By Samantha Franz
Athletic Communications Contributor

Many Golden Grizzlies have experienced various levels of post-graduation success in their athletic careers, but none more so than Brian Stuard (2001-05). In fact, in 51 years of Oakland University Athletics, Stuard is the most successful Golden Grizzly playing in professional ranks, having just wrapped up another lucrative run on the PGA Tour.

But the journey wasn't easy for the Jackson, Mich. native and success certainly didn't come overnight. He first had to decide where to start his collegiate career, which was an easy choice for Stuard.

"I chose Oakland because it was away from home, but not too far," Stuard said, "Also, the academics and golf facilities (Katke-Cousins and R&S Sharf Golf Courses) were great."

Stuard went on to become one of the most successful golfers to wear the Black and Gold. In his junior year, the Golden Grizzlies kicked off their campaign with five consecutive tournament wins and in his senior season, Stuard capped off his swan song by taking the conference tournament title and being named Conference Player of the Year. To this day, he holds the Oakland record with nine tournament wins during his tenure.

After graduation, Stuard had dreams of playing on the PGA Tour, but first had to work his way up the ranks.

"It wasn't always easy," said Stuard. "I started out on the National Golf Association Hooter's Tour [now the SwingThought.com Tour] not knowing if I was good enough to play professional golf."

Rest assured, the Golden Grizzly was definitely good enough and in 2008, he made the now Web.com Tour, where he became the first player in Oakland University Athletics history to earn his PGA Tour card in 2010. He regained his card in 2013 after finishing in the top-25 on the Web.com Tour.

Stuard has led an exciting career since turning pro, but one tournament sticks out in his mind as one of his greatest experiences on the PGA Tour.

"[I finished] second last fall in Mexico at the 2013 OHL Classic at Mayakoba," said Stuard. He shot a 67 in that event to secure his top-two finish.

After wrapping up the 2014 season where he earned a career-best $1.8 million dollars, Stuard posted his highest finish in the FedEx Cup standings at No. 51, retaining his PGA Tour card for 2014-15.

Stuard has come a long way since his first days on campus in 2001 and there are many people that have supported him throughout his journey.

"My family has always been there for me," he said. "Gary Robinson has been my instructor from high school and my old college coaches Dave DeWulf and Jim Beltz have been a big support."

While Stuard was unable to make the Homecoming festivities this year, he has attended in the past to catch up with his fellow Golden Grizzlies.

"Last year when I came back, it was great to meet up with old friends and teammates," he said.

"I enjoyed seeing all the growth on campus."

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