Full-Time PGA Golf Professionals
CAMPUS DIRECTORS
RICH IORIO, PGA
SDGA – San Diego
Mr. Iorio is a Class A PGA of America member who has over seven years of experience in the golf industry as a club professional. He became a PGA member in February 2003 and has spent the majority of his time in golf facility operations where he has gained extensive experience in budgeting, merchandising, marketing, and teaching. Mr. Iorio has previously held positions at Fieldstone Golf Club in Delaware, Hartefeld National Golf Club in Pennsylvania, Flint Hills National Golf Club in Kansas, and Terradyne Resort Hotel & Country Club in Kansas. At Hartefeld, he assisted “Top One Hundred Teaching Professional” Brad Redding. Mr. Iorio is a graduate of Wichita State University where he played on the university’s NCAA Division One men’s golf team and earned a Sports Business Degree. He is a certified club fitter and is currently involved with the latest video analysis and teaching trends in the industry. Mr. Iorio was formerly the Associate Director, at SDGA – Phoenix.
BRAD TURNER, PGA
SDGA - Orlando
With over 25 years of experience in the golf industry, Brad Turner became a PGA of America member in 1989. He has a strong competitive golf background, winning the 1997 North Florida Match Play Championship in 1997. In 1983, he graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, and since then has gained experience at various golf facilities including municipal courses, semi-private, and private country clubs. A short game expert, Mr. Turner has developed innovative teaching techniques in all phases of short game development and wrote the SDGA Golf Improvement Program. These teaching techniques have been shared in international clinics for the Chinese Golf Team and Malaysian Golf Association, as well as members of the North Florida PGA. In 2005, Mr. Turner earned his Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. With over 15 years of experience with SDGA, Mr. Turner provides students with valuable knowledge and experience in golf skill improvement and business development.
TIM EBERLEIN
PGA Master Professional
SDGA - Phoenix
Mr. Eberlein, a PGA Master Professional, became a PGA of America member in 1994. He worked previously at Brynwood Country Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Eberlein won the Horton Smith Award for excellence in education from the Southern California PGA Chapter. He was recognized as one of the top teachers in the country by T & L Golf and has written numerous articles for golf magazines. He received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gannon University and served in the United States Peace Corp (1987, Gambia, Africa). He is a certified club fitter with an extensive background in tournament operations and golf management. Mr. Eberlein has been immersed in the entire SDGA experience. He graduated from SDGA in 1991, returned as a full-time staff member, and was Campus and Placement Director in San Diego prior to relocating to Arizona. Mr. Eberlein earned his MBA, from the University of Phoenix, in 2007.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
GREG GOSSETT, PGA
SDGA - Orlando
Mr. Gossett has over 12 years of experience in the golf industry. He became a member of the PGA of America in 1997. Mr. Gossett graduated from the Professional Golf Management program at Mississippi State University with a B.B.A. in Marketing. A significant part of his golf career has been with the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail which is comprised of nine facilities with a total of 23 golf courses operated by the Sunbelt Golf Corporation. While working at many of the facilities on the RTJGT, Mr. Gossett acquired extensive experience in all aspects of multi-golf course facility management including positions as a the Assistant Director of the RTJGT Junior Golf Tour, Head Professional, and Director of Operations. His most recent position with the RTJGT was the Director of Instruction for all the facilities on the trail. Mr. Gossett’s teaching background is enhanced by his level of proficiency in video analysis with Model Golf software and the V-1 Coaching system as well as certifications he holds as a Golfing Machine instructor and a club fitter.
BRIAN HUGHES, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. Hughes has been a PGA of America member since 1993 and was formerly Director of Golf and General Manager at Musket Ridge Golf Club in Myersville, Pennsylvania. Mr. Hughes graduated as Valedictorian from The Golf Academy of the South in 1988, and began his apprenticeship in the PGA of America at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. From there, he moved to the Tournament Player’s Club at Avenal in Potomoc, Maryland, where he was instrumental in the operation of six PGA Tour events. He also played an integral role in the club being named to Golf Shop Operations magazine’s Top 100 Golf Shops for five consecutive years. Mr. Hughes next assumed the position of Head Professional at Yankee Trace Golf Club in Centerville, Ohio, where he was named Southern Ohio PGA Merchandiser of the Year on two separate occasions. Mr. Hughes graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 1985, receiving a B.S. in Business Management.
TIM X. WILKINS, PGA
SDGA – Phoenix
Mr. Wilkins has been a golf professional since 1974 and a class A member since 1978. In 1999 he was recognized as the Southern Ohio Section “Teacher of the Year”. Mr. Wilkins is also a past Southern Ohio PGA Section Champion winning the event in 1980. He is a two time National Club Professional qualifier, and was a member of the University of Cincinnati golf team. As a representative of the PGA of America, he served on the National Committee for Golf for the Disabled. Mr. Wilkins was the Director of Golf for the Special Olympics Ohio since the programs’ inception in 1992. Mr. Wilkins was a featured guest on “Golf Academy Live” on the Golf Channel. He created, directed and hosted Greater Cincinnati’s first golf talk show ,(for three years), and created and hosted a TV program by the same name, “On The Tee with Tim X. Wilkins” in conjunction with the Golf Channel which ran for 6 years on Time Warner Cable. Mr. Wilkins has also been a Board Member of the SOPGA . He has a BBA from the University of Cincinnati, with a major in Marketing. For the past 3 years Mr. Wilkins has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Golf Instructors in America by Golf Range Magazine. Some of the professionals he has worked with closely over his career are: Jack Grout, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Rodgers, and Jimmy Ballard. Before he joined SDGA, he was the owner/operator of the “ON THE TEE” Golf Academy.
KEVIN NEISCH, PGA
SDGA - San Diego
Mr. Neisch has been in the golf industry since 1989 and became a PGA of America member in 1997. Originally from Michigan, he graduated from the Professional Golf Management program at Ferris State University with a B.S. in Business in 1995. Directly after graduating Mr. Neisch served as the First Assistant Golf Professional at Hawthorne Hills Golf Club in Lima, OH. He continued his career in the golf industry as Assistant Operations Manager at Michigan State University - Forest Akers Golf Courses then directed his golf industry experiences toward the corporate golf sector holding a position as Sports Marketing Project Supervisor with The Golf Digest Companies then the position of Director of Rules with Buick Golf/Buick Scramble. While with Buick Golf/Buick Scramble he directed rules and handicapping for 75,000 amateur and 3500 PGA Professional golfers through Local, Sectional, and National Championship events across the United States and Canada. He is a certified Henry - Griffitts club fitter and currently pursuing his MBA from Virginia College. These experiences have given Mr. Neisch an extensive background in rules, tournament operations, golf instruction, management, and marketing throughout the golf industry.
PLACEMENT DIRECTORS
MICHAEL FLANAGAN, PGA
SDGA - San Diego
Mr. Flanagan has over 20 years of experience in the golf industry and became a PGA of America member in 1986. He held positions as Assistant Golf Professional, Head Golf Professional, Director of Golf Operations, and General Manager. His most recent position was as Director of Golf Operations for a period of 16 years at Doubletree Resort, San Diego, California. Mr. Flanagan was awarded “Golf Professional of the Year” from the San Diego Chapter PGA in 1994 and 1996. He has served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Chapter PGA for a period of 12 years as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Junior Golf Chairman. He hosted the weekly “Golf Tip of the Week” during the evening news for a period of over 10 years on KUSI-TV, Channel 9/51, in San Diego. Mr. Flanagan earned his A.A.B. degree at the San Diego Golf Academy in 1982. Mr. Flanagan was formerly the Campus Director at San Diego.
ALAN FLASHNER
PGA Master Professional
SDGA - Orlando
Mr. Flashner brings a career in the golf industry exceeding 30 years to the Academy. He attained PGA membership in 1972, and in 1995 earned the level of Master Professional. Mr. Flashner has been Head Golf Professional at Northampton Valley Country Club, Sports Golf Range, and White Manor Country Club. He was Host Professional for six LPGA Championships. In 2000 and 2001, Mr. Flashner was a recipient of the local PGA Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Award and also received the 2000 North Florida PGA Section Bill Strausbaugh Award. He serves as a guest speaker for the North Florida PGA and Florida State High School Golf Association. Mr. Flashner received a B.S. in education from Westchester University in 1967.
TIM X. WILKINS, PGA
SDGA – Phoenix
ALAN ROSENSTEEL, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. Rosensteel has been a PGA of America member since 1984 and was formerly Head Golf Professional and Director of Instruction at Myrtlewood Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Mr. Rosensteel began his golf career as a playing professional, winning the 1984 Riviera Open on the North Florida Winter Tour. He also qualified for and competed in the 1983 United States Open Golf Tournament at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1989, he turned to teaching and became a Golfing Machine Certified Instructor. He has since been recognized by Golf Magazine in 2000 as one of the Top Instructors on the Grand Strand. Mr. Rosensteel is active in the local community and serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Carolina Trust Credit Union. Mr. Rosensteel graduated from Saint Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1977, earning a B.A. in Mathematics.
GOLF PROFESSIONALS
GARY BALLIET, PGA
SDGA - Phoenix
Mr. Balliet has been a PGA of America member since 1980 and was formerly the Director of Golf at the Sheraton San Marcos Resort in Chandler, Arizona. He was also Director of Golf at the Del Webb Hillcrest Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a certified club fitter. With over 20 years in private and public facilities management, Mr. Balliet has also written a book entitled “Carefree Golf” and produced a series of three golf instructional videos titled “Routine for Building a Golf Swing”, “Chipping, Pitching and Sand”, and “Putting”. Mr. Balliet has been an instructor at TGAA since 1996 and has extensive training and experience in club repair. He holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
EDDIE BROWN, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. Brown is a Class A member of the PGA of America. He was formerly General Manager of an off-course golf equipment store in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he increased gross sales by over 150% his first year. He later accepted the position as Apprentice Head Golf Professional at The Hampton Club on St. Simons Island, Georgia, working closely with the architect and superintendent in the final shaping and grow-in of the golf course. Upon earning his membership in the PGA of America in 1993, Mr. Brown accepted the position of Director of Golf for Southeastern Golf Management, managing four golf courses. In 1995, the company was restructured as the Links Group, and Mr. Brown was appointed Vice President and Director of Operations, overseeing as many as sixteen facilities throughout the Southeast. Mr. Brown formed his own management company in 1991, where he leased and operated Lost Plantation Golf Club near Savannah, Georgia, and managed all operations and maintenance of the golf course.
ED EKIS, PGA
SDGA - Phoenix
Mr. Ekis has been a PGA of America member since 1972. He was the Golf Operations Director for Del Webb Development Company, at Sun City West, Arizona. While there, he was involved in the planning and design of new clubhouse and physical facilities for five properties. Mr. Ekis was instrumental in developing the inventory control system for five independent golf complexes. In addition, he designed and implemented all teaching programs specifically tailored for the senior golfer and the physically challenged. As a golf instructor, Mr. Ekis has taught around the country for the John Jacobs Golf School in addition to his own golf school. Mr. Ekis is currently involved with video/computer aided golf lesson programs that involve the newest and latest trends in teaching.
LEW GACH, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. Gach is a Class A member of the PGA of America and was formerly Head Golf Professional at Brierwood Golf Club in Shallotte, North Carolina and Club Manager at the River Club in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. Mr. Gach was responsible for conducting all Carolinas Section PGA Senior Open events and all PGA Playing Ability Tests in North and South Carolina. He was also Senior Tournament Official for the Carolinas Section PGA and was responsible for all PGA Tour, Nike/Buy.com/Nationwide Tour and Senior PGA Tour Qualifying Tournaments, as well as serving as Rules Official for these events. He also founded the Atlantic Coast Junior Golf Association, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the advancement of competitive junior golf. Mr. Gach is certified as a PGA Tour Rules Official.
RAY HERZOG, PGA
SDGA - Orlando
Mr. Herzog became a member of the PGA of America in 2001. Prior to joining the Academy, he served as the Head Golf Professional at Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club in Haines City, Florida. He also held the assistant professional position at Boone Valley in St. Louis, Missouri. Boone Valley was the site of a Senior PGA Tour event when Mr. Herzog was there. He has extensive training in tournament operations, tournament planning, rules, merchandising, cart fleet management, and teaching. He completed the USGA/PGA rules seminar in 2003. Mr. Herzog is a 1998 graduate from The Golf Academy of the South where he was the class valedictorian. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in Business Administration in 1996.
TODD HOUSER, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. Houser has been a PGA of America member since 1993 and was formerly Head Golf Professional at Belle Terre Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Mr. Houser played the Grapefruit Mini Tour in Montana in the mid-1980’s, with numerous top-10 finishes. During his competitive playing career, he shot course records at Valley View Country Club in Montana and Pawley’s Plantation in South Carolina. In 1988, Mr. Houser placed 10th in the South Carolina Open and 6th in the Myrtle Beach Open. His career as a club professional has taken him from Pawley’s Plantation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he was an Assistant Professional to Black Butte Ranch in Sisters, Oregon, where he was the Golf Operations Manager. He returned to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to assume the position of Head Golf Professional at Sea Gull Golf Course prior to moving to Belle Terre Golf Course. Mr. Houser brings an extensive operational and teaching background to the Academy.
ANDREW KEAFFABER, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. Keaffaber is a Class A PGA Member, from Indiana, who has literally grown up in the golf business. The son of a PGA Professional, he has spent his entire life involved in the game. After earning his B.S. Degree in Marketing from Ball State University in 1991, Mr. Keaffaber entered the golf industry in Orlando, Florida working for Disney’s golf division. During his eight years with Disney, Mr. Keaffaber spent time at each of Disney’s golf properties, assisting in the operation of over a dozen PGA and LPGA Tour events. This experience along with his position at MetroWest Golf Club has given Mr. Keaffaber an extensive background in tournament operations, management, and marketing. His operational experience encompasses private, semi-private, high-end daily fee, and resort golf facilities. Most recently he held the position of Teaching Professional at the Stratton Golf School, Stratton Mountain, Vermont.
BRUCE MARTIN, PGA
PGA Master Professional
SDGA - Orlando
Mr. Martin was elected to membership into the PGA of America in 1996. Prior to joining SDGA, he was a director of instruction and teaching professional at the Ben Sutton Golf School and the Roland Stafford Golf Schools. His 13-year teaching background includes instructional projects and positions in six different countries, giving thousands of lessons to beginners, advanced players, juniors, and handicapped golfers. Mr. Martin has extensive experience in utilizing a variety of computerized swing analysis software systems and is certified on the V1 / Interactive Frontiers coaching system. In 1983, Mr. Martin graduated from Valdosta State University with a B.B.A. in Business Management.
ROY REYNOLDS, PGA
SDGA - Phoenix
Mr. Reynolds has been a member of the PGA of America since 1984. He was formerly the Head Golf Professional at Stoneridge Golf Course, where he also served as Director of Golf. Mr. Reynolds previously held the position of General Manager at Priest Lake Golf Course for three years, where he was active in the initial phase of design and construction for an additional 9 holes. His five and a half years of experience at John Jacobs’ Golf Schools afforded him the opportunity to work with many renowned instructors. Mr. Reynolds was also heavily involved in the management and operations of a Golf Learning Center. He is currently an instructor for PGA educational seminars and has over 25 years in the golf industry. Mr. Reynolds received his B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado.
ANTHONY SABLE, PGA
SDGA - San Diego
Mr. Sable is a Class A PGA Member who comes to SDGA with over 10 years of golf professional experience at public, private, and resort facilities. Originally from Wisconsin, he enjoys travel and has worked in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, and California. Most recently, he was 1st Assistant at Ridge Country Club, the only private country club in the city of Chicago. Prior to working in the golf industry, Mr. Sable had a distinguished 10-year Army and Coast Guard aviation career. He received his B.S. Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in 1985 and also graduated with Honors from the Golf Academy of San Diego in 1999.
MARTYN WOODHOUSE, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. Woodhouse is a European PGA member with 25 years of experience in the golf industry. Prior to joining the Academy, he was the Director of Instruction at Belle Terre Golf Course. An accomplished player, he competed on the European, South Africa Sunshine, and European Challenge Tours. Mr. Woodhouse has held Head Professional positions in England, Germany, and South Carolina and has conducted golf schools in Spain, Portugal, France, and Morocco. As a Head Professional in 1991, he was responsible for developing a new golf club from the ground up; his primary responsibilities included overall marketing, course design, tournament development, and pro shop design, in addition to teaching over 200 brand new golfers. Mr. Woodhouse also learned club repair under two master club makers in England.
TOM WOODY, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. Woody is a Class A member of the PGA of America with over 25 years of experience in the golf industry. Prior to joining the Academy, he was the Director of Golf for Heron Point Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He has been a Head Professional/Director of Golf at four different facilities in his career, with responsibilities including teaching, junior golf, merchandising, and tournament operations. Mr. Woody created the Cincinnati Inner-City Youth Golf Program and recruited a dozen Cincinnati Bengal football players to help with the program. He is an accomplished player, having won the SDIC Championship, and having been selected SDIC All-Conference in his senior year of college. Mr. Woody holds an M.A. and B.S. in Education from Central Michigan University.
SCOTT DEVAUX, PGA
SDGA - Myrtle Beach
Mr. DeVaux is a Class A member of the PGA of America. He began his career as an Assistant Golf Professional at The Legacy Golf Links in Pinehurst, North Carolina, eventually moving to Southern Pines Golf Club, also in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Finding an opportunity for advancement, Scott then moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he assumed the position of 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Arrowhead Country Club. From there, he branched out to become a Golf Instructor at The Tradition Golf School in Pawley's Island, South Carolina, a Golf Digest Top-25 Golf School, before joining the SDGA Myrtle Beach faculty in December 2006. While at the Tradition Golf School, Scott was nominated for the 2006 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year and the 2006 Carolinas PGA Section Junior Golf Leader.
BRIAN SMITH, PGA
SDGA - San Diego
Brian Smith began his golfing career prior to the age of two. He grew up in New Hampshire where he golfed in season and played hockey in the winter. Being fortunate enough to be a junior Member of Nashua CC, he spent his youth involved in the states junior program. Upon graduation from the University of New Hampshire, Brian relocated to sunny San Diego.
After serving as an apprentice at Fairbanks Ranch CC in Rancho Santa Fe, Brian obtained his PGA Class A certification in 1997. An opportunity became available
to instruct at Shadowridge CC in Vista, CA. Brian spent ten years at the Club doing ninety percent of the instruction, coordinating the year round junior golf program, and
directing outside tournaments.
When the opportunity presented itself at SDGA, Brian found it to be the perfect way to give back to the game. Brian is a certified club fitter, and is currently enrolled in the TPI
Certified Golf Fitness Instructor Program. He has two professional victories to his name in San Diego PGA chapter events and now just enjoys playing with the students.
