Brenau University is expanding its athletic program to include women’s golf, starting in the fall of 2013.

Golden Tigers athletic director Mike Lochstampfor is in the process of interviewing candidates for the new head coach position and the university will immediately begin recruiting athletes. Lochstampfor says there are a number of reasons starting a golf program makes sense for Brenau.

“It is a sport that is becoming increasingly popular on the national level, especially among young women,” he said. "It’s always exciting to bring in a new sport along with its athletes, and the culture that comes with it.

“I believe it will be a great fit for Brenau and I have no doubt that it will be as successful as the rest of our sports.”

Golf will become the 10th varsity sport for the Golden Tigers, along with soccer, cross country and volleyball in the fall; basketball, swimming and cheerleading in the winter; and tennis, track and field, and softball in the spring.

Surrounded by no less than 10 golf courses, Brenau’s location will allow team members the opportunity to virtually play and practice in their own backyard.

Lochstampfor anticipates that the golf team will start with 6-8 players in its first year.