From the tender age of 3, Stuart embarked on his journey with golf, honing his skills amidst the serene backdrop of his Los Angeles home. The family's relocation to Rocklin, California in 1966, settling beside the 6th hole of the Whitney Ranch Golf Club, served as the catalyst for Stuart's enduring passion for the sport. Growing up as an only child, he devoted countless hours to perfecting his game, even crafting his miniature golf course in the backyard.
Stuart's prowess in junior golf was evident as he clinched spots in two US Junior Amateur Championships (1978, 1979) and made history as the youngest victor in the Roseville City Amateur Championship (1978). His collegiate years at UCLA saw him rubbing shoulders with golfing greats like Corey Pavin, Steve Pate, and Duffy Waldorf. Notably, Stuart etched his name in Bruin history with a record-breaking round of 64 at Bel Air Country Club.
Despite formidable competition, Stuart's determination led him to the Round of 16 in prestigious tournaments like the Trans-Mississippi Amateur and the US Amateur in 1980. Graduating with a BA in Sociology, he transitioned to professional golf in 1984, embarking on a nine-year quest for a coveted spot on the PGA Tour.
While his PGA Tour aspirations didn't materialize, Stuart's talent shone on the Ben Hogan and Nike Tours, where he earned his playing privileges. A notable highlight came in 1989 when he clinched victory in the Palabora Classic on the South African Tour, culminating in a stellar 6th place finish on the money list.
In 1992, Stuart redirected his passion for golf towards teaching, serving as an assistant golf professional at Sierra View Country Club before ascending to the role of Director of Golf at Granite Bay Golf Club. His dedication to the sport garnered recognition, including the title of Northern California PGA Player of the Year in 2004 and subsequent appearances in prestigious tournaments like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Stuart's commitment to nurturing young talent earned him accolades such as Sierra Nevada Junior Golf Leader (2007) and Junior Golf Leader of the Year (2010) from the Northern California Section PGA. His journey as a player continued with appearances in major championships such as the PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship, showcasing his enduring passion and skill on the course.
In 2016, Stuart's contributions to the golfing community were celebrated as he was named Professional of the Year in his PGA Section, a testament to his exemplary leadership and teaching prowess. Today, Stuart stands as one of the foremost authorities in golf instruction, recognized as one of 150 Certified AimPoint Green Reading Instructors in the US.