Since 1950, we have participated in nearly every major public lands victory.
I am a passionate and highly motivated PGA professional with over 17 years of experience in the golf industry. I serve as the PGA General Manager & Head Golf Professional at Watchung Valley Golf Club in New Jersey. It is in New Jersey where I was the captain of the high school golf team when I fell in love with the game of golf. Little did I know this experience would take me around the world and provide me with not only a passion for the game but a true appreciation for the business of golf.
After graduating from University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2004 I began my career at a then little known, newly opened private facility named Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ. From the start of my professional career I have been blessed with a great line of mentors who helped me develop both personally and professionally. My career has been built on a foundation of dedication, integrity, professionalism and diplomacy. After turning professional in 2005, I had the honor of working for some incredible PGA professionals at top clubs both in the United States and overseas. I was able to grow as a Golf Professional at Somerset Hills Country Club and The Ridgewood Country Club. Concurrent with my time at Ridgewood, I had the honor of spending two winters in Buenos Aires, Argentina running an International Pro-Am. It was this first taste of international living that eventually brought me to New Zealand for an entire season. Experiencing the game of golf in different cultures and communities is a large part of what shaped me as the well-rounded individual I am today.
After a couple of seasons back in my home state at the Jersey Shore and Winter seasons in Florida, I was honored to accept the Head Professional role at the recently renovated, Seth Raynor designed, Watchung Valley Golf Club. Formerly known as Twin Brooks Country Club, I am proud to serve the dual role as General Manager and Head Golf Professional to a club dating all the way back to the 1890s. Since starting at WVGC, I have grown in my professional role, made lasting friendships, and even met my beautiful wife Ana Maria. I am grateful to everything this industry has given me and my family. My goal is to continue to perfect my skills as a club manager & golf professional, while giving back as much as I can to this game.
Work Experience
General Manager & Head Golf Professional
Watchung Valley Golf Club
First Assistant Golf Professional
Manasquan River Golf Club
Seasonal Assistant Golf Professional
Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Assistant Golf Professional
The Ridgewood Country Club
Second Assistant Golf Professional
Somerset Hills Country Club
Director of Outside Operations
Trump National Golf Club
Professional Affiliations
Class “A” PGA Member in “good standing”
A-13 Classification (General Manager)
Currently completing PGA of America’s Professional Certification in General Management CMAA Member, New Jersey CMA Chapter
Education
University of North Carolina at Wilmington 2001 – 2004 Major: Business Administration
Cranford High School High School Diploma (Graduated in 2000)
Professional Education
Currently completing CMAA’s BMI training for Country Club Manager (CCM) certification Certified Flightscope Instructor (Completed Flightscope Academy January 2014)
Certified in First Aid & CPR
Playing Achievements
Currently Top 40 in NJPGA 2021 Omega Player of the Year points standings
Finished t-2nd in NJPGA Pro-Lady Championship at New Jersey National Golf Club, August 2017
2016 NJPGA Pro-Scratch Champions at Hamilton Farm Golf Club, July 2016 (-9 for 36 holes)
Finished t-13th in NJPGA Open Stroke Play event at Watchung Valley Golf Club, August 2016 (71)
Finished t-9th in NJPGA Open Stroke Play event at Arcola CC, May 2015 (75)
Finished t-3rd in NJPGA Pro-Lady Championship at Cherry Valley CC, September 2015
2nd Place finish in NJPGA Assistants’ event at Manasquan River Golf Club, November 2014 (+39 Stableford Score)
Top 30 in 2012 NJPGA Assistants’ Association Player of the Year Points standings
Third Place finish in NJPGA Assistants’ Event at Copper Hill Country Club (October 2009)
Finished Top 50 in 2007, 2008, & 2009 Player of the Year Points standings for NJPGA Assistants Association PGA Playing Ability Test Medalist by 3 strokes: 146 (76 – 70), July 2006
References
Mr. David Reasoner, PGA
Head Golf Professional, The Ridgewood Country Club Past President, New Jersey Section PGA
Paramus, NJ 07652
Office- (201) 225-6521
Mobile- (646) 382-3868
Email- dreasoner@rcc1890.com
Mr. Christopher “Rusty” Knowles
Vice President of Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors Leland, NC 28451
Office- (910) 251-5375
Mobile- (910) 431-3062
Email- rusty.knowles@wellsfargo.com
Mr. Michael Conley
Director of National Accounts, Oxford Golf New York, NY 10016
Member, Watchung Valley Golf Club Mobile- (917) 841-1984
Email- m@oxford.co
Ms. Kelsi Kavanagh
Golf Fitness Professional, John Webster Golf Academy The Breakers
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Mobile- (732) 539-1836
Email- kavanagh.kelsi@gmail.com
Mr. Brad Pavlik
Co-Founder & CEO, The TEAM Cruises Plymouth, MI 48170
Mobile- (330) 524-8117
Email- brad@theteamcruises.com