by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
History can and often does repeat itself. Todd McDonald, who discovered the golf business on Amelia Island 14 years ago, returns there this month as head pro at the new Amelia National Golf Club, which is scheduled to open January 28.
While working his way through college at Florida State waiting tables, McDonald discovered he loved working with people and wanted a career that would include customer service. After graduating, he interviewed at the Golf Club of Amelia in 1991 and was hired as a cart assistant. Later that year, he got a full-time job in the pro shop and soon realized he had found his calling. He wanted to be a golf professional.
After five years as an assistant pro at Amelia, McDonald headed north to Atlanta’s Hamilton Mill and spent a year-and-a-half as an assistant before taking over as head pro.
In 1998, he decided it was time to return to North Florida and got a job as an assistant at Deercreek, then was named head pro in 1999.
When Amelia National General Manager Andy Crowe started looking for a pro for the new Tom Fazio design, he remembered McDonald, since he had hired him at Deercreek.
“We knew what we were looking for,” said Crowe. “We had a short list of candidates who we thought would be a good fit.
“We’re very happy with what Todd brings to the table. He has extensive private club management experience and has been active on the PGA board. Todd is well networked among the golf community and already knows the area.”
Crowe added that McDonald being named Club Corporation of America’s “Superstar of the Year” in 2004 was also a plus.
McDonald said leaving Deercreek was “one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” then added that it’s exciting to be the first head pro at a club.
“I’ve got a lot of irons in the fire just to get the course ready,” he said. “Starting from scratch was one of the things that enticed me.
“I’m getting to do things I’ve never done before like stocking the pro shop and setting up credit card systems. I’m involved with everything from yardage markers to bag stands to ball washers.”
McDonald said another thing that helped him decide to move to Amelia National was the course.
“Tom Fazio is one of the top designers,” he said. “He builds a good course and really pays attention to things like irrigation and drainage. Those are things that can really cost you down the road if it isn’t done right.
“I love the game, but I don’t get to play as much as I used to now that I’m in the management side of the business. When I started as a pro, things were different. You’d get in first thing in the morning and greet the members and hang out with them.
“These days, corporations own golf clubs and they want up-to-the-minute financial information. Owners used to care mostly about revenues, but now you have to figure out how you’re going to finance improvements.
He knows that the marketplace is tough.
“Competition for members has gotten fierce in this area,” he said. “The way to stand out is to deliver a superior product at the best price. Since we’re running a business, I’ll be in the office first thing in the morning managing day-to-day operations and working on rounds and revenue reports and expense analysis, in addition to marketing Amelia National to homeowners.”