Coach's Corner: Tony Wallingford

Coach Tony Wallingford, head men's and women's golf coach at Milligan University, sat down with WinWon’s Head of Product and Design, Grant Biles, to share his incredible journey from coaching basketball to leading two successful golf programs.

Coach Tony Wallingford: Building a Legacy at Milligan University

Building a championship program is no small feat, but for Tony Wallingford, transitioning from basketball to golf opened a new chapter in his storied career. Wallingford's journey began on the basketball court, where he coached Milligan’s men's basketball team for over 20 years, accumulating over 400 wins and becoming the all-time winningest basketball coach in the school's history.

In 2010, Wallingford shifted his focus entirely to golf, coaching the men’s program and starting the women’s golf program at Milligan University.  

Reflecting on his decision, Wallingford shared, "I made the move full-time to just men's and women's golf, and I’ve loved every minute of it." Though his coaching style has had to adjust to the new sport, his background in basketball and baseball provided a solid foundation for his coaching philosophy.

Wallingford’s success on the golf course speaks for itself. His men's teams have captured seven AAC Championships, two NAIA Regional Titles and made two NAIA National Championship appearances. His women’s teams have made four NAIA National Championship appearances, won 23 tournaments, and been ranked 22 straight months in the NAIA Women’s Golf Coaches Poll. Under his leadership, both programs have set school records and achieved national recognition.

Despite this athletic success, Wallingford’s sights are set even higher. "I knew right away that I wanted to get into coaching to make a difference," he said. For him, coaching is about preparing student-athletes for their future. "It really means more to me to make sure that I'm impacting these kids, preparing them for life."

Coaching Philosophy and Recruiting Approach

One of the hallmarks of Wallingford's success is his ability to recruit and develop talent. His emphasis on building trust with recruits has been key to his program’s growth. His ability to build relationships is a signature element of his coaching style, including his practice of sending handwritten letters to recruits. "In a digital age, you may be surprised how many recruits are excited to receive a letter. It’s a personal touch that makes a difference."

Wallingford is highly dedicated to his players' development, both on and off the course. When recruiting, he evaluates athletes on five key areas: performance, work ethic, attitude, academics, and conduct. Once the players are on the roster, he continues to develop these traits. "We want you to take where you are and move you up, to help you get better, and continue to improve," Wallingford said.

As Wallingford looks to the future, his vision remains clear: continual improvement. "We’re always striving to get better. We want to improve everything from our recruiting to our travel, equipment, and uniforms. It’s about staying competitive and motivated."

For aspiring coaches, Wallingford encourages them to seek out mentors and continuously learn. "I always tell young coaches to find the best coaches around and pick their brains. You don’t have to be someone else, but you can always adapt and grow from what you learn."

For young athletes looking to play at the next level, Wallingford’s advice is clear: be professional, work hard, and pay attention to the details—both on and off the course. "Good sportsmanship, integrity, and a professional demeanor go a long way in catching a coach’s attention," he said. "Academically strong students are more attractive to us as coaches. Not only do we know they can handle the rigor of college academics, but it also opens up more scholarship opportunities for them."

Milligan University: A Tight-Knit Community

One of the most defining features of Milligan University, according to Wallingford, is the strong sense of community and personal care. "There’s a personal touch here at Milligan. My players know that I care about them as individuals, not just athletes."

Continuing a Legacy

Tony Wallingford always wanted to be a coach, and he has shaped the lives of countless student athletes since his career began in 1979. From basketball to golf, he has built a lasting legacy at Milligan University. As he continues to coach and mentor, Wallingford’s focus remains the same: to impact lives, on and off the course.