LIMERICK Pa. (March 25, 2005) – After gaining valuable experience in New Hampshire and Florida, Ryan McDonald has made the move to Pennsylvania to take on one of the most exciting projects to open in the area in some time. McDonald was named head professional at the new Raven's Claw Golf Club, located just off the Sanatoga exit of Route 422 in Limerick.

McDonald spent the last four years splitting the year between Eastman Golf Links in Grantham, New Hampshire in the summer and Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club in Vero Beach each winter. Both courses are ranked among the most prestigious private courses in each state. At Grand Harbor, McDonald served as head of tournament operations.

During his work in New Hampshire McDonald met Raven's Claw designer Ed Shearon, who was doing renovation work at the prestigious Manchester GC. Shearon was impressed with his well-rounded resume, his skill as a teacher and his professional demeanor.

"Ryan was perfect for what we had in mind at Raven's Claw," said Shearon, who will be opening his third course in as many years after achieving a high level of success at his first two designs – RiverWinds GC in West Deptford Township, N.J. and Vineyards Golf at Renault Winery, near Atlantic City. "He has the whole package. He has a very good head for the business, has administrative skills and is an excellent teacher. Most important, he is a people person, which is very critical at a public access golf course."

McDonald grew up in North Reading, Massachusetts and played competitive junior golf. He then attended college at the Golf Academy of the South in Orlando, a school that specializes in the preparation of golf professionals. Despite his New England roots, McDonald found an immediate attraction to the Greater Philadelphia area.

"I liked the area the first time I saw it," said McDonald. "I was fully aware of the work of Shearon Design from their renovation of Manchester CC in New Hampshire. Then I took a trip down here and saw Ed's work at RiverWinds. I was convinced that Raven's Claw was right for me because I liked Ed's work and knew what kind of course this was going to be."

Raven's Claw is set on naturally magnificent 177-acres in Pennsylvania's golf capitol, Montgomery County. The course has the right amount of elevation change, mature hardwood trees and two beautiful streams running throughout it. The course is scheduled to open in late spring.

For more information or photos, contact TL Golf Services at 610-279-9220

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