On July 21, 2021, Millsaps Athletics announced Michael Fluty would lead as the Director of Golf, bringing with him 24 years of prior coaching and professional expertise.
As Director of Golf, Fluty is be responsible for oversight and administration of all aspects of the Men’s and Women’s Golf programs.
“I want to say thanks to Director of Athletics Aaron Pelch for trusting me with the reins of Millsaps Golf,” said Fluty. “We will continue Millsaps’ tradition and commitment to strong academics while using our great local golf resources to develop championship student-athletes. I can’t wait to get started and go Majors!”
Fluty spent the last 17 seasons as the head women’s golf coach at NCAA Division I McNeese State where he coached 15 All-Southland Conference selections. He also instructed two Southland Conference Players of the Year and one Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year. Additionally, Fluty’s teams combined for seven tournament wins, six second-place finishes and 40 top-five performances.
“We are excited to have someone with Mike’s experience join our department as our Director of Golf,” said Pelch. “His approach to the game, course management skills and recruiting success in the Southeast will help propel our programs to a new level. This is an exciting hire for Millsaps Golf and we look forward to welcoming he and his wife, Teresa into our family.”
Fluty lists his strongest coaching strengths as recruiting, communication, on-course coaching, skill training and relationship building. He also believes in treating players the right way and creating a team culture that includes ownership, investment and trust.
Fluty quoted American pioneer and aviator Amelia Earhart with a guiding principle that he applies to coaching: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do.”
Prior to McNeese State, Fluty spent eight years guiding as the men’s and women’s golf coach at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. During his tenure, his programs combined for three NAIA National Tournament appearances and secured three NAIA Region IV titles. He was also named the NAIA Region IV Coach of the Year twice (2002, 2003).
The squads also totaled two conference championships, featured two NAIA All-Americans and five NAIA Scholar All-Americans.
Fluty is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force with 12 years of service as an officer. He is also a member of the PGA and served as an assistant professional at the Quail Ridge Golf Course in Winfield for eight years.
The Wichita, Kansas, native owns bachelor’s degrees in History as well as Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Southwestern College in Kansas. Additionally, he earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State.
