SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Bert Jones has been named the Head Coach of the St. Francis golf team starting with the 2016 season, Athletic Director Mark McGreevy announced.

“I’m very pleased to introduce Bert Jones as the next Head Coach of the St. Francis Golf program,” said Athletic Director Mark McGreevy. “Coach Jones greatly impressed our selection committee on many levels.  With his extensive experience in the game, exceptional character, and extraordinary commitment to preparation, I’m confident that we have found the right leader to continue the tradition of excellence in Troubie Golf.  The addition of Assistant Coach Riggs rounds out this superb staff.”

Jones, an experienced golfer and teaching professional, replaces Cindy Mah-Lyford, who is now an assistant with the Sacramento State golf program. 

“Success in golf depends less on strength of body but more on strength of mind and character,” said Jones. “I look forward to elevating St. Francis Golf to the highest levels possible”

Jones, who lives in Loomis, is certified as a United States Golf Teachers Federation Master Golf Teaching Professional, certifying new teaching professional three times a year. He holds certifications from the World Golf Coaches Alliance, SeeMore Putter Institute, Vector Green Reading and the First Tee of Greater Sacramento. Bert currently teaches multiple golf clinics, the First Tee program, group and private lessons at Darkhorse Golf Course in Auburn. He has also taught at Diamond Oaks and Woodcreek Golf Courses in Roseville. Jones also holds multiple certifications from the National Federation of High Schools, and is a member of the Northern California Golf & United States Golf Associations.

Jones embarks on his coaching career after 35 years in the pharmaceutical sector working for Burroughs Wellcome Company and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) out of North Carolina. He earned numerous appointments and board positions during his distinguished career, including serving as the chair of the California Medical Association Foundation Corporate Advisory Board and the Texas Healthcare Council. He played one season at Texas A&M.

Jones will be assisted by Brittany (Smith) Riggs. She brings a strong golf background including an award-winning prep, collegiate and professional golf career.

Riggs’ coaching experience includes leading the Pleasant Grove during the 2012 season. She led the Eagles to the best postseason performance in school history, reaching the Division I Nor Cal Championships and finishing fifth after placing second at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters. The team posted the highest GPA among the varsity teams.

Riggs played on the Cactus Tour, the preeminent women’s golf tour in the Western United States from 2012-14 after a successful career at UC Davis. She played for the Aggies from 2005-10 under current Stanford coach Ann Walker. She represented UC Davis on the NCAA All-Star Asia Tour prior to her senior year, joining 10 student-athletes from schools across the country that traveled to Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. She is a graduate of Capital Christian High School, where she is member of the school’s Hall of Fame.