🍂 Fallin' For Golf in Florida 🍂
Autumn is something that Gary Shea, PGA, Head Golf Professional at The Club at Olde Cypress knows well. Originally from Massachusetts, Gary traded fall foliage and snowy winters for sunshine and year-round golfability in 2009 when he moved to Naples. We won't hold it against him that he's still "an avid Boston sports fan" 😉.
To give everyone the opportunity to get to know Gary better, we asked him to share his perspectives on all things golf. Hopefully you get a chance to say "hello" in person soon!
What sparked your passion for golf and what keeps it fueled?
I enjoyed playing sports as a kid and my passion for golf was sparked in high school. I recognized during my junior year that it's a game that can be played in all stages of life.
Golf is very much still a passion for me today. Teaching others (young and not-as-young!) keeps me fired up. I love helping students achieve their own definition of a good golf score and accomplish their goals on the course. I like to keep my competitive drive going during the off-season by competing in tournaments with my fellow South Florida golf pros.
What does your typical week at Olde Cypress look like?
Every day really is different! I usually get to the club around 7:30am, and I'm on the putting green by 8:00am to greet members before their rounds. I drive around the course at least once a day to check on the pace of play and say hi to everyone.
We host a tournament or league every week throughout the season so I'm often running an event or helping out with one. I have a blast working with the 9 Hole Ladies League! Every Tuesday afternoon, the ladies play nine and come in for cocktails. It's so much fun to greet them when they come off the course and go over the day's golf scorecards.
* We're brewing up a festive Fall get together this month. Swing by the Oktoberfest Golf Mixer on October 20! *
Do you think there are any underrated elements of the Olde Cypress course?
I wouldn't say that there are any underrated elements of the golf course at Olde Cypress. Our Pete Dye golf course is challenging and every hole is memorable.
I do feel that the course is unique for the area because there are a few elevation changes that are not commonly seen in Florida. We also have a par 3 with an island green in the middle of the woods!
How does being in Naples influence your work?
Since golf courses in Naples FL are so seasonal, we are influenced by the time of year. During the season, days move fast! Everyone on the team has a packed schedule - teaching, running events, checking in at the pro shop, etc. - so I always try to approach each day with a positive attitude.
During the off-season, we still entertain members with one or two events each month. This helps our team stay sharp and keeps everyone connected. I appreciate the ability to refresh and plan for the upcoming season during this time.
Is there a piece of wisdom gained in your role that you can share?
The most important wisdom I've gained in this role is that communication is key! I've found that the two most important types of communication are "how?" and "what?" How we communicate with each other and with our members is crucial. I believe that how you approach a conversation or delegate a task can allow you to gain trust and respect. Communicating the "what" about upcoming events and details ensures that everyone stays in the loop and keeps things running smoothly.
* Speaking of events: We hope to see everyone at our Halloween Party on October 29! *