PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. -- Pawleys Golf & Country Club in Pawleys Island, S.C., has named Riley Kinlaw the new head golf professional. Pawleys Plantation is one of the top golf resorts on the coast. USAToday.com called Pawleys Plantation "one of the snazziest resorts on the Grand Strand," and it is "one of the most underrated resorts in the Southeast" according to Travel + Leisure Golf magazine.
Kinlaw will manage the day-to-day operations of the resort's pro shop and its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, as well as plan all member and guest tournaments. In addition, he will be responsible for coordinating with the golf course superintendent to ensure top-notch course conditions, as well as motivating staff to maintain the high level of customer service that guests of Pawleys Plantation have come to expect.
Before joining Pawleys Plantation, Kinlaw was the head professional at Cardinal Golf and Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. During his tenure, Kinlaw was responsible for managing the golf staff, overseeing all aspects of inventory control, developing merchandising programs, and promoting all club tournaments and activities. Kinlaw taught over 200 group lessons and clinics annually and overlooked the implementation and development of the caddie program.
Kinlaw began his career in 1996 in Greenville, N.C. as an assistant golf professional at Brook Valley Country Club. In 1999, he began working at Cardinal Golf and Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., where he worked as a first assistant professional until 2002. During that time, he operated Country Club Systems, trained an outside staff of 8-15 annually, and helped expand the growth of all junior golf developmental programs. In 2003 he was promoted to head professional.
Kinlaw graduated from Mount Olive College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design. In 2002, he was elected as Class A PGA Member with over 100 hours of continuing education and seminars. Kinlaw has course work in a variety of fields including interpersonal skills, customer relations, tournament operations, food and beverage, and turfgrass management.
"Riley brings an impressive background and a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the golf industry," said Laura Rippy, general manager for Pawleys Plantation. "His commitment to service makes him a good match for Pawleys Plantation. We work hard to exceed guest expectations and Riley's approach to service makes him a nice fit."
About Pawleys Plantation
Pawleys Plantation, a 582-acre resort and golf course community in Pawleys Island, S.C., is nestled among moss-draped oaks, natural wetlands and salt marshes. Bordered on the south by a 600-acre nature preserve, Pawleys Plantation is the South Carolina Lowcountry's finest property offering visitors local catering, beautiful banquets, and an elegant 4,500 square foot ballroom. Pawleys Plantation also offers one of the Grand Strand's premier meeting facilities at its 6,500 square foot conference center.
Conveniently located near a wide variety of cultural and recreational amenities, Pawleys Plantation is approximately one hour from Charleston, S.C., a city well known for its Southern grace and charm; the historic port of Georgetown, S.C., is less than 15 minutes south on U.S. 17. More than 100 golf courses and 1,000 restaurants are in nearby Myrtle Beach.
Pawleys Plantation has been recognized as one of South Carolina's best sites for corporate retreats, private vacations and golf getaways. The nation's top golf publication, Golf Digest applauded Pawleys Plantation's "spacious and private villa accommodations … along with fine clubhouse dining and after-round relaxation in the Palmetto Pub." While Convention South, wrote about meetings on the rise at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club, T+L Golf Magazine rated Pawleys Plantation among the top three places to stay for golf groups.
More information is also available online at www.PawleysPlantation.com or by calling Pawleys Plantation at (800) 367-9959.
