TALLAHASSEE (Fla.) — Kris Hannah, a former Leon High and Florida State golfer, often found himself in Ernie Lanford’s Seminole Legacy Golf Club office.
Although their conversations were focused on golf, Lanford was also an encouragement and support source for Hannah.
These life lessons are still relevant today.
Hannah, 44, stated that “he was always there for my,” He would give you his shirt if he knew that you were trying to make a positive difference in your life. Advice, resources. All you need.
“He was a great friend and a constant in my life throughout the years.”
Lanford, a former director of golf and a men’s coach at FSU as well as a Dedman College of Hospitality faculty members, died in Las Vegas on Sunday. Lanford was 85 years old. He had been in hospice care in recent years and was in poor health.
Michael Lanford, 44 years old, said that his father was a kind and generous person who loved Florida State. He lives in Las Vegas, but moved with his parents from Tallahassee 2 years ago.
Lanford’s academic and athletic achievements have been a highlight of his career
Lanford, a 1956 FSU graduate and Shellman, Georgia native (northwest Albany) made his first impact in baseball with the Seminoles. Lanford was the state champion pitcher for his high school team. He played shortstop three seasons (1958-60), and was also an assistant coach (1966–68) before he began his golf career.
Lanford also holds a master’s in physical education degree from Michigan State, and a doctorate of education in kinesiology and a doctorate of education in kinesiology and was a director of golf at FSU. He returned to FSU as the men’s golf coach and director of golf in 1991.
He led the Seminoles five times to the NCAA during his nine-year tenure.
Trey Jones, FSU’s men’s golf coach, said, “Coach’s legacy is well beyond golf.” FSU’s eighth-ranked team won the Seminole Intercollegiate by 38 shots on Tuesday.
“When I think about Coach, I think how much he loved Florida State. I also think how much he gave Florida State over the years. His coaching was only a small part of his work. He was always there for me and very kind with his time. Coach wanted the best for all (FSU) sports. You could ask anyone in his program (Dedman) and they would all agree that Coach is the best.
Mike Martin, a former FSU baseball coach, recalls playing many rounds with Lanford who is a lifetime member the PGA.
Martin laughed and said, “We called him EZ Ernie,” “Golly, it was so much fun. He is still there, I think. He could move it (golfball/shot selection), baby.
Lanford was appointed Coordinator of Internships at the FSU Dedman School of Hospitality’s professional golf management program in the summer 2000. FSU was recently accredited by the PGA to offer a professional golf management curriculum.
Lanford was a Dedman faculty member and served as its director for player development. He also taught as an associate professor in hospitality. In 2006 and 2007, he was awarded the FSU University Teaching Excellence Award.
Bill Woodyard, a close friend and senior lecturer in legal studies and real-estate at FSU’s College of Business said that “he taught me more about life and golf” He was a man I loved. That program he ran for many, many years. He would do anything for his students.
“People like Ernie don’t come around often.”
Lanford, who also wrote a golf column The Tallahassee Democrat, retired in 2018 from Dedman.
Hannah was once ranked No. He was ranked No. 1 on the Florida Junior Golf Tour when he was a child and played four years at FSU (1998-192001). He stopped touring professionally in 2009 and often confided to Lanford.
This friendship lasted for many years.
Hannah, who is a telemarketer and the Jake Gaither Golf Course teaching pro, said, “We shared so much stories, so many experience.” He was a big part of my life.
Sandra Lanford and Lanford were married for 55 years. They had one son, Michael.
By: Jim Henry
Title: Former FSU coach Ernie Lanford remembered for legacy that 'goes well beyond golf'
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/03/15/college-golf-ernie-lanford-florida-state-seminoles-dies/
Published Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:14:52 +0000
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