in 2019-20.
James, who joined the program in January, 2016, brings a strong history of golf experience to the Lions after becoming a fully qualified, class A PGA professional at the young age of 23. During his time in both amateur and professional golf, James had the opportunity to compete in PGA UK sanctioned events and has served as a pro at Piltdown and East Brighton golf clubs in East Sussex, U.K.
Born and raised in East Sussex, U.K., James cites watching Mark O’Meara win the U.S. Masters in 1998 as a catalyst for his amateur and professional golfing career. Soon thereafter, James began his PGA training program at Piltdown in 2004 and earned a foundation degree in conjunction with the University of Birmingham, U.K.
In addition to helping Coach Mueller with running the day-to-day operation of the program, Ben is a talented teaching professional who has a deft understanding of the golf swing and putting stroke. He is also well-versed in Strokes Gained and course strategy. His main task is to assist with player development.
James recently moved to New York City in August 2015 and currently works as a tenant amenities manager for Adams & Company Real Estate.
Former Lions golfer Stephen LaRouere ‘13CC was named the Columbia men’s golf program’s Volunteer Assistant Coach in June 2017. He begins his third season on the Columbia men's golf staff in 2019-20.
As a Columbia men’s golfer from 2009-13, LaRouere served as a two-year team captain and helped lead the Lions to one of their highest national rankings in school history, an Ivy League team championship in 2009 and an NCAA Tournament berth. After graduating from Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 2013, LaRouere was hired at IBM Global Business Services as a Strategy and Analytics Consultant. He currently works as an Associate at the investment firm MHR Fund Management, where his responsibilities include investor relations and marketing. He is also actively involved in giving back to the New York City community through his involvement with the First Tee of Metropolitan New York.
“As a former Columbia golfer, captain and graduate, Stephen LaRouere has walked in our players’ shoes,” Mueller said. “Not only has he been a part of an Ivy Championship team but he has also experienced early success in his business career here in New York City. Stephen’s main task will be to work in concert with our Enrichment Services team to assist our current players explore career options, connect with Columbia alumni and ultimately apply to great career opportunities while leveraging Columbia’s vast network and resources. Additionally, Stephen will work to improve our external communications and social media presence.”
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