When Derek Freeman interviewed to become O.D. Vincent’s successor at UCLA in 2007, he was asked if he’d coach in a dress shirt and necktie. Such attire had become tradition at the school, an ode to the days of Eddie Merrins, the championship-winning Bruins coach and longtime head pro at Bel-Air Country Club.
Freeman, who had served one season as Vincent’s assistant, didn’t waste any time answering.
“Absolutely,” he said. “Every round.”
Freeman got the job, and for the next 15 years, he didn’t break his promise. This week at the Pac-12 Championship at Aldarra Golf Club in Sammamish, Washington, Freeman will tie what figures to be his last half Windsor.