UK hires ex-Cat Ben Fuqua as assistant coach for men's golf team

Former University of Kentucky golf star Ben Fuqua was hired as an assistant coach for the Wildcats' men's golf team, Coach Brian Craig announced Monday. Fuqua is a former captain and four-year letter winner for the Wildcats from 2005-09.

"He has tremendous integrity and a passion for mentoring young people," Craig said in a news release. "Throw in the fact that he can flat out teach putting and loves the University of Kentucky, and we have a perfect match."

Fuqua (pronounced FEW-kway) was the head coach at Asbury and Lexington Catholic from 2013-14 before serving as a volunteer assistant at Kentucky during the 2014-15 season.

"I am honored to once again be a part of the UK golf program," Fuqua said. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time here as a player. I am excited to help Coach Craig continue his success."

Fuqua was Kentucky's Mr. Golf and the KHSAA state champion in 2003 while competing for Danville. Fuqua replaces Jessie Mudd, another former UK standout, who was named the head coach at Lamar.

"What a great opportunity for Coach Mudd at Lamar," Craig said. "He did a tremendous job for us and will do a great job leading his new program. We all appreciate his efforts to help our guys get better during his four years in Lexington and wish him the best of luck in this new chapter in his coaching career."

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 10:26 PM with the headline "UK hires ex-Cat Ben Fuqua as assistant coach for men's golf team."