Melissa Luellen: Auburn Women’s Golf Coach on LPGA Career, Building Champions & Auburn’s Rise
Auburn Women’s Golf Head Coach Melissa Luellen joins The Cart Barn Podcast to share her incredible journey from LPGA champion to one of the most respected coaches in college golf. Melissa opens up about her family’s golfing legacy, her own 11-year LPGA career, recruiting future stars like Anna Davis, and the challenges of building Auburn into a national contender.
We dive into:
- Growing up with a Hall of Fame golf coach mom and competing against her
- Melissa’s LPGA Tour win and life on tour
- The transition from pro golf to coaching at Tulsa, Arizona State, and Auburn
- Recruiting in the NIL era and developing players on and off the course
- Auburn’s facilities, SEC competition, and the future of Tiger women’s golf
Whether you’re an Auburn fan, golf enthusiast, or student of leadership, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and lessons from one of the game’s greats.
🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube & all podcast platforms.
Keywords
- Auburn Women’s Golf
- Auburn Tigers Golf
- Melissa Luellen interview
- LPGA Champion Melissa Luellen
- NCAA Women’s Golf
- Auburn Golf Coach
- College golf recruiting
- Auburn sports podcast
- Women’s college golf
Summary
In this episode of the Cart Barn podcast, host J Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt welcome Auburn's women's head coach, Melissa Fleming Luellen. They discuss her early influences in golf, her transition from a successful playing career on the LPGA Tour to coaching, and the challenges and triumphs of building the Auburn women's golf program. Coach Luellen shares insights on recruiting, the impact of NIL in women's sports, and her coaching philosophy focused on player development and emotional growth. The conversation highlights the evolution of women's golf and the importance of mentorship and support in the sport.
Takeaways
Melissa's early love for golf was influenced by her parents' passion for the game.
Her mother, a Hall of Fame coach, instilled a strong work ethic and respect for golf etiquette.
Winning her first tournament against her mother was a significant milestone in her youth.
Transitioning from player to coach was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Melissa.
Winning on the LPGA Tour was a childhood dream come true for Melissa.
Building the Auburn golf program has been a fulfilling challenge for Coach Luellen.
Recruiting strategies have evolved, focusing on both local and international talent.
NIL has changed the landscape of college sports, including women's golf.
Coaching philosophy emphasizes emotional growth and the importance of teamwork.
The outlook for Auburn's women's golf team is optimistic, with a focus on competitiveness and development.
Sound bites
"I fell in love with it."
"I think I could do this."
"It's a phenomenal thing."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Coach Melissa Llewellyn
01:35 Early Influences and Family Legacy in Golf
05:04 Lessons from a Hall of Fame Mother
10:42 Transitioning from Player to Coach
16:01 Winning on the LPGA Tour
21:36 The Journey into Coaching and Mentorship
23:58 Lessons from Early Coaching Experiences
26:58 Transitioning from Arizona State to Auburn
29:41 Building a Competitive Golf Program at Auburn
35:15 Recruiting Strategies and Player Development
39:49 Navigating New Rules and NIL in Women's Golf
44:54 The Evolving Landscape of Golf Coaching
50:53 Personal Passions and Team Dynamics
