Patrick Sams is in his third season as Ave Maria's men's golf coach. He was hired by the University to take over the golf program in October of 2023.
In Sams' first season at the head of the program, the Gyrenes were nationally ranked for the first time in school history, and earned a bid to the NAIA National Championships. Under his direction, two players - Gabriel DeCasas and Ty Kaufman - were honored as All-Sun Conference players. Two more players were honored as All-Conference in 2025, with Alex Veneziano appearing for the first time, and Ty Kaufman becoming the first two-time selection in school history.
Sams is currently the head golf professional at the Timber Trails Golf Course within Lake Naomi Club, located in the pristine Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has previously served as the head golf professional at The Oaks Club in Sarasota and Richmond County Country Club in Staten Island, New York, and has served as an assistant golf pro at the Concession Golf Club in Sarasota, and South Fork Country Club in The Hamptons.
Originally from Venice, Florida, Sams is a class A member of PGA of America and was voted PGA Merchandiser of the Year in 2006 while at The Oaks Club. Sams is currently pursuing his certification through the PGA's specialized programs in executive management & golf operations
As a player, Sams earned a college golf scholarship and played NCAA Division 1 college golf, and advanced to a U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier. He still holds the course record at Richmond County Country Club, shooting a round of 63.
