It’s a strangely calm moment for college football strategists, a short duration between arranged meetings and pre-season training camp when the pressure momentarily subsides. With recruitment in a standstill and August drills still weeks away, a few strategists are squeezing in a couple of golf outings — though probably not quite as many as Auburn’s Hugh Freeze — to work on their game. Or in the situation of Tulsa’s inaugural strategist, Tre Lamb, securing a spot in the Oklahoma Golf Association State Amateur Championship.
The 35-year-old noted a 3-over 75 in Thursday’s qualifying round at The Club at Forest Ridge in Broken Arrow, ending precisely on the mark to obtain one of the concluding positions. The leading 33 competitors and ties proceeded to the main contest of the Oklahoma Golf Association State Amateur, which is planned for July 21-24 at Cedar Ridge Country Club, situated in Broken Arrow as well.
Lamb achieved two birdies, three bogeys, and a double-bogey during the round.
“First occasion I’ve engaged with it,” Lamb communicated to KOTV’s Jeremie Poplin. “It possesses a unique feel. There are approximately three or four openings that catch you off guard swiftly. The initial one presents a challenge, (Nos.) 13 and 14 are notably difficult. I encountered a double on 14, bogey on 13. I was performing quite admirably for a stretch before concluding robustly, finishing with several pars and birdies.
“It’s an enjoyable setting. It’s excessively heated today. The temperature reads 96 degrees. I attended exercises this morning at 6:30, and the participants were perspiring considerably, yet it’s entertaining. I derive pleasure from golf. I appreciate competitiveness. I’m uncertain of how many more opportunities of this nature I have remaining.”
Lamb was designated as Tulsa’s strategist in December 2024, succeeding a single season at East Tennessee State and a tenure of four years at Gardner-Webb. His record as an FCS head strategist stands at 27-25. Additionally, he dedicated seven seasons as an offensive assistant, encompassing four at Mercer and three at Tennessee Tech, his academic institution, following his playing days.
Lamb orchestrated a swift enhancement at Gardner-Webb, guiding the setup to its inaugural Big South title since 2003 and its initial FCS playoff triumph in 2022. Subsequently, he secured another conference title in 2023, along with consecutive postseason appearances, both of which were unprecedented achievements for the setup.
During his solitary season at East Tennessee State, Lamb assumed control of a team emerging from back-to-back 3–8 performances and propelled it to a 7–5 result, with four of the five defeats determined by narrow margins.
He is inheriting a Tulsa setup transitioning from three successive losing seasons, marked by a mere couple of bowl appearances throughout the preceding eight years.
