Bio

Bobby Downes '86 was named head coach of the Western New England University men's golf program in July 2019 and will compete is his fourth season in the 2022-2023 season.

Western New England competed in seven matches during the 2021-2022 season

In his first year in charge in 2019-20, Downes guided the Golden Bears to several top-5 finishes, including placing second in the CCC Fall Qualifier. The program was led by junior Ryan Zogby, who collected three CCC Golfer of the Week awards during the fall semester. Western New England was unable to complete the spring portion of their season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Downes brings over 30 years of golf experience to Western New England. He currently serves as the head golf professional at the Country Club of Wilbraham, after holding the position of head teaching and assistant professional. Previously, Downes was the head professional at Veterans Golf Course in Springfield from 1992-2004.  

Downes is the son of Arthur William "Red" Downes, who retired last summer following a 50-year tenure at Western New England as a basketball, baseball, soccer, and most recently, golf coach.

Downes, who earned his PGA Class A membership in 1990, was an instructor at the Mount Snow Golf School in Vermont from 2007-08. He also served as head teaching professional at Golfers Warehouse in Hartford, Conn. from 2005-06.

A 1986 graduate of Western New England, Downes earned his bachelor of arts degree in English. Downes played for his father as a four-year member of the men's soccer team, serving as team captain as a senior.