Meet Your 2020-21 Golf Team

The 2020-2021 season is an exciting one for the ORC Golf Team, and not just due to the anticipation of the new Clubhouse in the next year. This season has proved to be an opportunity for many on the Golf Team to take an exciting next step in their career at Ocean Reef.

Mike Leone, who was recently promoted to ORC Director of Golf, says the golf program at The Reef is designed to prepare its associates for the next position, whether it be at Ocean Reef or another club.

“I started my career at Ocean Reef in outside service,” said Leone. “I was promoted inside and worked my way up positions to my current role as Director of Golf. That is exactly what the program is meant to do. It helps golfers increase their responsibility each season with the goal of getting up to Head Pro, Director and more. You never know when it could be your shot. We are always readying our associates for a new role in preparation for when someone moves on in their career.”

The current make-up of Leone’s team includes a new Outside Operations Manager, Cody Hamrock, who has 11 seasonal associates under his wing. Inside, there are three full-time professionals and four additional seasonal assistant professionals who have all worked their way in from outside operations over the years. There are also three Academy of Golf teaching professionals, which includes Director of Instruction Derek Swoboda and our new seasonal professional, Stefanie Shaw.

As season begins and Members return to The Reef, we wanted to highlight a few returning professionals, as well as some new faces that you’ll be seeing around the Golf Operations this season.

For information on hours of operation, offerings and golf lessons, contact the Golf Shop at 305-367-5912 or the Academy of Golf at 305-367-2611, ext. 2298.

	Ben Claus Head Golf Professional Ben Claus is originally from South Berwick, Maine. He graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2016 with a degree in Business Management and his Class A PGA certification. Ben worked at Weston Golf Club following graduation and came to Ocean Reef that fall. Following his first season at Ocean Reef Club, Ben moved to Boston Golf Club where he served as the lead Assistant Golf Professional. He also completed a season at Ridgewood Country Club prior to being appointed as the Head Golf Professional at Ocean Reef this season. This is Ben’s fifth season with the Club.
	Zach Haynes First Assistant Golf Professional Zach Haynes is an aspiring PGA professional born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up around the game of golf and played at a high level at the University of Tennessee at Martin. After graduating college, he began his career in the golf industry at Whistling Straits. Zach finished four seasons at Whistling Straits and now is excited for his third season here at Ocean Reef Club, his first as the First Assistant Golf Professional.
	Stefanie Shaw PGA Teaching Professional Stefanie Shaw, Ocean Reef’s newest PGA Teaching Professional, is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She played Division 2 golf at Florida Southern College and has previously held positions at Diamond Creek in Banner Elk, NC, Scarsdale Golf Club, Scarsdale, NY, and the Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton, FL. Currently, Stefanie spends her summers at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, NY.
	Cody Hamrock Outside Operations Manager Cody Hamrock grew up in Indiana and played many sports as a kid, but golf was always his favorite. Cody has sharpened his skills in the golf business by working at private clubs like Lost Tree Club, Hamilton Farm Golf Club and most recently Adios Golf Club. This is his first season at Ocean Reef Club. Cody looks forward to getting to know the Membership and providing the level of service that is expected at Ocean Reef.
	Dave Vihlen PGA Teaching Professional Dave Vihlen has taught golf at Ocean Reef for over 25 years. He is a true native, having lived his entire life in Florida. The only thing Dave has been doing longer than playing golf is raising avocados. Although he has been teaching the game of golf over 40 years, he never loses interest and is always learning.