Former Sunshine Coast golfer Lauren Mason lands coaching role at SMU in US

A Sunshine Coast product continues to stamp her mark on the US golfing scene after landing another top job on the college circuit.

Former Sunshine Coast junior Lauren Mason says she’s eager to take students to “new heights” after securing a top job in the US golfing scene.

The former Headland, Horton Park and Pelican Waters talent was appointed head coach of the women’s golf program at SMU, which competes in the NCAA Division I, last week.

It’s another step up for Mason, who previously coached at Division II level with Texas A&M University.

“I am excited to take the women’s program at SMU to new heights and build upon the solid foundation that currently exists,” Mason revealed on the university’s website upon her appointment.

“The Payne Stewart SMU Golf Training Center at Trinity Forest is one of the best golf facilities in the nation and I am eager to use such fantastic resources on a daily basis when developing current and future players.

“SMU is well equipped to create a championship program and re-establish a winning tradition.”

Former Sunshine Coast junior Lauren Mason has been appointed head coach of the women's golf program at SMU. Picture: SMU

Her shift into the new role comes after a whirlwind few years with Texas A&M University Lions in which she started as assistant men’s and women’s golf coach in 2018 before taking on the head coaching role in 2019.

This year she guided both the men’s and women’s programs to NCAA Division II top-10 finishes, the best in Texas A&M-Commerce history.

Her teams also produced both the men’s and women’s Lone Star Conference Newcomers of the Year, with the Lions achieving their first two All-American selections in the women’s program’s history, plus an All-American men’s player.

Her father Chris was proud to see his daughter continue to carve a path out in the coaching ranks.

“It’s quite a big thing and she’s only 25, most coaches in that position are mid-40s,” her father Chris Mason said.

“And she’s recruited an assistant coach only a year older than her.

“She just enjoys it (coaching).”

Before taking on her US leadership roles, Mason enjoyed a successful stint at Texas Tech University, where she competed in the 2015 and 2017 NCAA national championships.

Before moving to the US, the former Siena College student was a member of the winning 2011 and 2012 junior state teams, and a member of the 2012 Queensland women’s team.

She was the Sunshine Coast junior amateur champion in 2011, 2012 and 2013.