Saginaw Valley State University Interim Associate Director of Athletics Brad Barlog announced the hiring of Michael Masten as the new head coach of the Cardinal golf program. Masten begins his duties at SVSU effective August 1.

"The hiring of Michael Masten is a great day for both our SVSU golf programs and our athletics department as a whole," said Barlog.  "Michael brings a high level of energy and passion to SVSU from his previous role as the head coach at Aquinas College. There is no doubt in my mind that Michael will add a high level of coaching and skill to our golf student-athletes, and I am so excited to watch him soar in this position. This also dramatically helps both of our SVSU golf programs to have a permanent head coach who is ready and willing to kick the ground running his first day here." 

Masten joins Saginaw Valley State after four seasons as the head coach of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) member Aquinas. Under Masten's leadership, the Saints' men's and women's team finished third in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) tournament in 2022-23. The men's team was third the season before and the women were fourth.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a program with such a rich history," said Masten. "There is great talent on the team currently, and I know that SVSU is committed to competing at the highest level. I'd like to thank Brad Barlog and the entire Hiring Committee & Administrative Staff for their trust in me to lead the program. Excited to get to work."

During his tenure at Aquinas, Masten coached the 2019-20 WHAC men's Golfer of the Year along with 10 All-WHAC golfers between the men's and women's teams. He has led the men to two first-place finishes, seven second-place finishes, and five third-place results. The women earned one first-place, two second-place, and eight third-place finishes.

Prior to his work with the Saints, Masten spent two seasons at WHAC rival Cleary while also gaining experience working the golf industry as a teacher, club professional, and instructor.

He served in various roles at golf courses including Timber Trace Golf Club, Tee Box Golf Simulators, The Grande Golf Club, Lakelands Golf and Country Club, and Arrowhead Country Club.

"From a young age, my Father and Grandfather instilled a sense of competitiveness in me that never stops flowing," stated Masten. "Golf is a game that brings about so many facets of physical and mental challenges.  For me, being able to experience the game with my dad, and as a father myself, has helped me realize the value and discipline that golf can bring to people's lives.  I intend to continually test my knowledge of the game, teaching philosophies, and leadership abilities to foster a culture of growth and to expand upon the success of the program." 

Masten earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan in 2006 and earned his associate's degree from the Golf Academy of America in 2007 with a major in golf complex operations, merchandising, and sales.