Payne Denman joined the University of South Florida men’s golf program in June 2025 as an assistant coach, bringing a blend of high-level coaching experience and accomplished amateur playing credentials. Considered a rising talent in the collegiate coaching ranks, Denman arrived in Tampa after a successful season at the University of Tennessee, where he helped guide the Volunteers to their second consecutive NCAA Championship appearance and a top-20 national finish. During his time in Knoxville, he played a key role in player development, including working closely with Golfweek All-American Lance Simpson, while contributing to a culture of consistency and competitive growth.
Prior to Tennessee, Denman spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State University from 2022 to 2024. While with the Blue Raiders, he helped lead the program to a team victory at the 2023 Daniel Island Intercollegiate, produced nine All-Conference USA selections, and guided the team to the 2023 NCAA Regional. Individually, his players earned significant accolades, including Owen Stamper being named Conference USA Player of the Year and qualifying for NCAA postseason play. In addition to his coaching résumé, Denman is an accomplished amateur golfer, winning the 2024 Tennessee State Amateur Championship and earning an exemption into the U.S. Amateur. A native of Riverwatch, Tennessee, he played collegiate golf at Middle Tennessee State after beginning his career at the University of Florida, adding firsthand competitive insight to his coaching role at USF.
