UF golf coach J.C. Deacon stands in the hallway swinging a baseball bat as he gets ready for work on a Tuesday afternoon.
The big stick looks at home in the 34-year-old’s hands and illustrates the child-like enthusiasm he brings to the course and uses to connect with players.
While golf, not baseball, is Deacon’s game, he certainly has been a home run hire for the Gators.
Three years ago, the school handed him the reins to one of its most-storied programs. Deacon’s Gators now are ranked No. 2 in the nation and winners of three of five tournaments entering this weekend’s SunTrust Gator Invitational at UF’s Mark Bostick Golf Course.