Hall of Fame
The late Alex Sloan started the men's golf program at UNA in 1958 and served as the team’s coach for 16 years, through the 1973 season. Sloan not only laid the foundation for what today is one of the school's most successful programs, but also led the Lions to great successes. In 1962 UNA golfer Greg Lewis qualified for the NAIA National Tournament as an individual. The Lions won Alabama Collegiate Conference Championships under Sloan in 1961 and 1962.
The Lions finished with a 17-1 record in 1969, winning the ACC and NAIA District 27 championships.The Lions had a combined 64-11-2 match record from 1967-70.
In addition to his work with the Lions golf program, Sloan was appointed as the Head Professional at Florence Country Club in 1957. Three years later he accepted the position of Head Professional at the Turtle Point Yatch and Country Club and remained their Professional for 35 years until he retired.
In all, Sloan spent more than fifty years teaching golf to players of all skill levels. Four Golf
Professionals that he taught are now listed in the top 100 (USA) as ranked by Golf Magazine.
Already a well-known teacher, Sloan gained a national audience when he got involved with
Homer Kelley, who masterminded “The Golfing Machine” teaching theory.
In 1983, from the Dixie Section of the PGA, he was given the Horton Smith Award, honoring him for his educational contribution to golf. In 1986 the Dixie Section of the PGA again honored with the inaugural Teacher of the Year award, and in 1993 he received the Senior PGA Member of the Year award.
In the spring of 2008, Sloan was inducted into the Lauderdale County Sports Hall Of Fame for his
contribution to golf and the golfing community.
