Men's Golf Announces Hiring of Darin Hudak as New Head Coach

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Men's Golf has announced the hiring of Darin Hudak as the next Head Coach of the Golden Grizzlies Men's Golf Program.

"I am very happy to welcome Darin to the Golden Grizzlies athletics family as the next head men's golf coach," said Oakland Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. "Throughout the search process, Darin impressed me with his vision for the golf program and his approach to building a strong team culture on and off the course that will serve as the foundation for the team's pursuit of excellence and championship success. An accomplished intercollegiate golfer who has a growth mindset to coaching, the future of Oakland men's golf is very bright with Darin leading the program."

Hudak made the quick transition from playing to coaching at Bowling Green State University, competing as a member of the Falcons men's golf team from 2021 to 2025 before assuming the role of assistant coach in the spring of 2025.

During his tenure as a coach at BGSU, Hudak focused heavily on player development, guiding two players to top-three finishes during the 2025-26 season, including the program's first individual freshman tournament victory since 2014. He also helped lead the Falcons to a team runner-up finish at the Sweetens Cove Intercollegiate match-play event and their highest finish at the MAC Championship since the 2021-22 season.

As a student-athlete, Hudak was a three-time Academic All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honoree, a three-time Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) All-America Scholar, a recipient of the MAC Medal of Excellence during his senior season, and the BGSU Falcon Medal of Honor recipient.

One of the best golfers in BGSU history, he maintained the second-best scoring average in program history (73.8) while recording the third-lowest (72.9) and fourth-lowest (73.1) single-season scoring averages as well. As a freshman, he posted the best finish of any freshman at the 2021-22 MAC Tournament, leading the Falcons to a third-place conference finish, their best since 1994-95.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the Head Men's Golf Coach at Oakland University," said Hudak. "I'd like to thank Steve Waterfield and Nick Pumford for placing their trust in me throughout this process. The opportunity to lead this program means a great deal to me, and I am committed to honoring that trust every day. It is very clear that Oakland is committed to providing outstanding facilities and resources for its student-athletes, and I am excited to now be a part of that effort. My goal is to build a culture centered on relationships, accountability, and continuous improvement while helping our players reach their full potential as young men. I am eager to get to work with our team, support staff, alumni, and the entire Oakland community."

Hudak brings both youth and experience to the helm of the Golden Grizzlies golf program, setting the tone for a progressive future and helping position the team to compete for its first Horizon League championship since 2021.

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