The University of Kentucky women’s golf program just got a major boost, as head coach Golda Borst announced Friday that former Illinois assistant coach Julie Hovland is joining the Wildcats as an assistant coach. Hovland, a decorated collegiate golfer and proven coach, is set to bring her expertise and infectious energy to Lexington.
“I’m super excited to join the Kentucky women’s golf family,” Hovland said. “The short time I’ve spent with Golda and Will Sallee has been amazing. They’re both great to be around, and I can tell already Kentucky is such a special place to be. I can’t wait to meet the team in person and get the season started. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
Borst didn’t hold back her enthusiasm either. “We’re excited to welcome Julie to our coaching staff and the KWG family,” she said. “I know she’s going to be a great asset to our team as she comes from a strong playing and coaching background, while her positive attitude precedes her. We can’t wait to get to work and get this season underway.”
Hovland arrives in the Bluegrass after two seasons as an assistant coach at Illinois (2023-24, 2024-25). In her most recent campaign with the Fighting Illini, she helped orchestrate a stellar spring, guiding the team to runner-up finishes at the Spring Break Shootout and Florida State Match Up, followed by a victory at the Boilermaker Spring Classic. Illinois also notched a third-place finish at the 2025 Big Ten Championship in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in April, showcasing Hovland’s ability to elevate a program.
Before Illinois, Hovland served as a graduate assistant at her alma mater, South Alabama, in 2022-23. There, she helped the Jaguars secure one tournament title and five top-five finishes, while mentoring two individual medalists. Her coaching resume is impressive, but her playing career is even more eye-catching. A five-year letterwinner at South Alabama from 2018-22, Hovland left as one of the program’s all-time greats. In 2021, she became the first Jaguar to earn Sun Belt Conference Women’s Golfer of the Year honors, racking up two medalist titles and five top-five finishes. She also made history as the first South Alabama golfer to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Regional Championship. During her senior year, she set program records with a 54-hole tournament score of 12 under par (204), 19 birdies in a single event, and tied a program record with a 66 at the USA Intercollegiate.
Hailing from Bergen, Norway, Hovland honed her skills at Oslo Golf Club and WANG Toppidrett Oslo. She helped Oslo GC claim junior Norwegian titles in 2016 and 2017, plus a senior title in 2016. With her blend of international experience, elite playing credentials, and proven coaching chops, Hovland is poised to make an immediate impact on Kentucky’s roster. The Wildcats are gearing up for a big season, and with Hovland on board, Big Blue Nation has plenty to be excited about.
