Aiken, SC, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Michael Carlisle, coach of USC Aiken’s golf program for 36 seasons, will be inducted as the 80th member of the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame. Under his leadership, the team has achieved three NCAA Division II national championships and over 90 tournament victories. Carlisle also established a junior golf program, promoting youth engagement in the sport. His contributions and dedication have solidified his legacy in collegiate golf.
Aiken, SC — Michael Carlisle, a prominent figure in collegiate golf, will be inducted as the 80th member of the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame on January 17, 2026, at the Forest Lake Club. The 68-year-old coach is celebrated for his remarkable achievements as the head coach of the USC Aiken golf program, a role he has held for 36 seasons.
During his tenure, Carlisle has led his teams to an outstanding record, securing three NCAA Division II national championships from 2004 to 2006. Under his leadership, USC Aiken golf has claimed a total of 91 tournament victories, which reflects a winning percentage of .708. Notably, his teams once achieved a remarkable record of winning 23 out of 28 events, showcasing their dominance in collegiate golf.
Beyond coaching, Carlisle has made significant contributions to the golfing community by organizing over 600 tournaments throughout his 35-year coaching career, solidifying his legacy within the sport. In his commitment to fostering young talent, he established a junior golf program in Aiken that has expanded into Augusta, encouraging youth participation in golf.
Carlisle’s journey in golf began at the Highland Park Country Club, where he was mentored by Jim McNair Sr. His competitive spirit was evident during his time at Aiken High, where he was a member of the state championship team in 1975. As a collegiate athlete at Clemson University, he earned three varsity letters and played on the 1980 Clemson team that made history as the first to qualify for the NCAA national tournament. His accolades include winning the Carolinas Amateur in 1983, the South Carolina Mid-Amateur in 1993, and three Palmetto Amateur Championships in 1983, 1997, and 1998. Additionally, he participated in the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2000 and 2001.
Randy Warrick, a significant figure in USC Aiken’s athletic history, offered Carlisle the head coaching position in 1991, and he has remained an influential presence in collegiate golf ever since. Former player Scott Brown has praised Carlisle’s approach to coaching, highlighting his emphasis on discipline, integrity, and passion, qualities that have left a lasting impact on his athletes.
As Carlisle approaches a new chapter in his coaching career, he has passed the oversight of the junior golf program to former player Casey Thompson while indicating his intention to continue coaching for a few more years. Currently, the USC Aiken Pacers are well-positioned, with preseason rankings placing them at No. 10 nationally. Carlisle attributes his success to the unwavering support of friends, exceptional student-athletes, and his coaching philosophy, which focuses on the key aspects of the game: drive, wedge, and putter.
FAQ
When will Michael Carlisle be inducted into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame?
Michael Carlisle will be inducted as the 80th member of the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame on January 17, 2026, at Forest Lake Club.
How long has Michael Carlisle served as the head coach of the USC Aiken golf program?
He has served as the head coach of the USC Aiken golf program for 36 seasons.
What accomplishments has Michael Carlisle achieved during his coaching career at USC Aiken?
Carlisle’s teams have secured three NCAA Division II national championships (2004-2006) and have a collective total of 91 tournament victories with a winning percentage of .708.
What notable achievements has Michael Carlisle accomplished as a golfer?
He has won the Carolinas Amateur (1983), South Carolina Mid-Amateur (1993), and three Palmetto Amateur Championships (1983, 1997, 1998), and participated in the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2000 and 2001.
What is Michael Carlisle’s coaching philosophy?
Carlisle’s coaching philosophy focuses on “Drive, wedge, and putter.”
Key Features of Michael Carlisle’s Coaching Career
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Induction Date | January 17, 2026 |
| Coaching Tenure | 36 seasons at USC Aiken |
| NCAA Championships | 3 (2004-2006) |
| Total Tournament Victories | 91 |
| Win Percentage | .708 |
| Junior Golf Program | Established in Aiken, extended to Augusta |
| Notable Awards | Carolinas Amateur, South Carolina Mid-Amateur, Palmetto Amateur |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken Community Gears Up for a Busy Week of Events
USC Aiken Golf Coach Inducted into South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame
Michael Carlisle Inducted into South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame
Aiken Hosts Inaugural Carlisle Cup Junior Golf Tournament
Erik Olin Named Student-Athlete of the Week at USC Aiken
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Mike Carlisle Induction into SC Golf Hall of Fame
- WJBF: Summer Golf Tournament for Junior Golfers
- Clemson Tigers: Mike Carlisle Induction into GCAA Hall of Fame
- Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home: Patricia Carlisle Obituary
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Michael Carlisle Golf
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