For more than 25 years, golf has been more than a profession for Todd Voyles. It has been a way to build relationships, teach valuable life lessons and share a game that has shaped his life. Now, Voyles brings that passion and experience to Emmanuel University as the head coach of the Lions' men's golf program.

A Stephens County High School graduate, Voyles went on to attend the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Turfgrass Management and Golf Course Design. His career in the golf industry has included roles as a golf course superintendent, director of golf and teaching professional.

Voyles' journey with the game began at age 14, when he first picked up a golf club and began playing through high school and college. While his professional career initially centered around golf course management and instruction, coaching eventually became a natural extension of his love for the game.

"I started coaching as my kids played for their respective school teams and just found a passion for sharing my love for the game of golf in that environment," Voyles said.

That passion has provided Voyles with countless memorable moments throughout his coaching career. Among his proudest accomplishments have been watching young athletes he coached advance to the collegiate level and continue their golf careers.
Some of his most special memories came while helping Franklin County boys' and girls' golf teams reach the state tournaments. Those experiences were made even more meaningful because he was able to share them with his wife, Patsy, and their children, Georgia, DJ and Tripp.

Voyles' connection to Emmanuel also makes his arrival on campus a meaningful homecoming.

After spending 15 years at Highland Walk Golf Course in Royston, Voyles became familiar with Emmanuel's golf programs and worked with members of the university's teams throughout the years. When the opportunity to lead the Lions' men's golf program became available, it felt like a natural fit.

"I was always familiar and worked with some of those teams from Emmanuel throughout the years from a distance," Voyles said. "So, when this opportunity opened itself up, it felt kind of like a homecoming for me to come back and work with the men's golf team at the university."

As a coach, Voyles believes the lessons learned on the golf course extend far beyond the scorecard.

"Golf is so much like life," Voyles said. "You can do everything you can to prepare, but sometimes you're going to get a bad break, and the way you respond to that bad break helps develop your character and teaches you perseverance in life."

That philosophy will be central to Voyles' approach with the Lions who are coming off their program's first Conference Championship title. For him, success is not simply measured by scores, wins or individual accomplishments. It is also about how athletes handle adversity, grow through their experiences and learn from the journey.

"Sometimes it's not about the end results that matter, but how you handled the journey and what lessons you learned from that experience," he said.

As Voyles begins his tenure leading Emmanuel's men's golf program, there is plenty of reason for optimism. The Lions return several starters from last season while welcoming a talented group of freshmen who will add depth and potential to the roster.

"I am really excited about this year's team," Voyles said. "We've got a few great returning starters from last year's team and a really good nucleus of young freshmen that's going to make for a really exciting year."

With a blend of experience, youth and potential, Voyles believes this group has an opportunity to make its mark on the program.

"There is a ton of potential on this team, and I feel like they've got a chance to really leave a special legacy at Emmanuel University for the men's golf program."

For a coach whose career has been built around the game—from playing and teaching to managing golf courses and developing young athletes—his arrival at Emmanuel represents another meaningful chapter.

And if Voyles' career has taught him anything, it is that the most important part of golf is not always where the ball ultimately lands, it's how you respond to the next shot.

Welcome to the Lions Den, Coach Voyles!