David Coates, PGA Head Golf Professional
Dave Coates’s career has spanned more than twenty-five years and has taken him to many magnificent places, including those that could be described as “classics.” In those twenty-five years, Dave has had the unique opportunity to work at clubs with diverse styles including a truly mammoth operation at Baltusrol Golf Club, a fast-paced program at Essex County Country Club, and more traditional, family-focused atmospheres at St. David’s Golf Club, Centre Hills Country Club, and Williamsport Country Club.
Members and guests will see him as approachable, gentle, professional, and with a high level of integrity both on and off the course. Over the past twenty-five years, Dave has learned that the golf professional role is really the ambassador of the club. In Dave’s opinion, to serve as the golf ambassador, you need to be a great recruiter of talent, clearly and concisely communicate to the membership and fellow staff alike, be available and engaging to all member demographics, and set a standard of professional excellence in all facets of the golf operation.
In recent years, he has refined his leadership skills at Augusta National Golf Club in his role as Drive Skill Facilitator for the National Drive, Chip, and Putt Contest, along with the position of Putting Experience Coordinator at Berckman’s Place during The Masters Tournament. JJ Weaver, Head Professional at Augusta National and friend, uses the term “military precision” each year when he discusses the Drive, Chip, and Putt in order to deliver a great experience for the participants and the television entities. Dave has learned so much during his years at Augusta National and he quite often applied those learned experiences to my own golf operation.
“Core Values” such as honesty and integrity, continuous improvement, teamwork, attention to detail, unparalleled service, innovation and creativity, and respecting the traditions of the game will be your experience on a day to day at Williamsport C.C.
A great teaching program is the result of passionate, competent staff with exceptional programming centered on a holistic game improvement platform. This platform encompasses instruction, club-fitting, fitness, and even a little bit of game management through sports psychology.
In closing, he believes that with his hands-on approach to leadership, excellent discernment skills, a team-first mentality, and his commitment to fostering a warm, welcoming, and professional atmosphere, Dave and his team will exceed expectations from the moment you arrive at Williamsport C.C. to the time you leave.
Peter Anastos, PGA Associate Assistant Golf Professional
Peter Anastos is an Assistant Golf Professional at Williamsport CC, who is currently enrolled into the PGA Professional Golf Management Program, where he is working on obtaining his Class A professional certification. This is his 3rd full season here at WCC where he plans to further his progression as a golf professional. Peter is from Lock Haven, PA and grew up working in his family’s restaurant the Texas Restaurant. Prior to transitioning into the golf industry he attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island where he received a B.S. in food service management, and an A.S. in culinary arts. He has been involved in the hospitality industry for close to a decade, working at some of the best restaurants in the northeast. He intends to utilize his experience in customer service, management, and organization to assist the head professional in any way possible. Peter’s goal is to receive his Class A certification and then hopefully combine his knowledge of food and golf to help facilitate the full operation of the restaurant and golf course.
Cole Young, PGA Associate Assistant Golf Professional
Cole Young is currently working toward his Class A Certification through the PGA of America. Cole has been a Golf Professional for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience in the Golf Industry. Originally from the Lehigh Valley, Cole began his career in the golf industry working at Southmoore Golf Club in Bath, PA. After six years at a public facility, Cole transitioned to the private club business. Since leaving Southmoore, Cole has worked for a few excellent private clubs including; Woodstone Country Club, Greenville Country Club in South Carolina, and most recently at Wilmington Country Club in Delaware. Throughout Cole’s career he has been responsible for coordinating and running Men’s & Women’s Golf events, growing Junior Golf Programs, vendor relations, club fittings, group clinics & individual lessons, and much more. Cole is very excited to bring his experience to Williamsport and be an important part of the golf operation.