RIVERSIDE, Calif. —  The Highlanders Golf Director Nathalie Silva has announced the hiring of assistant coach Magarito Cortes Jr. A veteran golf professional with more than 20 years of instructional and operational experience, Cortes will support both the men's and women's programs under coach Silva.

"I am thrilled to welcome Margarito to our coaching staff," said coach Silva. "As a longtime friend and mentor, his knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our team. A resident of Riverside, Margarito brings over twenty years of expertise in the local golf industry. We are fortunate to have him on board, and I am confident that his presence will significantly enhance our prospects for success."

Cortes joins UC Riverside after a successful career in the Southern California golf industry, most recently serving as the head golf professional at Canyon Crest Golf Course. During his time there, he managed course operations, organized tournaments and junior camps, supervised instructional staff, and provided individual and group lessons to golfers of all ages.

Before Canyon Crest, Cortes spent 15 years at Jurupa Hills Golf Club, serving as general manager, director of golf, and head golf professional. In that role, he oversaw all aspects of facility operations including event planning, instructional programming, staff training, budgeting, and community fundraising. He also created successful junior and adult development programs that helped expand access to the sport in the Inland Empire.

Cortes has additional coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels. He served as an assistant coach for the Ramona High School boys program from 2016 to 2018, helping guide the team to multiple league championships. He also worked as a volunteer assistant for the California Baptist University women's golf team during its 2010 and 2011 seasons, contributing to the Lancers' 2011 NAIA National Championship.

Beyond his work domestically, Cortes represented Mexico internationally as a Si Mexico Golf Ambassador and instructor from 2015 to 2019, coordinating overseas golf trips, clinics, and tournament experiences.

A Riverside native, Cortes earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Cal State San Bernardino, where he was a Dean's List honoree.