Golf Coach Ryan Williams Talks Teams Values, Player Development, and Memorable Moments

By: Jane Fernandez

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. - From being a player on the Farmingdale State College Golf team to now being the head coach, Ryan Williams is no stranger to the challenges golf players face. His dedication to the program, combined with his own experiences as a former player, has helped the RAMS reach new levels in recent years. In an exclusive interview with Williams, he shared insights into what motivates his players, skills he values, and the most memorable moments of his coaching career.

As the assistant athletic director and head coach, Williams plays a crucial role in managing both the development of individual players and the team. When asked how he keeps his players motivated, William explained, “The players are pretty motivated themselves. They work with and against one another through qualifying and practices. We all have the same goal- making the cut at the national championship.” This passion and drive has created a team culture focused on improvement and success individually and as a team.

However, drive goes beyond just wanting to win for Williams. He believes the most important skill a player can have is to be prepared and punctual. “They all have a lot of golf ability, but we try to teach them a lot of other things that will carry on later in life as well,” said Williams. “Being prepared and on time are things that go a long way, especially in the professional world.”

When asking what coach Williams tells his players before every game, he stressed the importance of effort and enjoyment. “Try your best and have fun,” he says to his team. “It’s not always going to be the outcome you want, but as long as you’re giving it your best, that’s all we can ask.” He acknowledges the mental challenges of golf, noting, “It’s five hours out there by yourself, so it’s a little different than a team sport.”

For Williams, a successful season is defined by continued improvement. “Our goal is for players to get better every year. A successful season is winning the conference championship in the fall, performing well at nationals in the spring, and hopefully getting some wins in other tournaments,” he said. The combination of their moments of success and player development is what helps drive the program forward.

Balancing new players and experienced players can be challenging. William has found that it is important to tailor instruction to each group’s needs. “Beginners work on more complex aspects, while experienced players focus on maintaining their skills,” he said. Building team chemistry is also key. “I recruit not just good golfers, but great kids who will fit in well with the team,” Williams explained. “That’s what makes maintaining a positive environment so easy.”

Williams’ has been a part of the RAM community for a while now and has experienced many special moments. One that stood out to him the most was last year at the National Championships in Las Vegas. “We finished 18th, the best in school history,” he recalled. “It was an amazing week for the guys.” Moments like those makes Williams proud to be a RAM.

William has looked at coaching as an opportunity to help players grow on and off the course. “It’s about teaching life lessons through golf,” he said. Williams is a unique and special coach because of his care and love for his players. He wants to see them thrive on and off the course in everything they do.

In the end, his coaching ideology is based on respect. “We want our players to represent Farmingdale well and enjoy themselves while competing,” he said. Playing for a great program and having fun is what it is all about. I know Williams will continue to guide this program in the direction to continued success.