Don Meadows Headlines the 2019 South Florida PGA Award Recipients
ATLANTIS, FL - Don Meadows, PGA Director of Golf at Quail Valley Country Club (Vero Beach), has been named the 2019 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year. As the highest honor a South Florida PGA Golf Professional can receive, Meadows leads the 2019 SFPGA Awards class.
The South Florida PGA annually recognizes a PGA Professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promote the game of golf.
"Being recognized and awarded the Golf Professional of the Year is one of the highlights of my life," said Meadows. "To be awarded this in a section with so many talented and dedicated Golf Professionals is humbling. I am truly thankful for all the opportunities I have been afforded in my career - from working as a 'cart boy' in high school to now being the Director of Golf at Quail Valley, there are so many individuals who have influenced and enhanced my career, achieving this recognition is a testament to many individuals influence on me."
With over 26 years of experience as a Director of Golf and Head Golf Professional, Meadows has been the Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club since 2007 where the team at Quail Valley has experienced annual year over year growth in membership and activity levels and prides itself on having high levels of service experiences in all areas of the club operation while also having personal relationships with the Membership.
Leading a team of over 40 employees, Meadows, encourages his staff to strive for excellence and personal development and has assisted in mentoring 15 golf professionals to elevated responsibilities at facilities throughout the country. Additionally, while at Quail Valley, Meadows was provided the opportunity to take over ownership of the Quail Valley pro shop in 2013.
Known for his infectious personality, Meadows strives to engage his members through daily interactions on and around the golf property as well as through playing opportunities. In addition to day-to-day engagement and traveling throughout the United States and abroad to further personal relationships with his members, Meadows and the Quail Valley Professional Staff implemented (beginning in 2012) a weekly "Ladies Boot Camp" to help more women learn, play and become comfortable in their environment when starting the game. The team at Quail Valley has offered this program over the past seven years and expanded it to a men's version (Men's Basic Training) beginning in 2015. The team at Quail Valley is proud that they have seen activity in golf growth throughout the Membership annually over the past 12 years and nearly 30 percent of all rounds of golf played at Quail Valley are played by women.
Meadows has a been a member of the SFPGA since moving to the area in 2007 and quickly rose through the leadership ranks, beginning as the Award Committee Chair (2011-13), Secretary (2013-15), Vice President (2015-17), President (2017-19) and since June, serves the Section as Honorary Past President and Foundation Secretary.
Quail Valley (with Meadows as its Director of Golf), being true to its roots of growing and supporting the game at all levels, has hosted several of the state's top Professional and Amateur events (to include the SFPGA Section Championship, Men's and Women's US Open qualifiers, FSGA State Opens, FSGA State Amateur, FSGA Match Play Championship, FSGA Mid- Amateur and FSGA Boy's Championship). Additionally, Meadows and the Quail Valley team added a "Collegiate Championship" beginning in 2013 which has annually attracted some of the finest NCAA Division 1 College golf teams from around the nation and was recently recognized as one of the best collegiate events in the country by Golf Week.
Finally, in the spirit of giving back to the community Quail Valley has annually hosted the Quail Valley Charitable Golf Tournament (along with several other events in different departments during "QV Charity Week") and through its generous membership participation and involvement has now raised over $6.6 million in funds over the past 18 years at the Club of which all has been distributed directly to over 75 different non-for-profit youth based organizations within Indian River County. In that same spirit of giving, Quail Valley began in 2013 (in partnership with the SFPGA Section), a Holiday Pro-Am which raises funds to support the South Florida PGA Foundation.
"I feel fortunate that my career coincided with something that gives me so much joy and allows me to positively impact someone's experience when they come to enjoy this great game," said Meadows. "I look forward to continuing to assist in anything that helps promote the game here at Quail Valley, in our community, in our Section and otherwise as well as mentor those who are getting into the business."
The Golf Professional of the Year Award is one of South Florida PGA's annual awards. Each award recipient as well as Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the SFPGA Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner on November 12th at the Country Club at Mirasol.
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As a college student, Jarryd Wood, PGA, practiced at the Diplomat Golf and Tennis Club (now Shell Bay Club). Following practice sessions, Wood would help legendary teaching professional Manny Zerman tidy the practice area at the end of the day, fostering a strong relationship that would greatly impact Wood’s life beyond what he could have imagined. Born into a family of golfers on Long Island, Wood's father served as a PGA Professional at Inwood Country Club for 40 years, affording a young Wood many opportunities to experience all that golf can provide and different avenues available to continue to advance in the game. A strong junior golfer, Wood earned a spot on the Johnson and Wales University Golf team in North Miami. At the team's first event during Wood's freshman year, he started alongside four seniors and fired rounds 75’s across the board. Respectable scores for a Freshman in his first event, but his score did not contribute to the overall team score once. "If I can't beat these guys, who am I going to beat?" Wood recalled telling himself. While defeated in the moment, Wood's focus transitioned to what a career as a teaching professional could look like. He used the rest of his college career as an opportunity to grow and learn. While Wood was in college, Zerman began working at La Gorce Country Club, where Wood spent three months as an intern. Upon graduation, Wood obtained a job at Pine Hallow Country Club in Long Island, where he spent one season before receiving a chance to reconnect with his mentor. In need of an assistant, Zerman called Wood. "He called me in October asking if I wanted to come down as an assistant. So I quit my job up north and moved to Miami," Wood deadpanned. For Wood, the facility or location wasn't important; it was simply the chance to work for Zerman. Wood did not take the chance lightly, following Zerman like a fly and studying his teaching philosophy. As Zerman moved on, Wood was fortunate to obtain many of Zerman's clients. "I started teaching them a little bit, and even though it was maybe a little early for me in my career, it was always my passion because that is what I grew up around," Wood said. Following Zerman at La Gorce came Ray Boone, PGA, another successful teaching professional and valuable resource for Wood. Similar to Zerman, Wood followed Boone closely, building a bond with many of his clients. As with Zerman, once Boone moved one, Wood obtained even more clients, virtually having a full book within his first four years. At this time, Wood had found his niche and was only growing. Incredibly passionate about teaching, Wood approached the La Gorce board and transitioned from an assistant to a teaching professional. As Wood thrived for nearly the next 10 years as a teaching professional, La Gorce experienced many transitions in the leadership space. With almost 16 years at La Gorce, the facility had become home to him and his family, and Wood was committed to the long haul. In 2023, the head professional role was vacant. "I stepped in, not really because that is what I wanted to do as much as what needed to be done," explained Wood passionately. A familiar face brought comfort to La Gorce and its membership, but Wood has no issue admitting the leadership transition is not easy. "It was definitely a change for me to manage people," said Wood. "But the membership is super respectful of me and the position I took." As Wood grew in his new role, the challenges of hiring and maintaining staff in a major city like Miami became evident compared to the extensive community facilities in Palm Beach County and others within our Section. "It is different to get assistants down here. It's a big city, and it's a big city life, and to get a family to move here is nearly impossible," explained Wood. While Wood continues to manage all the moving parts of being a head professional at a facility to the magnitude of La Gorce, there has always been one consistent piece to his life… his Dad. "He is the only reason I do what I do. I talk to him every day, sometimes twice a day. We know each other's lives, and he knows exactly what I am saying when I tell a story because he has been there and done that,” emphasized Wood. "I have grown my business, and I have grown my life learning from what he did and how he managed and made himself part of the community."
Special from the Florida State Golf Association BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (April 24, 2025) – In a final round filled with nonstop leaderboard shifts it was Rod Perry of Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club who stayed steady amid the storm to emerge victorious at the 48th Florida Senior Open Championship. The day began like any other final round, with the leaders going off in the final group. But it didn’t take long for the leaderboard to unravel. Players rose and fell with nearly every hole, creating a whirlwind of momentum shifts that made it nearly impossible to keep track of who was actually in control. Miles McConnell, who started the day with the lead, stumbled early with a double bogey on the 4th, falling to 2-under. First-round leader Timothy Cantwell also faltered, dropping three shots on holes five, six, and eight to sit at 1-under by the turn. Meanwhile, Frank Bensel surged into contention with three front-nine birdies to briefly grab the lead. As players made the turn, the lead changed hands so rapidly it seemed like every hole produced a new frontrunner. Perry, starting the day in second, posted a 3-over front nine. But then came the spark. Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes put him right back in the mix. Also making noise was Jonathon Kaye, who clawed his way into contention after a 76 in the opening round with a gritty comeback in round two. The first sign of clarity came on the 14th when Cantwell birdied to take solo possession of the lead at 3-under. But Perry was lurking just one shot back. McConnell and Kaye were still within striking distance, turning the final stretch into a high-stakes showdown. By the end of the 16th hole, the original leaders had clawed their way back to the top, and Cantwell and Perry were tied at 3-under with just two holes to play. Then Perry struck. A clutch birdie on the 17th pushed him to solo first, the decisive blow that sealed his win. Perry’s consistent play across all three rounds, 70-70-71--212, earned him the title and a $12,000 payday as the 48th Florida Senior Open Champion. It was a wild finish, but in the end, calm and composure carried the day. Timothy Cantwell of PGA National Resort & Spa finished in second place with rounds of 69-73-72--214. Third place was a tie between Jonathan Kaye and Miles McConnell who both finished at 1-under total. McConnell earned Low-Amateur Honors after rounds of 71-69-75--215. Results
B oca Raton, FL (April 22, 2025)— The Southwest Chapter earned 31 points in the annual Nelson Cup Matches, played at Stonebridge Country Club, claiming the 2025 Nelson Cup by half a point. The Southeast Chapter streak of three consecutive wins came to a close as the Southwest Chapter earned their first Nelson Cup since 2019 with the 2020 event being cancelled due to the pandemic and the 2021 event being rained out. The day started with nine-hole foursome matches, which saw the Southeast Chapter get out to an early 3-point lead over the Southwest Chapter and a 9-point lead over the Southern Chapter. Three-ball matches were played on the second nine, where the Southwest Chapter managed to earn 7.5 points to the Southeast Chapter’s 5, giving the Southeast Chapter a .5 lead over the Southwest Chapter. Heading into the singles matches, the scores stood: Southeast (15), Southwest (14.5), and Southern (6.5), with the most points up for grabs in the singles matches. Matt Markle, PGA of True Spec Golf, led off for the Southwest Chapter, earning two 4 & 2 wins to earn the first two points of the singles matches. With only a few matches left on the course, a tie between Andrew Filbert, PGA of West Bay Club, and Mike Midgette, PGA of Delaire Country Club, flipped the Southwest to have a .5 point lead. Kyle Horvath, PGA of Quail Creek Country Club, was ultimately the deciding point with his 2 & 1 victory over Stephen Conte, PGA of Conte’s Palm Aire Golf Academy. In the Cup’s 31-year history, the Southwest Chapter has now earned 13 wins. The annual Nelson Cup was supported by Scales, who outfitted each team. This year’s Cup was hosted at Stonebridge Country Club, led by PGA Director of Golf, Jeff Hall, and PGA Head Professional, Jordan Mathers. Southwest Chapter Roster: Justin Bertsch - Club Pelican Bay - Bay/Club Evan Bowser - LaPlaya Golf Club James Desanges - Panther Run Golf Club Gary Shea - The Club at Olde Cypress Andrew Filbert - West Bay Club Jeremy Wells - Cypress Lake Golf Club Domenico Geminiani - Old Corkscrew Golf Club Kyle Horvath - Quail Creek Country Club John Lento - The Golf Club at Crown Colony Nick Marcoaldi - Colonial Country Club Matt Markle - True Spec Golf - Naples Grande
Jupiter, FL —The Club Car-Pro Official, presented by Earth Networks, opened the 2025 South Florida PGA Section Tournament season today at The Club at Admirals Cove with Richard Terga and Alex Gilmurray from the Breakers Rees Jones Course taking home first place honors. Admirals Cove East Course welcomed 50 teams comprised of one SFPGA Professional and an Official from the same facility competing in a four-ball stroke play format. With a 9-under 61, Terga and amateur Gilmurray were tied with Justin Rountree, PGA at Eagle Lakes Golf Club, forcing a scorecard playoff where the team from The Breakers Rees Jones Course were the eventual champions. In the gross division, John Brunet, PGA General Manager at Eagle Lakes Golf Club and amateur Dan Sopcak at 5-under 65 were crowned the champions after winning a scorecard playoff with four other teams. Brunet also captured the low professional division at 5-under, defeating runner-up finisher Michael Kartrude, PGA of the Bear’s Club by three. Brunet and Kartrude were the only two professionals who finished under-par. Brunet managed only two bogeys on his round, which was highlighted by an eagle on par-5, 17th hole. The 2025 Club Car Pro-Official was presented by Earth Networks and supported by Ballz 4 Change, BlueGolf, DLL Financial Solutions, Golf Sign and Design, ExecuSearch, Holderness and Bourne, Jacket, Prize Possessions, Relay, TRUE Linkswear and Toptracer. The Cub at Admirals Cove boasts six PGA Professionals and four PGA Associates, led by PGA Director of Golf Sean Burke-McDermott and PGA Head Professionals Matt King and Chas Golibart. Leaderboard / Photo Album
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The South Florida PGA administered its fourth annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash, today at PGA National Resort, raising $303,576.78 to benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. 34 two-person teams of South Florida PGA Professionals and Associates took on the Match and Staple courses at PGA National, playing 81 holes in an effort to make as many birdies as possible. Each birdie was supported by donor pledges with funds aiding the SFPGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation to promote its missions further. The fourth annual event raised over $300,000, bringing the grand total to just shy of 2 million in four years. Donations will be available until Friday, April 18th. Eric Veilleux, PGA Head Professional at The Bear’s Club, managed to keep his streak of most funds raised alive with a new partner, Michael Kartrude, PGA Assistant Professional at The Bear’s Club. The duo raised nearly $55,000 alone, making 54 birdies over the 81 holes. Play Yellow Birdie Bash returners Josh LaPointe, PGA Head Professional at Addison Reserve Countr. and Kevin Baldizar, PGA Director of Golf at Addison Reserve Country Club, led the field in birdies with 60, besting Veilleux and Kartrude by six. Now in its fourth year and extended to both the East and West Coast of Florida, the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash has nearly surpassed the $2 Million mark. In the past two years alone, the SFPGA Foundation has administered free golf lessons to more than 600 military personnel, granted $40,000 to support students in higher education, and provided smiles to more than 1,000 children going through a range of hardships at six medical facilities. “What we accomplished together goes beyond just golf,” said Paul Clivio, SFPGA Section President. “It is about making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community through the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.” The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida community, focusing on youth, military, and families. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of 2,000 PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004 to provide world-class pediatric care to children in Palm Beach County and beyond. The Foundation’s primary beneficiary is Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which has helped children from every state in the union and 119 countries. To support the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash, click here.
The South Florida PGA will compete for the first time in the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup on May 12th at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This prestigious event, held during PGA Championship Week, celebrates the transformative impact of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) on Veterans and military personnel. The PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup provides a unique and memorable experience for Veterans and the PGA of America Golf Professionals who dedicate themselves to positively impacting military personnel through the game of golf. The annual event, which started in 2016, honors the Secretary of Veteran Affairs and recognizes the Memorandum of Understanding between PGA REACH and the Department of Veteran Affairs. The competition follows a 5-person scramble format featuring four PGA HOPE Graduates and one PGA/LPGA Professional from each of the 12 selected teams. The host course is always located within the same PGA Section as that year’s PGA Championship, providing participants with an unforgettable experience alongside one of golf’s most prestigious events. Representing Team South Florida at the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup are: Patti Baker – U.S. Air Force Richard George – U.S. Navy Dwight Hanners – U.S. Navy Chris Short – U.S. Army Zach Anzaroot, PGA Associate, The Rookery at Marco – U.S. Army “This is an incredible milestone for our Section and a testament to the strength of our PGA HOPE program,” said Darrell Bock, PGA, Director of Foundation Programs. “We are honored to showcase our Veterans and Section on a national stage and continue our mission of using golf to change lives.” Following the event, the momentum will continue with the PGA HOPE Classic on May 15th, the South Florida PGA’s signature charitable event that directly supports local PGA HOPE programming. Click here to view the event page and register. Stay tuned as we spotlight Team South Florida in the coming weeks. Click here to learn more about PGA HOPE and how you can support our mission.
The South Florida PGA Junior Tour began recognizing a junior boy and girl annually in 2006 for displaying extraordinary sportsmanship with the Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award. The award was established as a gesture to Ficker, his commitment to the South Florida PGA, the South Florida community, and his 41 years as the PGA Head Professional at Tequesta Country Club. “He was simply an incredible guy,” recalled Don Law, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy and a 2013 SFPGA Hall of Fame inductee. “He was one of the nicest humans you will ever meet in your life.” In 1965, Ficker took over as the club’s second head golf professional, succeeding Dow Finsterwald, who enjoyed a very successful playing career, proudly displaying his 1958 PGA Championship Wanamaker Trophy in the golf shop. Ficker stayed loyal to Tequesta, serving 41 years until his retirement in 2006. Following his retirement, the award was created and included in the South Florida PGA Junior Tour’s Annual Award honors. Since then, several recipients have gone on to work in the golf industry, including Matt Cahill, PGA, a 2008 Ed Ficker Sportsmanship award recipient and current Head Golf Professional at Seminole Golf Club. As a young junior golfer, it is difficult to expect one to know or understand the impact a retired golf professional had, but that is what raised the curiosity for Cahill to learn more. “I wanted to really find out what he stood for and learn about his life,” explained Cahill. “I was blown away at how much he gave back to the game of golf and the community. Not just going to work each day as a club professional, but spending time to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.” Samantha (Coleman) Lodigiani, PGA, a 2011 award recipient, went on to study Professional Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently an Assistant Professional at Babcock National Golf Club. And, Danny Green, a current University of Florida student, and 2021 award recipient. Green grew up as a member of Tequesta, and when he received the recognition, Ficker arranged a dinner to spend extra time with Green. “Dinner was wonderful, and he was kind, attentive, and very knowledgeable,” explained Green. “Mr. Ficker was a great man. I am honored to carry on his legacy.” The names featured above are just a few examples of individuals of whom Ficker had a positive impact on. The range of effects Ficker had is unmeasurable, and the Annual Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award is a small indication of our appreciation. "Ed Ficker was the consummate PGA Professional and one of the most respected PGA members not just in South Florida but the entire country. Honoring and carrying on his legacy with the Sportsmanship award is a small way we can ensure the impact of Ed Ficker will never be forgotten," said South Florida PGA Executive Director Geoff Lofstead. All Award Winners: 2024: Boy: Thomas Nevico Girl: Eva Lye 2023: Boy: Alex Greer Girl: Dounia Bezzari 2022: Boy: Danny Green Girl: Punchy Mahathep 2021: Boy: Michael Rivera Girl: Ariana Silva 2020: Boy: Chase Cohen Girl: Erin Marcelino 2019: Boy: Matthew Myers Girl: Madyson Gold 2018: Boy: Chase Scholze Girl: Kelli Kragh 2015 Boy: Joe Lewis Girl: Jillian Bourdage 2014 Boy: Timothy Simpson Girl: Emily Faulkner 2013 Boy: Matt Newman Girl: Mary Janiga 2012 Boy: Robert Butler Girl: Radi Sauro 2011 Boy: Jackson Schoenfelt Girl: Samantha Coleman 2010 Boy: Harley Abrams Girl: Annie Dulman 2009 Boy: Jaime Rodriguez Girl: Ashley Burke 2008 Boy: Matthew Cahill Girl: Julie Olmo 2007 Boy: Derek Wilcox Girl: Christina Amoriello 2006 Boy: Ben Vertz Girl: Kristen Hill
West Palm Beach, FL - Bob Usher, PGA Director of Instruction at Grey Oaks Country Club, has been named the 2024 South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding teachers of golf among the ranks of the SFPGA membership. This award is based on the PGA Professional’s overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs that the Professional has initiated or played a key role in implementing; articles published in books and magazines; as well as outstanding golfers the Professional has instructed. “Winning the South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year is the biggest highlight of my career. I am so honored to be selected by my peers,” said Usher. Usher has displayed a strong passion for teaching and has shared the passion with the team and members of Grey Oaks Country Club since taking over as the Director of Instruction in 2011. “I was given a tremendous opportunity to do what I’m most passionate about. I’ve been teaching golf for over 34 years; But in 2011 I was given the opportunity to do it full time,” explained Usher. That passion has held true as Usher has pursued several teaching certifications to expand his knowledge and expertise. A few of those certifications include: TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Level 3 Certified in Golf Instruction and Junior Coach, The Golfing Machine Certified Master Instructor, U.S. Kids Certified Coach and many more. Along with his personal accomplishments, Usher serves as a leader for eight other instructors at Grey Oaks, generating over a half a million dollars in revenue throughout the 2023/24 fiscal year. In addition, Usher has instilled new player development programs, resulting in an increased overall number of members who take lessons, but specifically Juniors and Women. Compared to 2023, over 200 more female lessons and over 100 more junior lessons were given. Lastly, as personal marketing has continued to evolve for Teachers, specifically, Usher has not fallen behind, utilizing Instagram and Facebook as key tools to promote his business. Additionally, Usher is able to further connect with his students and members, sharing instructional videos and recognizing others for their accomplishments. Although Usher has seen great success personally as a Teacher and and leader at Grey Oaks, his desire to learn more and get better at his own craft has not diminished. “I am proud of the instructor I have become, and I will continue to pursue more knowledge and build more relationships with other teachers for a very long time,” explained Usher.
West Palm Beach, FL - Bridget Ackley, PGA Junior Golf Leader at the Park has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Player Development Award. The "PGA Player Development Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. The award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and National levels in the player development arena, and the meaningful impact made at the facility. “Winning the Player Development Award is an incredible honor that reflects my unwavering commitment to growing the game,” said Ackley. “As a PGA Professional, my goal has always been to create opportunities for everyone in a fun and welcoming environment, where every player—no matter their background or skill level—can learn, grow, and enjoy the game that has given me so much.” As a the Junior Golf Leader at the Park, Ackley plays an integral role in all player development and programming and while the Park has only been open for a little over a year, Ackley has managed to attract players of all ages and skills levels through fun and creative approaches. Since opening in April of 2023 Ackley has already administered seven, six-week adult programs for new golfers and women, working with over 50 golfers. Additionally, Ackley has hosted over 195 clinics for juniors 3-13, working with over 1,000 participants. At the same time, Ackley utilizes key PGA resources, such as PGA Coach and the ADM framework, to expand her personal lesson business. As a result of Ackley’s commitment to expanding programming at her own facility, the Park has hosted two six-week PGA HOPE clinics for over 30 Veterans and two PGA Jr. League teams for the 2024 season for 58 juniors, all with Ackley as the lead instructor. “This recognition motivates me to continue finding new ways to make golf accessible and enjoyable for all,” emphasized Ackley. The Player Development Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Ackley was presented with her award yesterday at The Park.
As a college student pursuing a bachelor's degree in education, Donald Shea, PGA, had his future all mapped out. With an affinity for teaching, Shea planned to use his education degree to teach school during the year in Florida and return to his hometown in Massachusetts to teach golf for the summer. Growing up in Billerica, Massachusetts, Shea, PGA General Manager at Foxfire Country Club, was always looking for work. At 16 years of age, his father worked at a private club outside of Boston as the caddie master. One night, Shea's father asked him if he would pick the range, and although Shea had little interest in golf at the time, he agreed. "That's where my golf journey began, at the Weston Golf Club, and I just fell in love with the game," explained Shea. "I tell people all the time, I went to pick the range one night and ended up picking it for the next five years." At Weston, Shea was introduced to and worked for Tony Morosco, PGA, a 2001 PGA of America Hall of Fame inductee and highly celebrated New England PGA Professional. Morosco mentored the young Shea and brought him on the bag for several National Senior events. "I could see what drove Tony as far as his playing and teaching abilities. He was just someone I looked up to because he was such a good player and teacher," said Shea. As his golf bug grew, Shea met Barrie Bruce, PGA, who operated the Golf School at The Country Club of Billerica. While in college, Shea began working in the golf shop at Weston during the day, and gave lessons and ran junior clinics at Billerica in the evenings. At this point, Shea was hooked and entered the PGA Associate Program, or what was then called the GPTP program, in 1997. "I was 25 years old, and I knew I was going to pursue being a PGA Professional," said Shea. "It kind of clicked that this was my desire to get my Class-A and move through the programs." In 1998, Shea joined the team at Foxfire as an associate, working under another highly celebrated PGA Professional, Jim Kurtzeborn, Past President of the Section and a 2023 South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inductee. "Jim was definitely my greatest mentor of all," emphasized Shea. "He taught me all the little things and inspired me to be the very best I could be in many different ways." Shea served as Kurtzeborn's first assistant for three years before Kurtzeborn eventually accepted another role, leaving a vacancy in the head professional position. Unbeknownst to Shea, Kurtzeborn, who had been with Foxfire for 13 years, recommended him to the board to become the next head professional, a move that springboarded his professional career. "Jim had notified the board one Friday afternoon that he was going to resign as the director of golf at Foxfire," explained Shea. "Three days later, the board met and voted me unanimously as the next head golf professional." While the move was great for Shea's career, it did come with uncertainty. Shea was still an associate with no head professional experience, but Kurtzeborn's unwavering confidence was all Shea needed. "He (Jim) said to the board, I'm not worried about whether or not all of you can do my job; I'm worried about who's going to do his job," recalled Shea. "To have that sense of someone's confidence unsolicited and to have someone you admire so much behind you meant the world." After only two years as head professional, Shea, who had become a full Class-A Member, was promoted to director of golf, assuming full golf responsibilities, just as his mentor Kurtzeborn did. "It was a member who recommended to the board that they change my title and role to director of golf," explained Shea. "That, of course, inspired me to stay." In only eight years, Shea had moved from a first assistant role as an associate to a Class-A PGA director of golf, all at the same facility. With nearly 15 years of experience working at Foxfire, Shea was approached by the board in 2011, asking about his interest in becoming the next general manager. Content with his position as director of golf, Shea was not interested. Less than a year later, the board again approached Shea, and they were very keen on him becoming the general manager. "It wasn't something that I was looking to do again as a career move," explained Shea. "I felt like, hey, you can sit on the sidelines and not take it, or you can step in there and take on the challenge, and that's what I ended up doing." Similar to his time taking over as head professional, the new general manager position did come with some uncertainty, but Shea was prepared for the challenge. "It's an incredible learning curve, and I think it is something that most head pros, directors of golf, or other department heads will underestimate," said Shea. "The way you have to look at things and change your perspective and understand there's so many different perspectives and points of view." In 2013, Shea took over as general manager and still serves in this role, bringing his time with Foxfire to over 27 years, an accomplishment Shea and Foxfire are very proud of. "I was given an opportunity to put my fingerprint on something, and something big, which has certainly been a motivator for me," emphasized Shea. "I've always wanted this club to be the best it could be for the members and the entire staff. That's how I approach my work every single day. When I come to work at Foxfire, I come to work for every single member and their families, and every single employee and their families."
