MOREHEAD, Ky. - When former men's golfer Jeff Pierce left Morehead State in the fall of 2009, there was never a clear-cut plan for how his professional golf career might unfold. Almost eight years later, his vision has not stopped evolving.

"I never made a specific plan to get where I am," Pierce said. "It made itself through a lot of hard work and whatever else was necessary. I'm continuing down that track."

Shoulder surgery resulting in a medical redshirt extended Pierce's collegiate career over a five-year period, wherein Pierce earned a bachelor's degree in industrial and engineering technology. Crediting the university's engineering department for teaching its students how to think and learn differently, Pierce stumbled upon his calling through an unexpected light as an upperclassman.

"I was talented as a player, but I enjoyed helping the younger guys just as much," said Pierce. "Golf is an individual sport, but the coolest thing about college golf is that you're on a team. As younger golfers come in, the fun part is helping them learn, helping them on the green, and showing them the day-to-day responsibilities of being a college golfer."

As Pierce's own playing career approached its end, his window into the future became less hazy.

"I loved playing golf at MSU," Pierce said. "I loved going to the golf course every day. I had opportunities, and I wanted to turn it into a career. The only way to be a part of a team without playing is coaching."

So, Pierce left his job at his hometown country club in Elizabethtown, Ky. for what would ultimately turn into an assistant golf professional position with Butch Harmon at the world-famous Floridian in Palm City, Fla.

"A significant amount of PGA golfers live in the South Florida area, and I wanted to be around elite players and the Harmon family," said Pierce. "I did a lot of research, studied, and started making guys better. A few people noticed, and before I knew it, I was helping coach guys on the PGA Tour."

After four years of instructing the top golfers in the world on the pro circuit, Pierce's burgeoning coaching career culminated at last month's 2017 U.S. Open Championship. 27-year-old Brooks Koepka, for whom Pierce has served as putting coach over the last three years, was crowned champion by way of the lowest score in relation to par in U.S. Open history.

"It's surreal," Pierce said. "In our business, (winning a major championship) is about as good as it gets. No matter what happens going forward, they can't take that away from you. It was fun being a part of that, and it's nice to see that hard work pays off."

With a victory at one of the most prestigious annual tournaments in professional golf under his belt, Pierce has received an amount of phone calls to work with other PGA Tour players that could potentially double his current clientele. Still, the former All-Ohio Valley Conference performer remains grounded.

"I stay under the radar," said Pierce. "I don't do a lot of articles. As a putting coach, it's a lot sexier to talk about hitting the ball far to most recreational golfers."

Perhaps a humble mindset is what allows Pierce to remain close to his roots.

"Several of us have stayed in contact," Pierce said of his former college teammates. "I still talk to my old roommate on a regular basis. We all get together occasionally and tell stories about (former Morehead State head coach) Rex Chaney. It really speaks to the team aspect of college golf. It's amazing to look back at the guys I was close with, and we still stay in contact a decade later."

With a watchful eye on the people, places, and events that forged the path that led him to where he is today, Pierce continues to trust his instincts as a promising future unfurls.

"I'm honored that the school would take notice of me after all these years," said Pierce. "Now I have a reputation. There will be more PGA Tour wins, and there will be more championship wins. I'm just going to continue working hard."