POMONA, N.Y. ( March 20, 2006) -- Empire Golf Management has named new appointees at two of their eight signature golf properties. Edward LaPadula has been named general manager and Sean Callanan head golf professional at Minisceongo Golf Club in Pomona, NY. James Hahn has been named executive chef at Branton Woods Golf Club in Hopewell Junction, NY.
Edward LaPadula brings 19 years of experience in the golf and hospitality industry to his position at Minisceongo Golf Club. In his role as general manager, he is responsible for all facility functions, budget creation and implementation and resource oversight.

Prior to joining Minisceongo, LaPadula spent nine years as general manager for the North Jersey Country Club in Wayne, NJ. He also held management positions at Suburban Golf Club, in Union, NJ, Montammy Golf Club, in Alpine, NJ, Trusthouse Forte Food Services, in New York, NY and American Style Café, in Paramus, NJ. LaPadula began his career in management as a corporate management trainee at Hilton Hotel Corporation in 1986.
LaPadula is a member of New Jersey Club Managers Association, Club Managers Association of America and Cornell Society of Hotelmen. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornell University in 1986.

Sean Callanan has been involved in golf course service, management and education since 1989, including almost 11 years as a golf professional. As the head professional at Minisceongo, he is responsible for directing all golf programming and member services including tournaments and outings, golf shop management, and instructional clinics for adults and juniors.

Prior to his current position, Callanan served as first assistant golf professional at Montammy Golf Club in Alpine, NJ. In that role, he managed the teaching program and organized over 30 tournament events yearly. Callanan also served as the first assistant at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, NJ and the head golf professional at The Pit Golf Links in Pinehurst, NC.

Callanan attained a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University in 1991. He is a Class A-8 PGA Member in good standing and has gone through all checkpoints in the PGA of America Golf Professional Training Program.

James Hahn will serve as the executive chef at the award-winning Branton Woods Golf Club. In this capacity he is responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen, including hiring, training and supervision of chefs and wait staff. Hahn develops the menu and promotes an environment conducive to a luxurious dining experience.

Prior to joining Branton Woods Golf Club, Hahn served as a restaurant chef at Minisceongo Golf Club for three years. He has over 13 years in kitchen experience including duties as a chef, sous chef, saucier, pantry chef, dessert chef and garde manger. Hahn received his culinary education between 1989-90 at Sullivan Community College.

Minisceongo Golf Club, one of Empire Golf Management’s eight courses, is a spectacular private golf club with a touch of history. With Indian artifacts found during construction displayed in the clubhouse, a cemetery dating back to the 1700s and ancient stone water towers, it’s easy to see why this private club keeps members coming back to the unique, yet superb, layout. The stunning clubhouse offers an inviting feel to all members and guests. With the friendly atmosphere and courteous professional staff, Minisceongo prides itself on excellent dining, as well as exquisite banquets, parties and receptions.

Conveniently located in the beautiful lower Hudson River Valley, Branton Woods Golf Club, an Empire Golf Management property, is a course favored by highly skilled players as well as recreational golfers. This par 72 layout, designed by architect and owner of Empire Golf Management, Eric Bergstol, is situated on 300 acres of park-like property that features beautiful naturalized areas, large undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers. Branton Woods is a visually stunning golf experience.

Empire Golf Management – Changing the face of golf in New York and New Jersey. A ten year-old subsidiary of Bergstol Enterprises, Empire Golf Management is responsible for the financing, development, managing, merchandising, and day-to-day supervision of the eight golf clubs within the Empire Golf Management portfolio. With superb layouts and championship course conditions, Empire aims to provide an excellent golf experience to Members and guests alike. Empire’s ‘Club Max USA’ Program offers golfers the experience of being a Member at a variety of courses for the price of one. Empire Golf Management is located in Pomona, NY; (845) 362-9146 (www.empiregolfmanagement.com).

CONTACT:
Barbara Murphy or Tim Reihm
Smith O’Keefe and Associates
800.222.0461 ext. 101 or ext. 114
publicrelations@smithokeefe.com