Golf Direction Under Ryan Gray … 60+ Days Later  

Ryan Gray may have been hired as the Director of Golf just over 60 days ago, but his implementation of an extensive list of new programs suggests otherwise. Maybe it is his 12 years of experience as a golf professional, his degree in Golf Complex Operations from the Golf Academy of America or his self-inspired goal to create a golf experience unlike that at any other golf facility in the U.S. that has made him Golden Ocala’s designated mover and shaker. But whatever the reason, it is working!

Player Development & Golf Tournaments

A free monthly golf clinic, Wednesday ladies clinics and on-course instructional programs are just a few of the golf-related activities that members can get in on, thanks to Ryan. Then, there are Saturday socials, designed for female athletes to receive golf instruction, followed by music and wine sampling. Themes range from Pitch & Wine, to Putt & Pour, to Troubles & Bubbles. Together, 9- and 18-hole groups can have fun and compete, as well as earn long-term recognition and take a stab at chip-ins, birdies and much more.

Other exclusive events include:

• Junior Clinics
• North Florida PGA Pro-Scratch Championship
• Florida State Golf Association Match Play Championship
• Ladies Nine-Hole Club Championship
• Senior Club Championship
• Mixed Club Championship
• Super Senior Club Championship
• Junior Club Championship
• One-Day Member-Guest
• Inter-Club Matches
• Wine-Down Wednesdays
• 19-Hole Shootout
• Par 3 Tournament
• Black & Blue (Black Friday Tough Day)
• Tournament of Champions

Some upcoming events that you want to save the date for are a three-hour short game school by PGA Tour veteran, Larry Rinker, on Saturday, February 3^rd, as well as a PGA Tour fitting experience by True Specs. From Thursday, March 1^st, through Sunday, March 4^th, members of Golden Ocala can try out clubs and shafts before securing data from every shot. And who knows? Maybe by March 5^th, they will take their experience to the next level with a hole in one!

Directing Style

Just as Ryan achieved four tournament victories as a PGA professional in Philadelphia and North Florida, so is he taking his role to the top in Horse Country. With the attitude of a coach, he strategizes tasks with his staff via daily lists that include job priorities and delegation.

“I have an open door and will always help my staff reach their goals,” he said. “The most effective way that I learned as a golf professional was by putting myself out there. Sometimes, I made mistakes, but I always learned from them.”

Speaking of putting himself out there, Ryan has made a huge change to the golf program in the form of golf club sales. Today, members have the luxury of checking out demo equipment, such as Cleveland, Titleist, Scotty Cameron and Srixon, on designated Demo Days. This movement perfectly fits into Ryan’s mission of an unforgettable, first-class golf experience at Golden Ocala.

“That means playing golf with members and guests, and driving around the golf course to see how they are, as well as going above and beyond to ensure that the green is their go-to happy place,” he added.

Additional T.L.C

While driving around the golf course, Ryan has also taken note of additional changes that can afford to be made at Golden Ocala. For example, evolving programs should be frequently communicated to interested parties, which starts with the staff and transitions to the consumers. In order for this process to take place, Ryan holds every staff member accountable for their actions and gets his team in the habit of maintaining the correct amount of merchandise and staying abreast of the latest golf trends.

“Everything we do at Golden Ocala refers back to communication — the key to our success and our members’ happiness,” he said.

If you agree with Ryan’s policies and procedures, or have recommendations for the growing golf program/course, do not hesitate to let him know: ryan.gray@goldenocala.com. As long as he is not practicing his putt, he will send you a reply quicker than you can drive a golf ball!