POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (August 12, 2013) – Local teaching professional and golf lecturer Ivar Zirnis was recently named as the Vassar College women's golf coach, as announced by Director of Athletics and Physical Education Dr. Sharon Beverly Monday afternoon. Zirnis replaces Rhett Myers, who held the position over the previous four seasons for the Brewer's women's golf squad.
                  "We are very fortunate to have someone with the experience of Coach Zirnis coming onboard to lead our women's golf program," said Beverly. "He has worked alongside former Coach Rhett Myers as both an assistant and a volunteer within the program, which should make for an easy transition."
                   Zirnis is no stranger to the area of Poughkeepsie or Vassar College. He has served as a Professional Golf Association (PGA) Teaching Professional for the last 23 years, holding the position of head teaching professional at McCann Memorial Golf Course from 1992 through 2006.
                  The Freedom Plains, NY native currently teaches at Vassar Golf Course on campus, while also conducting individual lessons, clinics and playing lessons at Overlook Golf Center. He oversees golf operations at Vassar Golf Course, and was an assistant coach for the Vassar women's team for four seasons in the past.
                  He also has held the position of adjunct lecturer of golf classes at Vassar College and Dutchess County Community College from 1996 through the present. In addition, Zirnis has worked with Hawk Meadow Montessori School each fall introducing the game of golf to children.
                  Zirnis holds a bachelor of science from the University of Maryland, graduating with a degree in business administration in 1986. "Having worked as an assistant coach for Rhett Myers, I understand and embrace the challenge that goes with getting the women to bring their best effort to practice and competitions," said Zirnis.