ANNAPOLIS, Md. —  Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk has named Mike Burke as Pat Owen's successor as the Naval Academy Golf Club's Director of Golf, while Rick Phelps has been elevated to Head Professional. After more than three decades of service with the Naval Academy Golf Club, Owen recently announced his plans to retire effective June 1.

"I could not be more pleased with the promotion for both Mike and Rick," said Gladchuk. "They have served as Pat Owen's right-hand men for collectively three decades. They know the membership, they understand the business, they are extremely well liked with great personalities and I have immeasurable trust in their abilities to even further advance the ambitions of NAGA. I am also grateful for the many endorsements on their behalf that have come from the membership at large. I am certain they will do an outstanding job representing NAGA and assuming the wide range of administration and teaching responsibilities that have been so successful for the last 33 years under the guidance of our highly respected Pat Owen."

Burke, who in his new role will work closely with Gladchuk, Eric David, the Golf Course Superintendent, as well as the representatives of the Naval Academy Golf Association Advisory Committee, to oversee the day-to-day operations and administration of the golf course.

A native of Cape May, N.J., Burke has worked at the Naval Academy Golf Club for the last 17 years, the first two as the Assistant Professional (2007-09) and the last 15 as the Head Professional (2010-2024). Elected to PGA Class "A" membership in 2007, Burke passed the PGA Playing Ability Test on his first attempt.

In addition to his day-to-day professional responsibilities, Burke served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Navy men's golf team from 2008-12 and Associate Head Coach from 2013-23. During his coaching tenure, Navy captured three Patriot League Championship titles (2008, '12, '18) and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals, while the Mids also placed second four times (2009, '11, '13, '21) during that time frame. Additionally, he helped lead Navy to six Star Match victories over Army.

Burke is a 2006 graduate of Clemson University, earning his bachelor's degree in Professional Golf Management. Burke and his wife, Kristin, are the parents of a daughter, Graysen (4).

"I am thrilled to be named Director of Golf at the Naval Academy Golf Club," said Burke. "I'd like to thank Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk for this great opportunity and all the members at Navy for their tremendous support. None of this would have been possible without the support and mentorship of Pat Owen over the past 17 years. I consider it a privilege to take his legacy and build upon it. The future of our golf program is bright, and I look forward to leading our talented staff going forward."

Phelps, who has been a PGA Class "A" Member since 2013, has been a fixture within the Naval Academy Golf Club since 2003, serving various roles before he was officially hired as an Assistant Professional in 2008. His many responsibilities have included individual instruction, along with conducting and administering all aspects of over 100 tournaments held annually at the course. He has also taken the lead in supervising and hiring outside staff, while working alongside the Director of Golf and Head Professional in its merchandising within the USNA Golf Pro Shop. Additionally, Phelps served as a volunteer assistant coach with Navy's men's golf team from 2013-21.

Phelps is a 2009 graduate of Towson University, earning his bachelor's degree in sport management. Phelps resides in Arnold, Md., with his wife, Jenn, and children, Jordan (6) and Chloe (1).

"It is an absolute honor and privilege to be named the Head Golf Professional at the Naval Academy Golf Club," said Phelps. "I look forward to sustaining the great values and traditions that exist at our club and to continue to serve our membership with the utmost level of professionalism. I would like to thank Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk and his team for this incredible opportunity."


### Go Navy ###