UB Mingoes mourn the death of head golf coach Jim Duncombe

UB Mingoes mourn the death of head golf coach Jim Duncombe
Former Mingoes Head Golf Coach Jim Duncombe poses during competition at the Miami Shores Golf Course in March 2019. Duncombe, who passed away over the weekend, was the first head coach for the men and women’s program at the University of The Bahamas. (PHOTO: UB)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The University of The Bahamas (UB) Athletics family is grieving the passing of third-year men and women’s golf Head Coach Jim Duncombe, who died at the age of 77 over the weekend.

Former Mingoes Head Golf Coach Jim Duncombe gives advice to University of The Bahamas (UB) golfers on October 3, 2019 at the C.B. practice range in Pembroke Pines, Florida. (PHOTO COURTESY OF UB)

UB Athletics Director Kimberly Rolle said: “Coach Duncombe brought many things to the program. He engaged our golfers with his many years of experience as a national golfer and professional. He gave the program an air of professionalism and was determined to build it up.”

She added that Duncombe’s contribution to the program was not contained on the golf course.

“He was a kind soul that touched everyone he came in contact with,” she said.

“He was more than a coach. He was truly a part of the Mingoes family and was determined to bring a positive vision to the program.”

Duncombe was looking to grow the team this season and was looking to add four more men and three more women golfers.

Former Mingoes Head Golf Coach Jim Duncombe (right) coaches University of The Bahamas (UB) golfer Rayshard Gibson on March 19, 2019 at the Miami Shores Golf Course. (PHOTO COURTESY OF UB)

During the team’s last competition in South Florida in October 2019, Duncombe had said: “I think if we can pull that off, we will have a very strong team.”

Mingoes golfer Rayshard Gibson, who had spent two seasons under Duncombe, said he was stunned at the news.

“It was a shock to lose him and will be a big loss for the golf community,” Gibson said.

“He always had a smile and he was always supporting of us younger golfers.”

John Hall, who also spent two seasons under Duncombe’s coaching and mentorship, said: “I still can’t believe that he’s gone.

“He was the swing doctor and whenever you had a problem, he was the medicine man for that. He was a cool guy.”