The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/790572
MARCH 2017 ■ 35 "I was on in two, but a long way from the hole," Pettersson recalled. "Coach Sykes came marching out on the green and says, 'I've been here all day and nobody has two- putted from that spot. Just go ahead and three-putt and get it over with.' "That was typical coach — he knew how to take the pressure off the situation, and maybe use a little reverse psychology. Whatever it was, I two-putted for birdie." Sykes has always said that, "golf is just a day of misfortune and how you handle mis- fortune." What he has tried to do is teach his players course management, patience and trust in their own abilities. And those lessons have resonated. Through the years, several of his former players followed in his footsteps. Bowen has been the head coach at ACC-foe Virginia since 2005, while Press McPhaul is the head coach at East Carolina, Chris Greenwood is the head coach at Division II St. Leo's and Gus Ulrich was recently named the head coach at Sandhills Community College. "On the PGA Tour, we often talk about Coach Sykes — and all the stories that follow when his name is mentioned," Pet- tersson said. "Nearly everyone who was re- cruited by coach and didn't go to NC State regrets it. He made an impact on many lives, even those that didn't spend four years with him. "Luckily, I was able to be one of those who accepted his offer and enjoyed all he had to give." Sykes doesn't want his retirement to be a big deal and certainly not a distraction to his team. But the athletics department is planning a retirement party over his objec- tions. Mainly, he just wants to step aside, spend more time with his family and, like everyone else who retires, play more golf. "I'm sure I will miss being with my players," Sykes said. "But my time has come. Nobody ever wants to completely stop something they enjoy, and I have en- joyed it all." ■ Sykes was the driving force behind the construction of NC State's Lonnie Poole Golf Course, which is an Arnold Palmer Design Company championship layout. PHOTO BY TIM PEELER Tim Peeler is a regular contributor to The Wolfpacker. You may contact him at tmpeeler@ncsu.edu. "I'm sure I will miss being with my players. But my time has come. Nobody ever wants to completely stop something they enjoy, and I have enjoyed it all." ■ Sykes