Dave Paterson, a native of Scotland and a PGA tour veteran, started his golf career at the world famous Turnberry Golf Courses, site of numerous Open Championships. The 2007-2008 season is his 33rd year as the Bulldog head coach. Paterson has produced eight Ivy League titles, 10 NCAA qualifying teams and four New England NCAA District I titles.

Paterson was selected District I Coach of the Year in 1990, '91 and '96. He is a past president of the Ivy League Coaches Association and has served as chairman of the NCAA District I selection committee for three terms. Paterson also has served as Tournament Chairman for the 1982 National Youth Insurance Classic and the 1988 USGA Junior National Amateur. He was appointed commissioner of golf for the inaugural Special Olympic World Games held at Yale in 1995 and served as host to a Ben Hogan Tour event and two Nike Tour events, both held at the Yale course.

Paterson is a 39-year member of the PGA of America. He competed in PGA Tour events in the early 1960s as a visiting British PGA member. He is a renowned teacher and has conducted golf clinics and seminars around the world.

As a youth, Paterson attended the Glasgow School of Art. His watercolors have won several prizes, and he continues to enjoy painting, especially golf course landscapes, as a hobby.