STONEBRIGE

I served as the PGA Head Golf Professional and as the face of Stonebridge Country Club to members, guests, and the local community, actively shifting the culture of a club and membership that possesses an outstanding Tom Fazio-designed golf course into a family friendly private resort-style destination.

WHAT

PGA Head Professional

WHERE

Stonebridge CC

Aurora, IL

WHEN

2018-2021

Management

Believe in leading with an encouraging hand extended and by using the power of example rather than demonstrating an example of power. As a result, all of my employees know that I am willing to do any task I may assign them, no matter what it may be.

Oversee two assistant professionals, seasonal shop help, Caddiemaster, Outsides Services Supervisor, over a dozen bag room staff, and the entire caddie program, which consists of approximately 60 caddies.

Heavily involved with long-term club strategic planning, conceptualization of growth initiatives, amenity creation and development, and project management including the renovation of both the club’s Golf & Lifestyle and Tennis Shops, Volleyball court, creation and installation of winter ice hockey rinks, “Top Of The Hill” on-course dining venue, 2020 golf course expansion via 9 new tees, 2018 bunker renovation project, and more.

Tournament Operations

Completely rebranded several generic and tired events to fit the club’s culture and history. As a result of this effort, along with active recruitment of membership, average event participation more than doubled in three seasons.

Campaigned for, and served as host, for the following tournaments:
- 2021 Illinois Open Championship, held August of 2021
- 2021 USGA Amateur Championship – Local Qualifier held in July of 2021
- 2019 Illinois State Mid-Amateur Championship

Fostered the growth of women’s participation by creating a weekly evening ladies league from scratch to pair with traditional 18- and 9-hole morning leagues. This group, called the Nightengals, catered to true beginners and includes clinics, wine tastings, and more socially-centered activities.

Began a weekly men’s Saturday game to help bolster camaraderie and club engagement.

Early adopter of Golf Genius Tournament Software.

Merchandising

Rebranded the Golf & Lifestyle Shop, this retail outlet has become known in the far western suburbs as having the widest selection of premium brands and service for any number of activities.

Used Trackman for every club fitting, providing hard data to support our fitting conclusions.

Sales have grown from $235K to $460K in three years. Proudly hosted several fitting days, trunk shows, and private shopping events annually.

Instruction

Building on the club’s family-centric membership, I utilized Operation36 programming for our large junior golf program, which bridges the entire summer and fall. Grew participation from low 40s to between 70-100 juniors take part annually.

Initiated a summer program called Professional Play Days, where high school golfers can play a competitive game with PGA Professionals, who mentor their on-course development and sportsmanship.

Utilized video analysis as an aid to help students more quickly absorb the concepts we as a team are trying to understand and implement. These forms of technology include V1 video software, Trackman & Foresight launch monitor analysis equipment, and others.

Averaged 15-20 hours per week in-season of instruction ranging from juniors and beginners to developed players.