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.
Ohana
PGM University Intern
Dane Martinson, New Mexico State Intern at Nanea Golf Club with me, Hawaii’s number one course and the most exclusive club in the islands.
Free Instruction for Staff
All my staff had access to my time and undivided attention on the lesson tee. It’s my passion to share my love of the game and knowledge at no cost or inconvenience to my Ohana.
The win of a lifetime!
Michael Castillo, Director of Golf at Kapalua winning the Aloha Section championship at Poipu Bay where he used to be Director of Golf. Stamping his ticket to the Sony Open at 60 years old while battling cancer surrounded by his leadership team.
What Teamwork Can Build
Implementation of new products
I brought in Seamus in collaboration with my merchandiser Celeste Olson, she was hesitant as the initial order was over $15k, but in the end this brand alone accounted for over $50k alone annually in sales.
Small but efficient
The Plantation golf shop is roughly 1000 square feet and generates close to 10 million dollars annually through nailing the details. Proper product mix, pricing, cleanliness, scents, flowers and displays, and a well trained staff.
Mentors For Life
Pros who golf together stay together, a simple philosophy, but one I believe in. It’s quality time to talk, bond, and challenge each other. Some of the greatest memories with my mentors are time spent on the golf course.
Creative Teamwork
We align technical skills and teamwork with disciplined execution to provide measurable gains across marketing, ecommerce, and social media.
Golf is more than a swing..
After the 2023 Maui wildfire these kids had lost their homes, schools, friends, and perhaps even family. We partnered with Sacred Hearts to provide free instruction twice a week outdoors in order to give these kids time to breathe and forget about the tragedies of life. As you can see it brought our team great joy to do anything to see smiles on these kid’s faces, therefore once a week our lessons ended with water balloon fights.
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.