The golf course at Golden Ocala is just weeks away from reopening after more than 90 days of renovations! The new bunkers are in good shape, new tees are in place and the greens are growing. And it’s that growth that will fit nicely with our expanding staff of golf professionals.

Members and guests, please welcome C.J. Kelly, Taylor Fulbright and Ashton Warner! This trio of fairway enthusiasts comes to us with unique passions for the game as well as tailored teaching philosophies — further inspired by Director of Golf Ryan Gray’s impact-driven instruction and game-plan motivation. And this fall, you’ll have the pleasure of getting to know them, just as they’ll have the distinct privilege of working with and helping you. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

C.J. Kelly: Laying the Groundwork

For C.J., golf is all about the fundamentals of a swing and the mental approach you take to the course. It’s pretty simple — the more he understands how a student processes information during a lesson, the further he can help that student optimize results and achieve lower scores. This individual-goal-based instruction is linked to his end goals of game growth, facility improvement and long-lasting relationships.

C.J. is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Beaufort where he launched his two-sport athletic career. He moved to Horse Country four years ago to pursue a golf professional position at Adena Golf & Country Club. Now, C.J. is working toward his Class A PGA Certification.

Taylor Fulbright: Swing Mechanics

For Taylor, it’s all about helping players understand their swing and tendencies as well as applying those elements to personal goals. When they understand the cause and effect of particular motor patterns throughout their golf swing, players can be efficient and effective during practices, he finds.

Taylor started playing golf — and, ironically, riding horses — in a small town in Georgia at age 10. This ultimately led to Assistant Golf Professional positions at Isleworth Golf & Country Club in Windemere and The Bronze Buffalo Club in Wyoming. After two years right outside of Jackson Hole, Taylor moved back to Florida to work as a 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Melbourne’s Suntree Country Club. Now, he’s earning a TPI Fitness Certification and continuing his PGA education.

Ashton Warner: Focusing on Results

For Ashton, it’s not enough to tell players what they are doing wrong. Rather, it comes down to explaining why the right way is in fact right and breaking down the results that follow. The key? To emphasize positives, while striving for improvement in weaker areas.

Ashton’s work in the golf industry dates back to high school when he took on a cart attendant position at Pine Oaks Golf Course. But his true desire for a golf career came during his days as a player’s assistant at TPC Sawgrass. And it wasn’t until Ashton filled an opening for a cart attendant right here at Golden Ocala that we discovered how much potential he possesses. Right now, he’s gearing that very potential toward obtaining a certification through the PGA of America.

Ready to meet the new crew? Schedule 30-minute or one-hour lessons as well as five one-hour lesson packages for both juniors and adults — (352) 402-4345.