Former Northwestern standout Sam Chien in in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Wildcats' men's golf program in 2024-25. A 2012 graduate of Northwestern, Chien was a four-year letterwinner during his playing career with the 'Cats.

During his first season as an assistant coach in 2023-24, Chien aided the Wildcats to the Big Ten Championship, their ninth all-time in the event’s history. That same year, Daniel Svärd also claimed the individual title.

Chien enjoyed a wildly successful stay in Evanston as a student-athlete from 2008-12, posting a 74.42 stroke average across 84 career rounds.  The San Diego, Calif. native appeared in three NCAA Championships, helping the 'Cats to berths in the NCAA Finals in 2009 and 2011. As a senior, Chien fired a one-under-par 287 (72-73-73-69) at the 2012 Big Ten Championships, taking home a runner-up finish and a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

A two-time Big Ten Golfer of the Week honoree, Chien boasts the fourth lowest individual 18-hole effort in program history, tallied in the final round of the 2009 Navy Fall Classic when he carded a seven-under-par 64 en route to securing individual medalist honors.

Following graduation, Chien embarked on an 11-year playing career as a professional.  He was victorious at the 2014 Buick Open on the PGA China Tour, leading wire-to-wire, before earning a runner-up finish at the 2016 Resorts World Manila Masters to begin a five-year stint on the Asian Tour. Chien, who earned Korn Ferry Tour status in 2015, playing in 14 events, also served as a caddy on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour for portions of both 2022 and 2023.

"Sam's passion for golf and player improvement is evident, and this is something that will be invaluable for our players," Director of Golf Pat Goss said. "His experience as a successful Northwestern student-athlete, coupled with his time as a professional, give him a wide breadth of valuable expertise. Northwestern Golf is lucky to have Sam back in Evanston wearing purple."

Chien, who also served as an instructor at the PGA San Diego Golf Academy, was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection during his first stint with the 'Cats.  As a senior, he was named a recipient of the conference's Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.