In Her Wake: Tony and Vi Golding Name Wake Forest Women's Golf Head Coach Position Held by 2023 National Championship Coach Kim Lewellen
6/2/2025 11:47:00 AM | Women's Golf
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest Athletics is proud to announce that Tony and Vi Golding have generously named the head coach position for Wake Forest Women's Golf, making a historic investment in one of the university's most accomplished and respected programs. In recognition of their gift, the position held by 2023 NCAA Championship-winning head coach Kim Lewellen will now be formally known as the Tony and Vi Golding Women's Golf Head Coach.
For the Goldings, this commitment reflects a deeply personal commitment to Wake Forest — one rooted in years of friendship, admiration, and firsthand experience with the transformational impact of Demon Deacon golf.
Vi Golding's connection to the program began as a camper at legendary coach Dianne Dailey's summer golf camp.
"Attending Dianne's golf camp was like a family reunion," Vi said. "I made lifelong friends and formed an early connection with Kim Lewellen, who was one of the instructors. She taught the putting portion of the camp and introduced us to the 'Ralph Stick' to help with stroke and distance. I loved it so much that Kim actually made one for me. From that moment, we hit it off."
Years later, when longtime Wake Forest administrator Paul Kennedy called to share news about the program's next head coach, Vi didn't hesitate.
"He asked if I wanted to guess who it was, and I said, 'I hope it's Kim Lewellen.' She was the perfect choice to follow Coach Dailey," Vi recalled. "When he said it was Kim, we were thrilled."
As avid Deacon fans and residents of Bermuda Run, Tony and Vi have become pillars of support for both the men's and women's golf programs. They've contributed to multiple initiatives including the Arnold Palmer Golf Complex and Haddock House renovation, the Dianne Dailey Women's Golf Excellence Fund, and the Men's Golf Excellence Fund — all designed to give Wake Forest golfers the tools to train, practice, and compete at the highest level.
"Tony and Vi Golding are deeply committed to the success of Wake Forest student-athletes, both with their constant presence and support at Demon Deacon events and their generosity in investing in endowed giving, current-use scholarships and Excellence Funds," said Wake Forest Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie. "Their belief in hard work and providing for others is directly helping deliver a World Class Student-Athlete Experience and furthering the pursuit of ACC and NCAA Championships. I'm grateful for Tony and Vi's friendship and their passion for Wake Forest and our community."
The Goldings' relationship with Coach Lewellen — and their admiration for her leadership — made this commitment especially meaningful.
"Tony and Vi are like family to me and to our program," said Kim Lewellen, who has led the Demon Deacons to national prominence, including multiple ACC titles and the program's first NCAA Championship in 2023. "Their love for Wake Forest Golf runs deep. From the Ralph Stick days at summer camp to supporting key projects and cheering us on at tournaments, they've always believed in our mission. This commitment is about more than just a title — it's a shared vision for the future. I'm honored to carry the Golding Family name, and I know our team will continue to thrive thanks to their heartfelt generosity."
That generosity is already having a direct impact on current student-athletes like All-American golfer Macy Pate, a key contributor to Wake Forest's continued excellence.
"We're so grateful to the Goldings for everything they do," Pate said. "Their investment gives us the resources to grow as players, students and people. From new facilities to travel opportunities to the support of our coaches, they're helping us experience what it truly means to be part of something world class. On behalf of our entire team — thank you!"
While Tony and Vi are proud of the milestones they've already helped make possible, they're even more excited about what lies ahead.
"We want to be part of something great, and we feel that the golf programs are truly top-notch," they shared. "It's an honor for us to show our support and help make the programs even better."
And with Coach Lewellen leading the way — and the Golding name now proudly attached to the program — the future for Wake Forest Women's Golf has never looked brighter.
Supporting Wake Forest Athletics
Previous Coaching & Directorship Announcements
For the Goldings, this commitment reflects a deeply personal commitment to Wake Forest — one rooted in years of friendship, admiration, and firsthand experience with the transformational impact of Demon Deacon golf.
Vi Golding's connection to the program began as a camper at legendary coach Dianne Dailey's summer golf camp.
"Attending Dianne's golf camp was like a family reunion," Vi said. "I made lifelong friends and formed an early connection with Kim Lewellen, who was one of the instructors. She taught the putting portion of the camp and introduced us to the 'Ralph Stick' to help with stroke and distance. I loved it so much that Kim actually made one for me. From that moment, we hit it off."
Years later, when longtime Wake Forest administrator Paul Kennedy called to share news about the program's next head coach, Vi didn't hesitate.
"He asked if I wanted to guess who it was, and I said, 'I hope it's Kim Lewellen.' She was the perfect choice to follow Coach Dailey," Vi recalled. "When he said it was Kim, we were thrilled."
As avid Deacon fans and residents of Bermuda Run, Tony and Vi have become pillars of support for both the men's and women's golf programs. They've contributed to multiple initiatives including the Arnold Palmer Golf Complex and Haddock House renovation, the Dianne Dailey Women's Golf Excellence Fund, and the Men's Golf Excellence Fund — all designed to give Wake Forest golfers the tools to train, practice, and compete at the highest level.
"Tony and Vi Golding are deeply committed to the success of Wake Forest student-athletes, both with their constant presence and support at Demon Deacon events and their generosity in investing in endowed giving, current-use scholarships and Excellence Funds," said Wake Forest Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie. "Their belief in hard work and providing for others is directly helping deliver a World Class Student-Athlete Experience and furthering the pursuit of ACC and NCAA Championships. I'm grateful for Tony and Vi's friendship and their passion for Wake Forest and our community."
The Goldings' relationship with Coach Lewellen — and their admiration for her leadership — made this commitment especially meaningful.
"Tony and Vi are like family to me and to our program," said Kim Lewellen, who has led the Demon Deacons to national prominence, including multiple ACC titles and the program's first NCAA Championship in 2023. "Their love for Wake Forest Golf runs deep. From the Ralph Stick days at summer camp to supporting key projects and cheering us on at tournaments, they've always believed in our mission. This commitment is about more than just a title — it's a shared vision for the future. I'm honored to carry the Golding Family name, and I know our team will continue to thrive thanks to their heartfelt generosity."
That generosity is already having a direct impact on current student-athletes like All-American golfer Macy Pate, a key contributor to Wake Forest's continued excellence.
"We're so grateful to the Goldings for everything they do," Pate said. "Their investment gives us the resources to grow as players, students and people. From new facilities to travel opportunities to the support of our coaches, they're helping us experience what it truly means to be part of something world class. On behalf of our entire team — thank you!"
While Tony and Vi are proud of the milestones they've already helped make possible, they're even more excited about what lies ahead.
"We want to be part of something great, and we feel that the golf programs are truly top-notch," they shared. "It's an honor for us to show our support and help make the programs even better."
And with Coach Lewellen leading the way — and the Golding name now proudly attached to the program — the future for Wake Forest Women's Golf has never looked brighter.
Supporting Wake Forest Athletics
- Wake Forest Athletics Excellence Funds program launched in 2018 as an avenue for alumni, family and friends to directly impact a specific program of their choice through a budget-enhancing gift specifically to that program. Join the Goldings in their support of the women's golf program or make an experience-enhancing gift to the program of your choosing today!
Previous Coaching & Directorship Announcements
- The Balogh Family announced a transformative gift in Sept. 2023 gift to help Wake Forest's initiative to sustain and elevate coaching or directorship positions though specific endowment gifts. In gratitude for the generosity of Ed Balogh and his wife, Kathy, the position currently held by football's wide receivers coach Ari Confesor will be forever titled, The Balogh Family Football Assistant Coach for Wide Receivers Position.
- The Lyons family moved forward in May 2023 to become the first to participate in the Coaching and Directorship Initiative at Wake Forest, establishing the The Lyons Family Men's Golf Associate Head Coach position and The Lyons Family Women's Golf Associate Head Coach position.
- In celebration of his 50th Wake Forest reunion and a lifetime of support for his alma mater, Jeff Triplette and his wife, Laurie, endowed the Triplette Family Volleyball Assistant Coach position in 2024. A longtime Deacon Club Board member and advocate for women's athletics, Triplette has played a key role in shaping the Coaching and Directorship Initiative. His historic investment will provide perpetual support for the volleyball program, enhancing recruiting, development, and competitive opportunities for student-athletes.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
Matt Barrie SportsCenter at Wake Forest with Demond Claiborne
Wednesday, September 10
Matt Barrie SportsCenter on Wake Forest Campus (Arnold Palmer Complex)
Wednesday, September 10
Football Media Availability (9/9/25)
Wednesday, September 10
Wake Forest Football vs Western Carolina | Cinematic Recap
Tuesday, September 09