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James Dewling

Men's Golf Jordan Nelson

James Dewling Named Men's Golf Assistant Coach

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Men's Golf has announced the hiring of James Dewling as assistant coach. Dewling joins the staff of newly appointed head Coach Darin Hudak, as the Golden Grizzlies look to continue building.

"We are thrilled to welcome James to Oakland University. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for developing student-athletes, leading successful programs, and doing things the right way. It became clear early in our conversations that James shares the vision and values we're building here at Oakland, and I have no doubt that he will make a tremendous impact on our student-athletes both on and off the golf course," said Hudak. "I'm very excited about the coaching staff we've put together with James and graduate assistant Yaro Ilyenko. Each of them brings a unique perspective and valuable skill set, and together they'll play an important role in creating an environment that challenges, supports, and develops our student-athletes every day. I couldn't be more excited about the future of Oakland Golf."
Dewling enters his role with more than a decade of coaching experience.

Throughout his coaching career, which includes 11 seasons at Brighton High School and two seasons as an assistant coach at Detroit Catholic Central, Dewling has focused heavily on player development and guiding student-athletes through competitive seasons. His teams have benefited from a process-driven mindset that emphasizes course management, mental composure and consistency. Dewling's coaching success has been recognized by his peers. In 2023, he was named Division 1 Coach of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association (MIGCA). That recognition was further reinforced when he was named the MIGCA Coach of the Year in 2026.

A former member of the Michigan State University men's golf team, Dewling competed in the Big Ten Conference before transitioning into coaching.
As a Spartan, Dewling competed for four years, including participating in the Big Ten Championship and earning a varsity letter in his first season with the program. During his collegiate career, he earned Academic All-Big Ten honors each year and was recognized as a Michigan State University High Honor Student-Athlete annually. A Brighton High School graduate and Michigan native, Dewling also enjoyed a successful junior golf career. He was named to the MIGCA Super Team, was a finalist for Mr. Golf and won the Randy Wise Open AJGA tournament.

Beyond the course, Dewling has built a distinguished career as an associate broker and Realtor in southeast Michigan, where he was named Realtor of the Year by the Michigan Association of Realtors in 2023. That same drive, discipline and commitment to service carry directly into his work developing and building golf programs. Dewling brings both experience and a player-first vision to Oakland, setting the tone for a competitive program focused on continuous improvement.
"I would like to thank Coach Hudak, the athletic department, and Oakland University for the opportunity to assist with the Oakland University Men's Golf Team. I look forward to contributing to the University and the golf program's success," said Dewling.

The Oakland men's golf program continues its upward momentum, and is full steam ahead for capturing a Horizon League Title this spring.
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