My Approach
Ohana
Throughout more than 13 years in the golf industry, I have learned through experience, challenges, mentorship, and hard work what it takes to become an effective leader and golf professional. While there have been many lessons along the way, one philosophy has shaped my approach to leadership more than any other: Ohana.
Ohana is the Hawaiian concept of family. To me, it means treating people like family, creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, respected, and genuinely connected. It is about building a culture where no one feels like they are simply showing up to work, but rather becoming part of something bigger than themselves.
I believe a career in golf should be about more than earning a paycheck. It should be driven by passion, purpose, and a genuine appreciation for the people you work alongside and serve every day. There is no place I would rather be than at my facility, working alongside my team, building relationships with our members, and sharing a common mission.
My goal as a golf professional and leader is to create an environment where both the member experience and the employee experience are exceptional. I believe that when employees feel appreciated, supported, and part of a family, that positive culture naturally carries over to the members and guests we serve.
At the end of the day, great facilities are built by great people, and great teams are built on relationships, trust, and a shared sense of purpose. That is what Ohana means to me, and it is the foundation of how I lead.
How my story begins...
From 2016 to 2022, I built the foundation of my professional career at Troon Country Club. I began my journey managing Outside Services for two years before earning a promotion to Assistant Golf Professional, a role I held for my final four years. During this time, I completed the PGA Professional Golf Management Apprenticeship Program while simultaneously pursuing my undergraduate degree in Business Law at Arizona State University. At the time, my academic ambitions were focused on continuing my education at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
In November 2020, I earned membership into the PGA of America, followed by my graduation from Arizona State University in December 2020. With both milestones accomplished, I was prepared to take the next step in my career. However, a conversation with my mentor and Director of Golf, Tim Rafferty, helped put my future into perspective. That conversation solidified what would become my guiding direction: a career in the golf industry. I realized that golf offered the opportunity to build a career around my passions, pursue continued professional growth, and find long-term fulfillment. Before long, I was packing my bags and heading to Hawaii to begin the next chapter of my journey.
My journey in the golf industry began at Troon Country Club, where I was fortunate to be supported by the John Kayler Scholarship Foundation. Established in memory of a dedicated young Troon employee, the foundation invests in the education and future of Troon employees and their families. Through its support, I was able to pursue my education and take meaningful steps toward building a career in the golf industry. That opportunity played an important role in shaping the professional I am today, and I remain incredibly grateful for the foundation's commitment to helping individuals grow, achieve their goals, and build lasting careers in golf.
Kapalua
Fortunate to be a part of the end of a great chapter in PGA Tour history with the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Here I was able to work closely with the PGA Tour, meeting amazing people, and some of the best players in the world.
I was fortunate to be the key operator for the Sentry Am-Am which kicked off Tuesday before the Pro-Am on Wednesday. Helping provide a world class golf experience for celebrities and executives alike before the big week at the Plantation Course.
While I spent most of my tenure as the lead assistant at the Kapalua Bay Course and then Interim Head Pro, time was also split assisting operations at the Plantation Course assisting with Caddy programs, merchandise operations, and shadowing executive operations. Giving me the full experience of both facilities.
Blackstone Country Club
Champions Classic at Pinehurst
David Duval Clinic at Blackstone
Member-Member Shoot at Blackstone
Blackstone has allowed me to really lead, implement ideas, and work collaboratively with my Director of Golf, Matt Kloppenburg. As we understood and put it, Blackstone was low hanging fruit, ripe for change, improvement, and positive impact.
Blackstone is a high-volume environment, over 650 golf members and 1000+ social members, we have a skilled and hard-working team striving every day to provide the highest quality of service.
About Me..
Certified Rescue Diver
Passionate diver and was fortunate to log over 120 dives in my time in Hawaii. Active surfer and freediver when the opportunity presents itself.
Competitive Golfer
Active member in the Colorado section and try and compete and test my abilities as a golfer any chance the schedule will allow me to. Currently Holding a +3 Index.
Family
My Mother, Father, and older Brother. All the most important figures in my life at my brother’s wedding. A soon to be Uncle, I now set my personal sights on starting a family of my own.