Patronik begins his first season as the Gannon head men's golf coach. He was hired on August 20.
“We are excited about Dave's passion and vision for the Gannon men's golf program,” said Gannon Director of Athletics Mark Richard upon his hiring. “He has great knowledge of the sport and Gannon University. We believe he can take the men's golf program to the next level.”
Patronik is a familiar name in local golf circles. He was a four-year letterwinner (2002-06) at Gannon, qualifying for the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional every year. As a freshman, Patronik advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship after winning the Great Lakes Regional. He finished tied for 44th at the national championship. His first collegiate year was capped with the 2003 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Freshman of the Year award.
The Orchard Park, N.Y., native finished his collegiate career with a 74.1 average in 98 rounds. He was named to the Ping Division II All-America third team and the ESPN The Magazine Academic Men’s At-Large All-America second team as a senior.
“I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to coach the men’s golf team at Gannon,” said Patronik upon his hiring. “As a former Golden Knight, I was fortunate to help rebuild a once nationally-renowned golf program. I look forward to continuing the development, and laying the foundation for success in years to come.”
Patronik has served as the assistant golf professional at the Kahkwa Club (2007) and the head golf professional at the Millcreek Golf and Learning Center (2008). A current member of the eGolf Professional Tour, he qualified for the 2008 Pennsylvania Open and 2009 U.S. Open Sectional. In addition, he won the 2007 TaylorMade/Adidas Western New York Assistant Professional Championship.
Patronik won numerous amateur events during his stay at Gannon. He was a two-time (2004-05) Buffalo District Golf Association Men’s Amateur champion and was named Buffalo District Golf Association Player of the Year in 2005. Patronik won the Callaway Western New York Open, the Elkdale Open, and the Niagara Frontier Scratch Individual Championship in 2006.
Patronik graduated summa cum laude from Gannon in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He resides in Erie with his wife Susan, who is a Gannon alumnus and Physician Assistant.
