Grant Robbins has been the head coach of Kansas State’s men’s golf team for 12 years. His leadership has taken the team to impressive heights, including 46 top-five finishes and nine championships. Under his guidance, K-State has also secured seven consecutive postseason appearances, the longest in the program’s history.
In the 2025-26 season, the Wildcats have seen a mix of success and challenges. They won the Wildcat Invitational and finished in the top five in several events, including a strong second-place finish at the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate. However, they’ve also faced some setbacks, with four tournaments resulting in double-digit finishes.
As the team prepares for the Big 12 Championship at Prairie Dunes Country Club, players are excited to compete against top golf teams. Robbins shared insights into this season’s journey, emphasizing the importance of relationships built over the years.
“The accolades are great, but seeing players grow and succeed in life is the most rewarding,” Robbins said. He values the connections made with athletes over many years, noting that former players still call him “Coach.”
Building a strong team is also a key focus. Robbins believes having good relationships is essential. “Golf is an individual sport, but we compete as a team,” he explained. Creating a team culture requires players to make sacrifices for their teammates. He encourages each player to focus on personal growth while contributing to the team’s success.
This year has had its ups and downs. With many new players, Robbins anticipated some growing pains. “We’ve done more coaching this year than in the past,” he said, explaining how they’re working hard to help the younger players develop. “It’s been a fun year, and these guys show a lot of resilience.”
As they head into the championship, the Wildcats have faced challenges, particularly with the windy conditions that will likely be present. Robbins sees this as an opportunity. “We’ve been preparing in the wind, which could give us an edge,” he said. The team is focusing on developing skills while encouraging competition among players.
Individual performance has been strong this season. Six golfers have achieved top-10 finishes, while several have consistently shot under 74 strokes. Robbins highlighted the improvements from players like Alex Lindstrom, a senior who has become more mature and consistent in his game. Freshmen like Ville Virkkala and Oliver Toyer are gaining important experience, proving they can compete at a high level.
Looking ahead to the Big 12 Championships, Robbins wants his team to embrace the challenge. “It’s a great opportunity to show what we can do against the best,” he said. The focus is on enjoying the experience and sticking to their game plan, reminding players that they are competing against the course, not just their opponents.
The upcoming championship could be a significant moment for the Wildcats. With their mix of experience and youthful energy, they are poised to make a strong showing. As they gear up, the excitement and determination to succeed are palpable.
