Wiltwyck hires head pro, course superintendent
Wiltwyck Golf Club announced the hiring of a new head golf professional and golf course superintendent.
KINGSTON, N.Y. » Wiltwyck Golf Club, already gearing up for the 2018 season after it was recently sold, announced the hiring of a new head golf professional and golf course superintendent.
The new head pro is Luke B. Burbach, who officially begins work Feb. 5. Jason Nalepa, who has been involved with Wiltwyck since 2000, was promoted to course superintendent.
Burbach, an assistant pro and lead merchandiser at the Crown Colony Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida, was chosen after an extensive search which included interviews with pros throughout the northeast and locally.
“We are pleased to welcome Luke to Wiltwyck and we know that he will be instrumental to teaching the game to our members and guest, directing pro shop operations and overseeing golf tournaments and leagues,” said Rich Croce, chairman of the Search Committee, in a statement.
“Finding the right head golf pro who meshes with the character of Wiltwyck and the community was a challenging task,” added Croce, “especially when so many details need to come together to make things work. Luke is a solid choice and we look forward to our members and guests and the greater community getting to know him.”
Burbach replaces Chad Maes, who was head pro for seven years. Maes has taken a position at Winding Brook Country Club in Valatie.
Burbach becomes the 10th head pro in Wiltwyck’s 86-year history.
Wiltwyck appeared to be permanently closing at the end of last
season, but a group of 11 investors purchased the club in December.
“My wife and I are excited to make the move to Kingston and join the Wiltwyck team,” Burbach said. “Although we have only spent a few days in the area, it’s already feeling like it is going to be a great community to be part of. We both look forward to immersing ourselves in the community and embracing the Hudson Valley lifestyle.
“The decision to join Wiltwyck was an easy one. I was immediately attracted to the sense of pride that the community the ownership team have in Wiltwyck. Whether it is through helping the local high school golf teams or
providing scholarships to deserving students, Wiltwyck has always focused on supporting the community.
“These commitments, as well as many other great aspects, set Wiltwyck apart.”
Burbach graduated Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s degree in PGA management.
Nalepa began as a golf course assistant in 2000, became second assistant in ’05 and moved up to first assistant in ’14, allowing him to work directly with the superintendent.
Nalepa was responsible for properly closing down the course for the winter last month, laying down all the winter greens covers and making final chemical applications before the end of the year.
He replaced Ben Babbage, who stepped down for personal reasons.