Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille hung a new portrait in its Championship Room in Visor’s Rooftop on Wednesday, honoring J.C. Deacon, the University of Florida Men’s Golf Coach. Last summer, Deacon led the men’s golf team to victory at the Golf National Championship, winning in both individual and team categories. 

Deacon said it was surreal to have his portrait hung alongside those of many coaches he looked up to. He said golf is a humbling sport, and credited the championship win to getting the timing right, with the right team of players. 

“We ended up having the perfect lineup,” Deacon said in an interview. “They obviously weren’t perfect as players, but we were the perfect team… that’s probably the best part of all this, is to be connected to those players for the rest of my life.” 

Last year was the UF men’s golf program’s first championship win in both team and individual categories since 2001. 

Local artist James “Batesy” Bates has painted every portrait in the championship room. Bates is a former Gators football national champion himself and told attendees of the unveiling that Spurrier, who was in attendance, had said to put up a blank frame up in expectation of another UF championship, and now Deacon’s face fills that slot. 

“I’m so proud to be a Florida Gator,” Bates said. “And it’s because of coaches like this.” 

Freddie Wehbe, managing partner of Spurrier’s, said thousands of people come to the restaurant and want to see the championship room. He said he gives tours every night. 

“You’re looking at Gator legacy,” Wehbe said.