From D-II powerhouse to Mountain West contender, Coach Mark Mueller has built GCU into a golf machine.
We dig into family, faith, data, and desert grit, and why Phoenix is the proving ground for the next wave of college golf stars.
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Inside?
A whole real‑ball club set: 27″ aluminum driver, stainless‑steel 7‑iron, PW, and putter (with headcovers). Waxed canvas, leather, and a waterproof zipper come in a variety of colors. Durable as it is cute.
As seen in The Masters and trusted by over 8,000 families, one happy parent said, “Very lightweight… they can easily carry it on their own.”
6 Questions with Mark Mueller
From carrying a GCU bag to leading the whole damn program.
Mark Mueller has built the Lopes into a force that every team in the Mountain West should fear.
He’s the coach who took a D-II powerhouse and made it play like a pro squad.
Back-to-back WAC titles. NCAA Regionals. Players of the Year. Coach of the Year. And now, GCU’s officially stepping into the Mountain West with the deepest roster they’ve ever had.
We discussed the jump to D-I, golf data as a cheat code, family ties, and what it takes to run a program in the golf capital of the world.
This isn’t just college golf.
And if you know, you know.
You took over in 2013. Did you feel pressure to prove GCU belonged in Division I?
“It started with the former players guys like you who made GCU a D-II powerhouse. That foundation, combined with the university's resources, made the transition easier.
Even when we weren’t postseason eligible, talent wanted to be here. The goal wasn’t to survive D-I, it was to be the best program making that jump.”
You’ve won Coach of the Year. Your players have won the Player of the Year award. How do you balance credit?
“It’s always a we thing. Players deserve the credit, they’re hitting the shots. I’ve just been blessed with great players and coaches. My job is to create the right environment.”
GCU leans on Clippd and analytics. How do you use data to coach?
“Clippd does two things.”
Shows you exactly where you need to improve.
Identifies how you’re making bogeys.
“Bogey avoidance is everything. If you know how you’re making bogeys, you can fix it.
Every program uses analytics now. But data only tells you what. Coaching helps players understand the how.”
Back in our day, it was Golfstat and vibes. Now it’s Clippd dashboards and Decade Golf. That’s why today’s college kids are winning PGA Tour events.
GCU is a family affair: your dad is president, Jesse is coaching. Does that help or complicate things?
“It’s been a blessing. My dad has always told me, ‘It’s your program, I’m here if you need me.’ Having him as a former coach to lean on is a huge advantage.
And Jesse… he’s still a world-class player. I pick his brain all the time, and the guys benefit from his experience. It doesn’t complicate, it sharpens us.”
You recruit globally. What’s your pitch to players?
“If you want to get really good at golf, come to Phoenix. You’ll practice every day. You’ll play money games against pros. You’ll grind on world-class facilities.”
We’ve got a new short-game area, an elite schedule, and year-round competition. If you want to be a pro, this is the place.”
College golf has undergone significant changes with the introduction of NIL, analytics, and professional-level development. Where’s it going?
“The resources are insane now: TrackMans, GC Quads, data suites. That’s why college kids are winning PGA Tour events.”
Five years from now, who knows what NIL will look like?
“But one thing’s for sure: the players are only getting better. College golf is already one of the most competitive formats in the game.”
What’s next for GCU this season?
The Lopes roll into their first Mountain West season with the strongest schedule in school history.
New Mexico. Washington. Cal Poly. Then the Arizona-heavy spring: U of A, ASU at Papago, Tucson National for conference.
College golf might look different than it did when we played, but one thing hasn’t changed: Phoenix is the capital of golf.
Circle the ASU tournament at Papago this spring. Valley bragging rights are on the line.
Gear
The OZ.1i HS isn’t your grandpa’s putter. It’s funky, heel-shafted, and ready to shake up pro tours. Tradition? Never heard of it. (more)
Style
Golf fashion isn’t just fabric: it’s a first impression. From polos to patterns, your on-course look speaks before you swing. Zire reminded me why. (more)
GIVEAWAY
Follow @thecactusclubaz on social media for a chance to win 2 GCU basketball tickets. Winner announced Sept 24!
Are you looking for a group to join?
Events
AZ GOLF Members: range meet-up at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, Fri, Sept 26, 4–6 pm. Unlimited balls, contests, bucket hats, and giveaways. $40. Register by Sept 25. (signup)
Tickets are live! The 2026 WM Phoenix Open hits Scottsdale Feb. 2–8. Golf, the iconic 16th hole, and four nights at the Coors Light Birds Nest. (tickets)
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