Management

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Management Team

The Vanguard Golf Management team offers a special blend of golf and financial business experience. The management team provides Vanguard course client’s with an unparalleled synergism. This experience, leadership and expertise is essential to the successful managed-facility objectives.

Vanguard Golf Management partners include Director of Golf, Mark Whetzel, President, Walt Willey and Chief Operations Director, Brandon Howard.

Mark Whetzel is CEO of Vanguard Golf Management Group and has nearly 20 years experience in the golf business including head professional, tournament director and director of instruction.

Mr. Whetzel’s has extensive experience in customer service, human resources, sales and marketing. He currently is the host of a Tip of the Week segment for a local golf TV show and is frequently a guest on a local sports talk radio show. Mr. Whetzel serves on the management committee of many high profile tournaments including Johnny Miller’s Champions Challenge and the Huntsman Cancer Golf Classic. Mr. Whetzel has been recognized as a finalist for the PGA’s Merchandiser of the Year award on numerous occasions. Mr. Whetzel also is a member of the Red Rock Golf Trail and Golf Mesquite Nevada co-op marketing committees.

Walter Willey is co-owner and President of Vanguard Golf Management and has more than twenty five years experience in commercial development, land acquisitions, ranching, business development, and real estate.  Mr. Willey recently was Director of Amenities at Sand Hollow Resort, a Vanguard Managed facility. 

Currently, Mr. Willey is Director of Operations and serves as Tournament Coordinator of Coral Canyon Golf Course, which is owned and operated by Vanguard Golf Management in southern Utah. He also serves as managing member of Big Sky Investment Group in Montana which owns, develops, and manages medical facilities and clinics. 

Mr. Willey served as a Board of Directors for Community Medical Center in Western Montana, as well as the advisory board for the Utah Junior Golf Association. Mr. Willey brings a special blend of business and financial experience to the golf business.  He earned his Business Administration degree with an emphasis in finance and attended Law School.

Brandon Howard is co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of Vanguard Golf Management. Mr. Howard is responsible for driving successful operations at all managed facilities for the company. His duties include quality management, cost containment, profit optimization, process improvement, inventory control, general management, and budget administration. In addition to his operational duties, Mr. Howard also oversees all aspects of human resources for the company.