Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Getting to Know: Danny Ackerman, General Manager of Golf Operations at Oglebay Resort

American Golfer: When did you start playing golf?
Danny Ackerman: I began playing golf at the young age of 5-6 years old at Wheeling Park with my father.

Danny Ackerman
AG: Why did you choose a career in the golf industry?
DA: While I always thought I’d follow in my father’s footsteps of becoming a college basketball coach, a unique opportunity arose while at Pinehurst participating in the U.S. Father and Son invitational. I was approached by a former West Virginia University Men’s Golf Team partner if I’d consider working at Pinehurst Resort and CC. It was an offer I simply couldn’t refuse.

AG: How has your return "home" been?
DA: My return to Oglebay and Wheeling, WV has been a blessing for both myself and my family.  I’ve been fortunate that much of my family still resides in Wheeling. Therefore, it’s been a unique joy spending time in the place where I grew up, while also being closer to family that I’ve been away from for 32 years.

AG: What’s your favorite thing about being at Oglebay Resort?
DA: My favorite aspect of Oglebay is the diversity of its many offerings. Golf, pool, picnics, events, nature trails. I could go on and on. Guests are taken aback by the resort’s natural beauty upon visiting for the first time.

AG: How can we grow the game of golf?
DA: Oglebay is growing the game through several initiatives: First Tee Program, Kids Play Free, PGA Junior League via Get Golf Ready, one-on-one junior golf instruction, and more. The mindset of growing the game is an important part of being a PGA Member.

AG: What’s the most common mistake amateur golfers make on the course?
DA: The biggest mistake amateur players make is thinking you can simply find a swing through purchasing new equipment. Taking a few lessons each year working on your game is what I’d like to see more people do. Additionally, amateur players should spend more time honing their short games, as an estimated 60% of the typical weekend player’s shots occur within 100 yards of the hole.

AG: Is there a shot you dread?
DA: The most difficult shot is the long bunker shot. Best to take your poison, play it safe and move on.

AG: How can golfers in this region get ready after the long winter months?
DA: After a long winter of little or no golf, stretching is an important way to get your body loose and limber for springtime golf. Signing up for Oglebay’s Valley Card is also a smart way to take advantage of discounts for all local players.

AG: What’s your “dream foursome” (living or dead, golfer or non-golfer)?
DA: Dream foursome: My father and two sons, Ryan and Aiden.  My daughter Bethany would have to make it a fivesome.

AG: What course tops your “bucket list” to play?
DA: St. Andrews or Augusta. Flip of the coin.

To learn more about golf at Oglebay Resort, visit oglebaygolf.com.
Oglebay Resort has great golf, and so much more.

2 comments:

BlackmooreJoe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
BlackmooreJoe said...

As far as I remember, this guy in the photo was married twice and was still in great demand among fans)) I myself would not risk starting a formal relationship if I was so popular. It's quite difficult.. But I can always find new dates through this resource. It seems to me that we are all very lucky in that we can use the full power of the Internet for such an important choice as a soulmate.