Lou Miller-President

Old Edwards Club President Lou Miller combines his extensive golf course administration and management experience to create the vision that was set forth for Old Edwards Club. His lengthy and impressive resume includes positions ranging from Assistant Golf Professional, Project Manager and Owner. His name is linked with many golf course construction projects, including designs by Tom Fazio, Pete Dye and Rees Jones. This blending of achievements provides for a seamless and natural Old Edwards Club Team Leader.

Lou began his career receiving a B.S. degree in Education from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga. He then continued his studies in The Executive Program at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. After four years coaching high school football with Art William he accepted an Assistant Golf Professional’s position at Glen Arven Country Club in Thomasville, Ga. In 1970 Miller then moved into the Assistant Golf Professional’s position at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, NJ. Miller’s next move was to The Everglade Club in Palm Beach, Fl. where he worked as a teaching professional. In 1972 he became the Director of Golf at Johns Island Club in Vero Beach, Fl. where he remained until 1976. He then accepted the Vice President/Director of Golf position at the prestigious Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC where he proudly served until 1981. In 1985 he became a partner at H.M.S. Golf Management & Development in Atlanta, Ga. serving in this position until 2000. Most recently he was a managing partner of The University Club in Blythewood, SC until 2005.

Miller’s copious accolades include being named the National Private Club Professional of the Year (1979), serving on numerous National panels including Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses, South Carolina Magazine Top 50 Golf Courses and South Carolina Golf Association, Junior Golf Foundation. His experience overseeing tournaments include serving as the Tournament Director of PGA Tour World Open Championship (1976-1980), Tournament Director of World Amateur Team Championship and Tournament Director for Men and Women’s North/South Championship. Miller is the Founder of The University Club Academy of Golf, Founder of the Golf Advantage Teaching School (Pinehurst Resort) and Director of 5 PGA Tour Qualifying Schools (Pinehurst Resort).

Along with his broad paper resume comes a relaxed and kindhearted demeanor. This outlook, coupled with his love for all things golf combine to make him the perfect fit for Old Edward’s Club leadership.

Notably, Miller attributes all of his life’s successes to his wife Kay, his three children Shannon, Cory and Brent and his beautiful granddaughters Charlotte and Porter. Miller and his wife Kay reside in Highlands Cove while also maintaining a home in Hilton Head, SC.

Jerry West-Director of Operations

Jerry’s love for golf can be traced back to childhood where you could find him often from early in the morning until the sun went down playing and immersing himself in the natural beauty of a golf course. “There is no better time of day than late in the evening to feel and sense the needs of a golf course” responds West when asked about his late hours on the job.

Professionally West’s career started at Cypress Bay Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, SC. He worked there before and after classes while attending Horry-Georgetown Technical College in pursuit of his recreational grounds management degree. After a year of school and work there West knew that warm season golf was not where he wanted to be and quickly transferred to Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC where he graduated in 1994 with a Recreational Grounds Management Degree. While attending school he completed an internship at Cullasaja Club in Highlands, NC. Prior to graduation in June of 1994 he accepted the 2nd Assistant Golf Course Superintendents position at Highlands Country Club in Highlands, NC. He remained there until January of 2000 working his way into the assistant’s position in 1997. West states “I will carry the knowledge gained while working at Highlands Country Club with me throughout my life”. In February of 2000 he accepted the Golf Course Superintendent’s position at Highlands Cove Golf Course in Highlands, NC. West completed the grow in of Highlands Cove and opened the golf course for play in June of the same year. He remained in this position for 3 years until he was approached about becoming the Director of Operations for the entire Highlands Cove development, he agreed stating, “I will only accept this position if I can maintain my involvement and continue to guide the progression of the golf course”. West remained in this position until September of 2008 when the golf course was purchased by the Old Edwards Hospitality Group. Currently Jerry is overseeing the renovation projects and will continue employment for both groups as the Director of Operations. West states, “I have never been more excited about what’s in store for Old Edwards Club and Highlands Cove. We have an owner and a team that is totally committed to the success of our club and its members. When you couple this support with what is already completed in Highlands at the Inn and Spa you have the makings of an unparalleled club”.

West currently lives in the Pine Creek community near Lake Glenville with his wife Margaret. West gives Margaret all the credit for being so flexible and understanding when it comes to his work load. “She is so patient and tolerant, and her work ethic mirrors mine completely so at the end of the day there is a special balance obtained” smiles West. Both Jerry and Margaret are natives of Western North Carolina and feel extremely blessed to live and work in what they believe is God’s country.

George Mason-Golf Superintendent

George Mason comes to us from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. George began his career working on golf courses in high school, where he was a summertime employee in the golf maintenance department at the Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster. After high school George enrolled in the golf course management program at The Pennsylvania State University. While in college he had an opportunity to do an internship at the Merit Club in Libertyville IL The hands on experience he learned there taught him a lot about the industry standards. Upon Graduation from Penn State George accepted the assistant golf course superintendent’s position at Highlands Cove. He was promoted to the head superintendent’s position in the fall of 2006 and relished in the work of maintaining such a beautiful golf course.

George considers himself very blessed to be living in and working in a community like the Highlands-Cashiers plateau, where there is so much enthusiasm for the game of golf and where a premium is put on maintaining golf courses to a very high standard.

Jordan Kenter-Golf Professional

Kenter comes to the Old Edwards Club from Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club in Cashiers, NC where he helped launch the golf club in 2006 and then went on to become Head Golf Professional there.

Before working for Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club in Cashiers, Kenter attained his Class-A PGA membership and started a junior golf program at CordeValle Golf Club in the Silicon Valley, and successfully managed a full tournament schedule. Kenter also worked at Iron Horse Golf Club in Whitefish, Montana and The Vaquero Club outside of Dallas, Texas. Last winter he became one of only fourteen PGA pro¬fessionals in North Carolina to be a certified as an instructor.

Jordan and Debbie, his wife of six years, live in Sapphire and are expecting their first child this spring. We are very pleased with Jordan’s experience in providing outstanding service to members and guests, and we are thrilled to welcome Jordan and his family to the Old Edwards Club.

Christopher Wright-First Assistant Golf Professional

Christopher Wright will join the Old Edwards Club staff as the First Assistant Golf Professional. The enthusiasm and passion for the game of golf that Chris brings will make him an invaluable addition to the Club. Chris moved to the area in 2008 to work at nearby Wildcat Cliffs Country Club as Second Assistant Golf Professional. Prior to this Chris began his career in the golf industry at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, TX.

“I’ve been visiting the Highlands area all my life, so I am extremely excited to have an opportunity to work here with such a great and accomplished team” says Chris.

Chris grew up playing golf in Dallas and attended Furman University in Greenville, SC where he graduated in 2007 with a Business Administration degree. Chris is currently engaged to be married to his longtime girlfriend and Old Edwards employee Taylor Bell, also from Dallas. After family and golf, Chris’ biggest passion is rooting for the Dallas Cowboys.

Bridget Henson-Membership Coordinator

Bridget graduated from Western Carolina University in 1996 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Marketing. Bridget began her working career accepting a position at Highlands Cove Golf Club where she watched the newly planned golf course community develop from paper to reality. During her initial time here she served as the accounts coordinator and administrative assistant. After two years she accepted a position with a local real estate company working in the marketing department. She enjoyed her time designing brochures and advertisements but left after two years to return to her position at Highlands Cove. She has been an integral part of the Highlands Cove development so it only seems natural that she remained when Old Edwards Club was formed.

Her experiences throughout the years have taught her a lot in the way of public service and she not only enjoys the administrative end of her job but also the formation of relationships with members.

Bridget and her husband Brandon live in Cashiers with their two children Samantha and Ethan.

Alison Sentell-Merchandise Manager

Alison Sentell comes to the Old Edwards Club as our Merchandise Manger. Alison will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position from her seven years in the business. Prior to coming up to the mountains, Alison was the Merchandise Manager at Long Cove Club in Hilton Head, SC for four years. Alison has also lived and worked in the same capacity for several clubs in the Naples, FL area including Bay Colony Golf Club and Kensington Country Club. She has been a member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers for the past five years as well, and feels confident that her prior experience will serve her well here.

“The opportunity to create an experience in the Golf Shop that will be on par with the outstanding service, products and amenities available at the Old Edwards Inn is a challenge that I’m looking forward to embracing” says Sentell.

Mrs. Sentell is originally from Hazard, Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles. Alison has been married for two years to Brook Sentell who now works at Highlands Country Club. Alison is looking forward to a wonderful first season with Old Edwards Club.
 

Michael Scott-Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Mike is a Jackson County native, currently living in Sylva. Scott graduated from the Berea College in the spring of 2007 with a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management. Before joining the staff at Old Edwards Club, he was the Supervisor of Roads and Property Owners Association at Chinquapin. Before he was with Chinquapin, Mike was employed as a crew foreman for Outlet Cape Fisheries in Kodiak, AK. In his free time he enjoys fishing and hunting along with other outdoor activities.