SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Feb. 21, 2011) – The Mount Holyoke College Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Tim Walko as its head golf coach. Walko succeeds Shawn Durocher, who guided the program to three NCAA Division III National Championship appearances in nine plus seasons at the helm. He will begin his coaching duties immediately.

Walko brings over 20 years of experience in the golf industry. After competing collegiately on the nationally ranked Rollins College golf team in Winter Park, Fla. for four seasons, he went on to become a member of the PGA from 1986-1990. During that time, he competed weekly on both the North Florida and Space Coast Professional Golf Tours.

Since retiring from the professional circuit, Walko has remained active as a head golf professional and director of golf for some of the most prestigious clubs in the country. He currently owns Northampton Country Club and will continue to serve as its president and director of golf.

Walko attended nearby Northampton High School, where he occupied the top position on its golf team for his final three seasons. From 1992-93, he enjoyed a two year stint as head coach of the South Hadley High School golf team.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rollins.

"We are very excited to have Tim on board as our new head golf coach and teacher," said Mount Holyoke Director of Athletics Laurie Priest. "Tim brings 21 years of experience in the golf business, as an instructor, competitor and golf business owner, and we look forward to his continued development of our program."

In addition to his coaching, Walko will also serve as an instructor in the College's Department of Physical Education.