LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Bellarmine University Athletics family suffered a shocking loss on Wednesday morning when a fire claimed the life of men's golf coach Ernie Denham, who died of apparent smoke inhalation at his residence on Village Drive in Louisville.  He was 75.
 
"The entire Bellarmine community is shocked and saddened by this tragedy," said Bellarmine Director of Athletics Scott Wiegandt. "Ernie Denham was a beloved member of the golf community and will be mourned by many people, not only here at Bellarmine, but across the state and nation.  We ask for thoughts and prayers in this time of loss."
 
Denham served as Bellarmine's coach for 17 seasons, beginning his highly successful tenure in 2003.  Among Denham's coaching highlights at Bellarmine are leading the Knights to Great Lakes Valley Conference championships in 2004 and 2017 and shepherding Bellarmine to three NCAA National Championship Finals (2010, 2013, and 2016).  He also helped two players advance to the NCAA Finals as individuals:  Brooks Herrick in 2009 and DJ Vogt in 2017.
 
In addition to the considerable achievements of the golf team, Denham was perhaps prouder of his team's academic prowess.  The 2017-18 Bellarmine team was named as the "Academic National Champion" by the Golf Coaches Association of America, and 14 different student-athletes earned All-America Scholar honors from the GCAA on Denham's watch.

Prior to Bellarmine, Denham was the head men's golf coach at the University of Louisville for 12 seasons. In 1977, he accepted the position of Executive Director of Kentucky Golf Association and Kentucky Section PGA. He served in the position for 11 years.

A Louisville native, Denham graduated from Seneca High School in 1961. He earned a bachelor's degree in math from the University of Louisville while also playing golf for the Cardinals. He then earned a master's degree from the University of Kentucky. 
 
Arrangements for funeral or memorial service are still pending.