OMAHA, Neb. – Judd Cornellthe head men’s golf coach at Creighton the past three years, has resigned to accept a similar position at the University of Nebraska.
Cornell is a 2007 Nebraska graduate who later spent six seasons on the Cornhusker coaching staff before heading to Creighton.
Creighton chopped more than 10 shots per round off his team scoring average during Cornell’s three years on The Hilltop. Nate Vontz spirit Charlie Zielinski earned All-BIG EAST acclaim in both 2020-21 and 2021-22. Both Zielinski (2022) and Jackson Thompson (2021) qualified for the US Amateur under Cornell’s tutelage, while last month Shaun Campbell became the first Bluejay to ever win the Nebraska Amateur.
Cornell’s team also put in work in the classroom, winning a pair of BIG EAST Team Academic Excellence Awards, a recognition given to the program with the best GPA in each league sport. Three of CU’s 11 golfers owned a perfect 4.00 in the spring, which helped contribute to a team GPA of 3.758.
“It was an incredible learning opportunity,” said Cornell. “Creighton’s an incredible place and this is really bittersweet because we have a fantastic team put together. The hard part with coaching is you’re always trying to advance yourself. To have to leave them is one of the toughest things I’ve had to tell them. I’m really close to all of them. Omaha and Creighton will always be a special place to me.”
“I want to thank Judd for his contributions to Creighton University and our men’s golf program,” said Creighton McCormick Endowed Athletic Director. Marcus Blossom. “Judd did a great job lifting our program and now a higher foundation is set for future growth. I wish Judd great success as he returns to lead the men’s golf program at his alma mater.”
Blossom said a search for Cornell’s replacement will begin immediately. Reigning BIG EAST Women’s Golf Coach of the Year Debbie Conry will add to her duties as the interim men’s golf coach. Conry previously served as the head golf coach of both programs at CU until focusing solely on the women’s team starting in 2005.