Scot Dave Paterson retires after

33 years as golf coach

at Yale University

By Bruce Berlet

GOLF IN CONNECTICUT

Scotsman Dave Paterson, the Yale University men's golf coach for 33 years and the pro at the Course at Yale in New Haven for 25 years, has retired.

Paterson, pictured above, 72, was an assistant at Turnberry GC in Scotland before moving to the U.S. in 1965 and working at Brooklawn CC in Fairfield, Riddell's Bay Golf and CC in Bermuda and the Country Club of Fairfield before going to Yale.
Paterson guided the Elis to eight Ivy League titles and 10 NCAA berths and did double duty as coach of the Yale women's team for 13 years.

Three of his players _ Peter Teravainen, Bob Heintz and Heather Daly-Donofrio _ are playing on the pro level.

"I am a teacher and watching players improve under my tutelage was the most rewarding aspect of my work," Paterson said. "Turning on a light that took them up a notch in performance was most satisfying. Occasionally, a superior talent would come along. They were the necessary leading players that took us into national level competition and won championships for us.

"The record shows that having one of these superstar athletes on the team leads to wins."

Thanks for all your time and devotion to the game, Dave, and enjoy your retirement.