Nick Pumford

Nick Pumford’s journey from local golfing
standout to collegiate coach exemplifies the spirit of
excellence and dedication.
Nick’s story began on the greens of Kimberly Oaks during his time at St. Charles
High School where he displayed his exceptional talent as a varsity golfer from
2002 to 2005. His skill and unwavering commitment propelled him to the forefront
of high school golf, earning him the prestigious title of a three-time All-State
player, including a spot on the All-State Super Team in 2005. Nick’s crowning
achievements were his consecutive Runner-Up finishes in the 2004 and 2005
MHSAA state finals, solidifying his status as one of the top golfers in the state.
Eager to further develop his craft, Nick continued his golfing journey at the
University of Michigan from 2005 to 2009. As a player for the Michigan
Wolverines, he competed in 29 of 33 events, recorded five top-10 individual
finishes, and won the 2007 Wolf Run Intercollegiate. His contributions helped
Michigan return to the NCAA postseason after an eight-year absence, with
back-to-back regional selections in 2008 and 2009.
As a co-captain during the 2008-09 season, Nick played a key role in one of
Michigan’s best seasons in program history. Following the Wolverines’ regional
selection and eventual fifth-place team finish at the NCAA Austin Regional,
they advanced to the NCAA Championship for the first time in 12 years. The
Wolverines concluded with a sixth-place team finish in stroke play, advancing
to the team match play finals. After a first-round win over No. 3 seed USC,
the Wolverines were eliminated by eventual national champion Texas A&M in
the national semifinal. Nick started all 14 tournaments that season and was
Michigan’s recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Nick’s amateur career was highlighted by qualifying for the 2009 U.S.
Amateur Championship, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the Michigan Amateur
Championship on two occasions, and earning two top-20 finishes at the
Michigan Open (2006, 2010). During his collegiate summers, he returned
home to participate in the Saginaw District Golf Championship, claiming the
prestigious title from 2006 to 2009 with some of the most impressive wins in
the tournament’s history.
Following his illustrious collegiate career, Nick seamlessly transitioned into
coaching, where he continued to make a lasting impact on the sport he loves.
He served as an assistant golf coach at Georgia State University from 2010 to
2011, and later at the University of Michigan from 2011 to 2015. His expertise
and guidance helped shape the next generation of golfing talent.
In 2016, Nick embarked on a new chapter in his coaching career as the head
golf coach at Oakland University, where he continues to inspire and mentor
aspiring golfers to reach their full potential. Through his leadership and
unwavering dedication, Nick has cemented his legacy as both a player and a
coach, leaving an indelible mark on the collegiate golfing landscape.
Today, we proudly welcome Nick Pumford into the Saginaw County Sports Hall
of Fame, celebrating his remarkable achievements and enduring contributions
to the world of golf. His journey stands as a testament to the power of passion,
perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.