FERRUM, Virginia -- Incoming Director of Athletics Cleive Adams has announced the hiring of Elam Ruff as Head Golf Coach at Ferrum College. Ruff comes to Ferrum after serving as a professional caddie at Congressional Country Club in Potomac, Maryland.

Ruff worked multiple professional events for a Golf Digest's Top 100 Course. Prior to Congressional Country Club, Ruff held the role of Head Golf Coach at Glenelg Country School in Ellicott City, Maryland. In his first year, the program reached the playoffs, achieved their most wins in three years, and had multiple All-Conference golfers. 

"I am honored to accept the role of Head Golf Coach at Ferrum College," said ruff. "Thank you to Dr. Martin and the search committee for their belief in me and my visions for the program. I am excited to assist our student athletes with competing on the course and in the classroom, along with establishing themselves as pillars of the Ferrum community."

Ruff was previously an assistant golf coach at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia, overseeing the boy's program. He helped secure a top 4 finish in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and was instrumental in growing the program's participation rate. 

"We are very excited to have Elam on board," said Adams. "He is a very enthusiastic addition, who will provide energy and passion on the course while coaching and teaching. He has a very diverse approach to recruiting and building our golf program moving forward."

Ruff also spent time as an assistant coach for the men's basketball program at St. Mary's College of Maryland and assisted the University of the District of Columbia athletic department with gameday operations.

A native of Washington, D.C., Ruff holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Temple University.