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The business of golf and travel is a fascinating one and involves a lot of interesting individuals.  This section of GoGolfandTravel.com is intended to showcase people who have or continue to influence the quality and changes in golfing and travelings.  We hope you will enjoy discovering more facts and little know information about our selection of people featured in this section.

If you have a story to tell about someone who you feel has made a difference in your traveling experiences, please let us know by writing to: info@gogolfandtravel.com.  Tell us about this person, send us a digital photo and how we can reach the individual for additional information.

Here is a list of people featured thus far:

Rick Mattox, Head Professional, PGA, King and Prince Golf Club
St. Simons Island, GA...Recently, GoGolfandTravel.com had the opportunity to meet Rick Mattox, general manager and head professional of the King and Prince Golf Course on St. Simons Island. He is truly a gracious gentleman and a blessing to the game of golf.

In 2011, the Georgia Section of the PGA honored Mattox with the Bill Strasbaugh Award. This is the highest honor bestowed on a golf professional in the State for showing outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals and who have made a significant impact on the careers of others. In presenting this award to Mattox, the PGA stated that he is one of America’s most respected golfers, leading their club for nearly 23 years. (Read More...)

Ron McPherson, CEO Antiqua Group, Inc.
Scottsdale, AZ - Ron McPherson, a former state amateur champion who is now the president and CEO of the Antigua Group Inc., based in Peoria, will be inducted into the Arizona Hall of Fame on November 21, 2011 at Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale after the completion of a pro-am scramble tournament. McPherson has been involved with golf on various levels, began playing very young and became a proficient amateur player.

McPherson, who was born in Montana and grew up in Wyoming, literally worked his way from the bottom to the top of Antigua, where he was the very first hire (sales manager) in 1979 of a company then called Eagle Golf. From humble beginnings in a Scottsdale warehouse with one embroidery machine, Antigua has grown into one of the nation's leading brands in lifestyle apparel and accessories. (Read More...)

Kurt Thompson, Golf Director, Linville Ridge, NC
When Kurt Thompson was playing professional baseball, he had no idea that he would end up in the golf business, let alone be associated with  prestigious golf courses, teach celebrities, and play with some of the game’s best players.

His entry into the golf world came in a roundabout fashion that saw the transformation of an unknown hacker, who had played golf only a few times, to the popular Golf Director at one of the country’s finest clubs:  Linville Ridge.

“I never dreamed of being a golf professional,” Thompson admits.  “I was into baseball big time, and if that failed I would turn to a career in the business world.  I had no experience in golf, hadn’t played it in high school or college, and knew little about the game.”

But all that changed. (Read More...)

Bob Kletcke, Augusta National and Grandfather Golf and Country Club Head Professional, Ret.
LINVILLE—Bob Kletcke can’t remember when he wasn’t involved with the game of golf.

The retired Augusta National and Grandfather Golf and Country Club head professional, spends his summers at Grandfather, was introduced to the game at an early age.

“From the time I was three, I was always with my father when he played in golf tournaments in the Chicago area,” Kletcke explained. Known in the Windy City as “the Golfing Fireman,” Eddie Kletcke won the Chicago amateur championship in 1941, the Cook County Amateur in 1946,1947 and 1948, and once qualified for the US Open. (Read More...)

Bill Hall, Golf Director, Charlotte Country Club
CHARLOTTE—Bill Hall first picked up a golf club when he was 13, liked what he had discovered, and began thinking of a career in the game he loved, giving up his high school baseball and football career in the process.

His dream came true, and during the past 30 years  he has established a colorful and distinguished reputation as one of golf’s tops club professionals. (Read More...)

Josh Smith, Superintendent, Elk River Golf Club
BANNER ELK, NC—Each morning at 6am from April through October, Josh Smith parks his motorcycle, fastens a two-way radio and a cell phone to his belt, jumps in a golf cart and heads to his workplace, a 125- acre garden spot of lush green grass surrounded by stately trees and beautiful wildflowers. (Read More...)

Woody Allen - Charlotte, NC...Woody Allen is the Director of Golf at the Golf Club at Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge. On most days he looks the part, wearing a golf shirt with a Ballantyne logo and a freshly pressed pair of slacks. He’s tall, lean, has an athletic build and can often be seen sneaking in a practice swing with an imaginary club. (Read More...)

Cecil Brandon - "Mr. Myrtle Beach Golf"
Cecil Brandon is just another guy on Main Street in Blowing Rock as he stops to chat with local merchants, mails a package at the post office, and grabs a quick lunch at Knight’s restaurant. (Read More...)

Oliver Peacock - Banner Elk, NC
Oliver Peacock’s occupation could only be described as a labor of love. During the season he is on the job from ten to twelve hour days a day seven days a week. The rest of the year—when the club is closed—he is busy with paper work, golf shop buying, trade shows, personnel matters, and a variety of administrative chores. (Read More...)