LANCASTER, Pa. – A new chapter begins for Franklin & Marshall men's golf, with a leader already deeply ingrained in its fabric. The Diplomats are poised for continued success with the elevation of Deryl Denlinger to head coach after serving as the assistant coach for the past decade under former head coach Andy Tompos '69 who retired following the spring 2025 season.
"Deryl steps into this role ready to seamlessly transition, with a deep understanding of the men's golf team culture and the program's winning tradition," stated Director of Athletics & Recreation Lauren Packer Webster. "He has already built strong relationships with the current players and alumni, and cares deeply about the future of the program."
Since Denlinger joined the Diplomats as an assistant coach, Franklin & Marshall has captured the conference title during seven of the nine seasons that the Centennial Conference Championship was held. Advancing to the NCAA Tournament during each of those seasons, the Diplomats placed as high as 12th in the country during the 2016 championship and also made the cut before placing 14th in Division III during the team's most recent trip to nationals in 2024.
"I am humbled and excited to continue the great tradition of Franklin & Marshall men's golf," explained Denlinger. "My goal as coach will be to guide and mentor these incredible young men as they develop into gentlemen both on and off the golf course."
While Denlinger was an assistant, the Diplomats certainly made their mark on the Centennial Conference record books. Each of the top four team scoring performances at the Centennial Conference Championships were accomplished with Denlinger's leadership. Most recently, the 2023-24 team set the conference's single-season scoring record. That record-breaking season came just one year after setting a new team scoring record at the 2023 Centennial Conference Championship.
Denlinger has led six different players to All-America honors, with four players completing top 10 individual finishes at the NCAA Division III Championships. A member of the Centennial Conference Coaching Staff of the Year seven times throughout his career, the Diplomats have had four Centennial Conference Tournament medalists, three scholar-athletes of the year, and 15 all-conference selections with Denlinger as an assistant coach.
Prior to joining the F&M coaching staff, Denlinger was the head coach at nearby Lancaster Mennonite High School for 13 years (1999-2011). During that time, his team captured eight section championships and one Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship (2005). Denlinger also coached his son, David, to a PIAA Individual State Championship during the 2008 season.
An accomplished player in his own right, some of Denlinger's playing highlights include winning two Lancaster County Golf Association (LANCO) Amateur championships (1993, 95), a LANCO Senior Amateur Championship (2009), and a LANCO Mid-Amateur Championship (2013).
Denlinger will finalize his coaching staff in the coming weeks, with Tompos '69 anticipated to remain connected with the program in a consultant and advisory role.
