Chance Cain Tabbed to Lead ACU Men’s Golf Program
5/29/2026 12:00:00 PM | Men's Golf
ABILENE - Chance Cain was named head coach of the Abilene Christian University men’s golf program, Vice President for Athletics Zack Lassiter announced Friday. Cain makes his way to the Big Country following four seasons leading Tarleton State’s men’s golf team.
Cain guided the Texans through a revival of the program following a near-30-year hiatus as it transitioned to the Division I level. That revival culminated with a Western Athletic Conference championship and an NCAA Regional berth in 2026. A native of Big Spring, Texas, Cain also carries power conference experience from Utah and Texas Tech.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have Chance leading our men’s golf program,” Lassiter said. “He is a winner with strong roots in Texas and is committed to the ACU mission. He has a proven track record of elevating every program he has worked for and I’m confident he will take our program to the next level. Great days are ahead for ACU men’s golf under Chance’s leadership.”
Cain was named the 2026 WAC Coach of the Year after leading Tarleton State to its most successful campaign in team history. The Texans clinched a pair of tournament titles, including the WAC Championship, to punch their ticket to the NCAA Marana Regional in Arizona. It marked the program’s first conference championship.
“I’m honored to lead the men’s golf program at Abilene Christian University,” Cain said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and want to thank Zack Lassiter, along with the Wildcat supporters, for entrusting me to lead this program to the standards they have envisioned for the future. ACU’s vision, commitment to excellence and passion for developing student-athletes make this a special opportunity.”
Cain mentored the 2026 WAC Player and Freshman of the Year, Alvaro Pastor, who established himself as one of the top mid-major golfers in the country. A top-100 college golfer in the nation per Clippd, Pastor collected two individual titles, three WAC Golfer of the Week honors and seven top-10 placements this past season.
Pastor landed on the All-WAC First Team as the conference’s top-ranked golfer, while sophomore Luis Buech earned All-WAC Second Team honors. The Texans were the highest-ranked program in the WAC, per Clippd, and paced the conference with six WAC Golfer of the Week and Month accolades.
Tarleton State closed its season with 10 consecutive top-10 finishes, including a program-best five top-five performances. The Texans captured the crown at the FAU Invitational at 18-under 558 and carded 36-under 828 at the Golden Nugget Invitational, where Pastor picked up the individual title at a team-record 16-under 200. In his next time out, Pastor collected the victory at Houston’s All-American Intercollegiate.
The Texans placed 10th at the NCAA Manara Regional, while Pastor landed in fifth at 12-under 204. It’s the best placement in an NCAA Regional by a WAC program since ACU finished in 10th at the Stockton Regional in 2022.
“I’ve been a part of some great programs throughout my career, and I’m ready to add ACU to that list,” Cain added. “Historically, men’s golf has been a storied program with a rich tradition of success. I’m excited for the opportunity and ready to build this program to the standards our university and fans deserve.”
Cain led Tarleton State to 14 top-five performances in the past four seasons, three of which came at the past three WAC Championships. In 2025, the Texans placed fourth at the conference tournament with at least two individuals in the top 10 for the second year in a row.
I’m so excited for the ACU men’s golf program. Coach Cain is a man of passion, high character and integrity. He will be an amazing coach for the young men that are lucky enough to compete in his program.Garrett Clegg, Utah head coach
Chance is an extremely hard working coach and will do everything in his power to create a winning culture and take ACU to new heights. I think this is a home run hire!
Before heading to Stephenville, Cain served as an assistant coach at Utah for five seasons from 2016-21 under head coach Garrett Clegg where he helped take the Utes to new heights. In 2017, they earned the first tournament victory since 2009. Utah showed steady improvement at the Pac-12 Championships, tying for fifth in 2019 for its best placement since joining the conference.
In 2019, the Utes established the program’s 54-hole team score record at the Maui Jim Intercollegiate, shooting 15-under 825. Four Utah golfers earned spots in the team record book for single-season scoring average. In 2018, Blake Tomlinson became the Utes’ first regional qualifier since 2007, and, one year later, Kyler Dunkle reached the NCAA Championships, the first Utah golfer to do so since 2006. He tied for 28th, the best NCAA finish for a Ute in modern history. Dunkle won a school-record three tournaments in his career, Utah's first individual event titles since 2006. He earned its first All-Pac-12 honors and tied the school record for scoring average at 71.2 in 2019.
Cain got his start in coaching as a volunteer assistant coach for two seasons at his alma mater, Texas Tech, in 2012. Texas Tech’s 2013 squad placed fifth at the NCAA Columbus Regional to qualify for the NCAA Championships. One year later, the Red Raiders came in second at the Big 12 Championship and advanced to the NCAA Raleigh Regional.
A West Texas native, Cain golfed at Midland College from 2006-08 and powered the Chaparrals to the 2008 NJCAA National Championship. After earning his associate’s degree, Cain went on to receive his Bachelor’s in general business and his Master’s degree in sport management from Texas Tech.
Joining Cain in Abilene are his wife, Heather, and their daughter, Rynleigh.
What they're saying about Chance Cain:
“Chance Cain has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes throughout his coaching career. He is an outstanding coach, a relentless recruiter and an even better person. Chance has a unique ability to build a team, create meaningful relationships and help young men reach their full potential both on and off the golf course.
Since his time at Texas Tech, he has continued to grow as a leader through his experiences at Utah and as the head coach at Tarleton State. I could not be more excited for him and his family as he takes this next step. Abilene Christian has found a tremendous leader, and I have no doubt that Chance will build a championship culture and do great things for the Wildcats."
– Greg Sands, Texas Tech head coach
“I’m so excited for the ACU men’s golf program. Coach Cain is a man of passion, high character and integrity. He will be an amazing coach for the young men that are lucky enough to compete in his program.
Chance is an extremely hard working coach and will do everything in his power to create a winning culture and take ACU to new heights. I think this is a home run hire!”
– Garrett Clegg, Utah head coach
“Chance is definitely an up and coming coach. I think he has proven that by leading Tarleton State to a WAC Championship and a regional appearance this past season. He is a relentless recruiter and I know he will do a great job in Abilene.”
– Mike McGraw, former Baylor and Oklahoma State head coach
