Justin Bardgett

Justin Bardgett enters his fifth season as assistant coach for the Fighting Illini men's golf program in 2021-22. He was hired on July 11, 2019, coming to Illinois after one season at Army West Point. Bardgett also brings seven years of professional playing experience to Champaign-Urbana.

During his time with the Army West Point golf team, Bardgett (Barge-A) helped coach the Black Knights to the 2019 Patriot League Championship title, the 12^th for the program and the first since 2016. With Bardgett's assistance, all five individuals placed among the top 25 at the tournament, with four finishing in the top 10. The Black Knights advanced to the NCAA Austin Regional to conclude the season, and saw junior Justin Williamson earn PING All-Region honors.

"I am extremely excited to get started in Champaign," Bardgett said. "I have great respect and admiration for the University of Illinois golf program and head coach Mike Small. The success that the program has enjoyed under his guidance is remarkable and I can't wait to get started working towards Big Ten and National Championships."

Bardgett also spent several years in the professional ranks as he was a member of both the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica and the PGA TOUR Canada. He appeared in the field at the PGA TOUR's 2011 Puerto Rico Open, and also played in events on the Korn Ferry Tour, formerly the Web.com Tour. Most recently, Bardgett earned top 10 finishes at the Metropolitan Open (St. Louis, Mo.), the Navajo Trails Open (Durango, Colo.), and the San Juan Open (Farmington, N.M.).