After a successful seven-year run as the associate head coach for both the men's and women's golf programs at Oklahoma State, Alan Bratton begins his tenure as the Cowgirls' head coach in 2011-12.
In his seven seasons with the Cowboys, the program won its 10th national title in 2006 and produced its eighth NCAA champion in Jonathan Moore. Additionally, the Cowboys finished in the top five at the NCAA Championship on five occasions and captured six conference crowns.
During his tenure, OSU generated 23 All-Americans, including 10 first-team selections. The Cowboys also produced national players of the year in Rickie Fowler, Pablo Martin and Peter Uihlein.
Bratton was instrumental in Uihlein becoming the program's fourth U.S. Amateur champion, serving as the All-American's caddy for his 2010 victory at Chambers Bay.
On the women's side, he helped prepare the Cowgirls for back-to-back top-10 finishes at the national tournament. In 2009, OSU finished fourth before tying for eighth place the following year.
The Cowgirls also captured three Big 12 titles during Bratton's time on staff.
Individually, the Cowgirls produced four first-team All-Americans during his time as an assistant. Among those earning the distinction was Caroline Hedwall, who left Stillwater as the most decorated player in school history after becoming the Cowgirls' first NCAA champion and national player of the year in 2010.
A native of College Station, Texas, Bratton has had a hand in the day-to-day coaching and recruiting efforts for both the Cowboy and Cowgirls since his return. In addition, he has continued to compete in high-level amateur events, taking part in the Western Amateur, the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Mid-Amateur.
Bratton returned to OSU after spending three years as a player development manager for Ping where he worked to enhance the company's college and amateur programs.
Prior to his stint at Ping, Bratton played professionally from 1995-2000, competing on the Asian Tour from 1996-97, the PGA Tour in 1999 and the Buy.com Tour in 2000. During his professional career, Bratton competed in 31 PGA events and posted a pair of top-25 finishes, tying for 25th at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and tying for 15th at the Nissan Open.
Bratton regained his amateur status in 2006 and immediately enjoyed a successful run upon his return to competitive golf. During his first summer back in action, he claimed the Oklahoma State Amateur title before winning the local qualifier for the U.S. Amateur. In addition, he competed in the Western Amateur and qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur.
As a Cowboy, Bratton was a four-time All-American, earning first-team honors in 1994 and 1995, and was named co-recipient of the 1994 Jack Nicklaus Award, honoring the nation's top player. As a senior in 1995, he led OSU to the eighth of its 10 national championships.
The Big Eight Player of the Year in 1992 and 1994, Bratton also captured conference medalist honors in 1992 and 1995. He is currently tied for fourth on the school's all-time list with seven career victories.
Bratton was equally successful in the classroom, garnering Academic All-America honors in 1994 and 1995 on his way to earning a degree in business administration.
Bratton and his wife, Gretchen, who is also an OSU graduate, have three children: Mason, Noah and Gunnar.
