Get to know Troon Golf at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club and Brady Wilson, PGA General Manager

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Brady Wilson, PGA, brings years of golf course experience, a collaborative style, and an enjoyable sense of humor to his role as general manager of Troon Golf at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. Wilson has wintered in the Phoenix area since the age of five, so he’s almost an Arizona native. He knows from experience, golf is prenominal and a large part of the economy in the Phoenix area.

Originally from Durango, Colorado, Wilson earned a bachelor of arts degree in English Communications from Fort Lewis College and then did graduate work in Human Resource Development at Siena Heights University in Michigan.

Wilson coached women’s basketball at Fort Lewis College and played golf while at FLC. He then served as the Men’s Golf coach and Assistant Women’s Basketball coach at Siena Heights University during his graduate studies there.

Wilson became a PGA member in January 2005. Before coming to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, he served as Director of Golf for Troon Golf at Classic Club in Palm Desert, California, host site for the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Classic. Wilson notes that taking this job in 2007 was a “leap of faith” for him as the economy was poor at the time, but it ended happily ever after for his career and family. Wilson has also served at other Troon properties including as the Head Golf Professional at Escena Golf Club in Palm Springs in 2007 and Outside Service Manager for Glacier Club at Tamarron in Durango in 1998.

Wilson also worked for The Moors Golf Club in Portage, Michigan, as Head Golf Professional in 2006, and as Golf Professional at The Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame from 2003-2006.

During a summer job at Pine View Golf Club in Ypsilanti, MI, Wilson worked for Mike Longyear, who became a mentor and close friend. Longyear encouraged Wilson to pursue a career in the golf business.

Devin Lowe

Wilson came to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in 2012. He hand-picks the management staff, resulting in finding successful professionals. Quoting Al Pacino from the movie The Recruit, Wilson says, “I’m a scary judge of talent,” and this, plus his belief in looking for well-executed cover letters and resumes, has served him well in recruiting team members for Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.

Ryan Brandt

Staff members chosen by Wilson include Sales and Marketing Manager Devin Lowe, who Wilson says “jumped off the page” with answers to questions via email. Wilson recruited food and beverage manager Ryan Brandt when dining at a local sports pub, and asked him to apply for the job, a perfect beginning for both of them.

Jerrin Woodrow

Wilson says, rather than managing, he communicates with his managers, resulting in a cohesive, connected team. An Employee of the Month program recognizes staffers chosen by managers with gift cards and certificates for their efforts. An Associate of the Year award, a Troon tradition with all clubs, offers, even more recognition. From the Arroyo Grille, to the Gathering Place (event venue) the Clubhouse to the course, team members are excellence at its best, and their customer service is superb.

Wilson’s approach seems to work well, as Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Course hosts many popular events and has received numerous accolades, including a rating of the top 100 “Best Courses to Play in the country and fifth place for the best course to play in Arizona, according to Golf magazine.

In his free time, Wilson enjoys playing tennis, golf and following his favorite Colorado sports teams. Thanks to Brady Wilson for taking the time to visit with Cowboy Lifestyle Network.

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Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.