Hobart College Head Golf Coach Ken Dougherty recently announced his plan to retire at the end of this season.
 
"I am very grateful to Ken for his work and dedication to the Hobart Golf program over the past 13 years," said Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Brian Miller. "His knowledge and devotion to the sport is apparent with all he does for our student-athletes. He will leave the program in a much better spot than when he arrived, and I cannot thank him enough for that."
 
Dougherty joined the Statesmen golf team as an assistant coach in 2010-11 and was promoted to head coach the following season. In his first year as head coach, Dougherty guided Hobart to its first win since 2005, taking first place at the Keuka Invitational. In his 11 and a half seasons at the helm, he has led the Statesmen to 49 top-5 finishes, including three team tournament titles.
 
"It's been an honor to serve as the head coach, and I thank Mike Hanna for giving me this opportunity so many years ago," Dougherty said. "I have so many great memories from this experience. I've made countless friends along the way, especially with my players and their families. I am still in contact with many of them. The support from the alums and Hobart Athletics has been amazing. Their support allowed us to complete our golf room, take spring break training trips and purchase team gear."
 
Dougherty played an instrumental role in advocating for and fundraising for the indoor golf training center that was installed on campus in 2022. The facility provides the Statesmen and Herons with year-round access to simulators, hitting bays and a putting green.
 
On the course, Dillon Sass '14 became the most decorated golfer of the Dougherty-era. He earned PING All-Northeast Region honors and was tabbed a GCAA Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar as a senior. Sass is also one of eight Statesmen to earn a spot on the All-Liberty League teams. Off the course, Dougherty's Statesmen have earned 11 Liberty League All-Academic awards and were recognized as a GCAA Team Academic Award winner in 2014-15.
 
Dougherty has served on the Division III Men's Golf Regional Advisory Committee as well as the HWS Parents Association Parents Executive Committee.
 
A former member of the Clifton Springs and Seneca Lake country clubs, Dougherty is currently a member of the Geneva Country Club. He boasts more than 50 years of playing experience and has won several flight titles in the Geneva City Golf Championship.
 
Dougherty lives in Geneva with his wife, Diane. They have three adult children, including Steven '13 who was a four-year letter winner for the Statesmen golf team and ranks in the program's top-10 in career scoring average.
 
"One thing I am most grateful for was the opportunity to coach my son during his last three years on the team. Not many parents get that opportunity."