Our Professional Golf Staff

Meet our Team on the Greens

Our team of golf professionals have played with and worked with some of the best in the game—and have earned awards and accolades in their own right. From beginners young and old to seasoned players, our team will work with you to provide insight and education to refine and improve your game.

Jim Howard, PGA - Director of Golf

Jim is a member of the PGA of America. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Florida, Jim graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. With his wife of 36 years, Karin, Jim has two adult daughters. In his spare time, Jim enjoys spending time with his family and following the Gators in any sport they happen to be playing.

Jay Reister - Director of Course and Grounds

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s Golf Course and Grounds Superintendent directs a staff of more than 40 landscape professionals to ensure our two golf courses are maintained to the highest standards year round. Additionally, he oversees the manicuring and beautification of not only the Inn’s 300 acres but also the 10 acres featured at the neighboring Lodge & Club. A Ponte Vedra Beach native, his extensive golf course management career spans more than twenty-five years, the past sixteen at The Inn & Club. The Northern Chapter of the North Florida Section, PGA of America has recognized Jay as the 2014 Golf Course Superintendent of the Year. He was selected from superintendents throughout north Florida in recognition of his contributions to golf course conditions, labor and budget management and service to golf clientele.

Bob Wallace, PGA - First Assistant Golf Professional

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Bob has spent the majority of his golf professional career in the Mid-Atlantic area. Bob was a member of the golf team at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and turned Professional in 1997. Bob’s passion for the game includes playing competitively as well as teaching and coaching. Elected to the PGA of America in 2009, Bob is an accomplished player and instructor and is recognized as a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level II Certified Golf Fitness instructor and a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach. Bob and his wife Diana relocated to Ponte Vedra Beach in 2012 as part of their “quality of life” move, and has been a member of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Professional Staff since 2017.

David Nordeen, PGA - Assistant Professional

A Richfield, Minnesota native, Nordeen has immersed himself in his favorite sport and career since early on. He was captain of the University of Minnesota golf team, then became the teaching pro at Rich Acres Golf Club. After a stint at Brackett’s Crossing in Lakeville, Minnesota, he stepped into a position as an Assistant Pro at the Minneapolis Golf Club before joining the Somerby staff as The Head Golf Professional/Director of Golf. His credentials are highlighted by two State Amateur Championships and a State Pub Links Amateur Championship, as well as professional major state wins at the 1994 Tapemark Charity Pro-Am, the 1998 Minnesota Section PGA Championship, 2002 Section Club Professionals Championship and the 2014 Senior Match Play Championship. He is blessed to have his wife Terri of 25 years and son Noah—a senior at Iowa State University. Hobbies include: sports in general, hunting deer and pheasant, cabinet making, and general carpentry.

Leslie Fischer, LPGA - Assistant Professional

Leslie grew up playing junior golf in Columbia, Missouri. She played at the collegiate level for The University of Missouri - St Louis on full scholarship. In 2010, Leslie joined the LPGA and moved to Jacksonville to pursue her passion for teaching golf. She is a Level 1 US Kids Certified Coach, Stack & Tilt Network Instructor, certified club fitter, and Level 3 Nationally Recognized Coach with The First Tee of North Florida. Her passion is helping you improve your skill, and enjoy playing the game of golf!

Ryan Meitz - Assistant Golf Professional

Ryan comes to the Inn and Club by way of Interlachen Country Club in Orlando, Florida. A graduate of the Golf Academy of America, Ryan brings industry knowledge a passion for playing and teaching golf to our team. Ryan will be entering the PGA of America's education program with aspirations of becoming a member of the PGA of America in the future.

Milana Mervosh - Assistant Golf Shop Manager

Milana grew up in Spartanburg, SC. She studied Exercise Science at Pfeiffer University where she also played four years of volleyball. Milana is now coaching volleyball for both Episcopal High School and JJVA. She has been with the golf staff since August 2016.

Grace Hurley, PGA - Golf Retail Manager

Grace Hurley grew up in Washington State in the summers and spent her winters in Snowbird, UT. She obtained her Class A PGA Card from the University of Idaho where she also played Division 1 collegiate golf.

Tamara Barrus - Golf Shop Merchandiser

Tamara has recently relocated to Florida from New York with her husband and youngest daughter. She has over 20 years of retail experience in visual merchandising and marketing, and has worked for various national retail & athletic companies, as well as regional companies in the northeast. Her experience includes in-store merchandising & marketing, national & regional product launches, in-store holiday experiences, corporate training/liaison, and store openings across the country. Her biggest passion was for her women's boutique, BeBe Mills, named after her three daughters, which she owned and operated for five years before moving to Florida.

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