UWF HALL OF FAME - CLASS OF 2011-12
Bryan Clarke put West Florida men’s golf on the map during his four year tenure with the 
Argonauts. Clarke earned three top five finishes at the NCAA Championships during his career, including a runner-up title in 2000, and he helped lead UWF to its first national championship in 2001.
Clarke earned 19 total career collegiate top 10s including one tournament title at the 2002 NCAA South Regional.
On the national level, Clarke reeled in three first team All-America awards and represented the United States at the 2002 U.S.A. vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship. In 1999, he was a U.S. Open local qualifier and backed it up in 2001 by becoming a U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifying medalist.
Regionally, Clarke earned two All-South Region awards and three All-Gulf South Conference first team nods. Clarke also landed a spot on the GSC’s All-Decade team for the 2001-2010 term.
UWF Athletics Hall of Fame Questionnaire
- What was your most memorable moment in UWF athletics?
WOW, well to only name one is difficult, but I guess I would say my most memorable moment was winning the national championship in 2001 (which was UWF golf’s first ever national championship)! This would be followed closely by traveling to Hawaii over Thanksgiving to play in a tournament – I don’t know of a better place to go play as a collegiate athlete. Another top memory for me was being selected as UWF’s Athlete of the Year and going on to play in the USA vs. Japan matches as selected by the coaches association. I was the only NCAA Division II player selected – it was quite an honor. Throughout my career we competed (by invite) in many NCAA Division I tournaments and usually placed in the top 10 and even won a few – this put UWF on the map in terms of taking athletics to the next level.
- Being a former student-athlete, how has it helped you in your life after college?
My student-athlete experience was incredible! It has helped me in so many ways, but just to name a few, it helped me with time management skills, working well under pressure, teamwork, how to motivate myself and lead those around me. All of these are life-skills needed on a daily basis in the professional workforce and at home.
- Are you still involved with your sport? If so, in what capacity?
Yes, I am still involved in golf. After college I traveled and played professionally on various mini tours. I have worked at many golf/country clubs and organizations throughout the country to understand the business side of the golf industry. Currently, I am now working as a golf professional at Lakewood Golf Club in Point Clear, Alabama.
- What is your current occupation?
I am a Golf Professional at Lakewood Golf Club in Point Clear, Alabama. My role there is primarily focused on traditional golf professional duties but I have a niche for implementing new ideas within our membership as well as teaching and mentoring juniors. Junior and amateur golf were both a big part of my life when I was younger and it helped shape my game, instilled values, and taught me life lessons that I still carry with me today.
- Are you married? Have children? If so, please list names and children’s ages.
Yes, I have been married to my wife, Gretchen Clarke, for almost seven years now and we have a daughter, Chloe Carrington Clarke, who is seven months old.
- Please list any other information that you would like to share.
Being a Tampa resident, I came to UWF and grew to love the area. I now reside with my family in Gulf Breeze, Fla. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to publically recognize and thank my parents – Bob and Beverly Clarke – for all that they did to help inspire and support me in all of my golfing endeavors.
