John Ericsson, PGA
Director of Instruction
John’s career in golf has covered over 3 decades including the last 4 seasons here at Swan Lake Resort. A graduate of Gannon University in Erie, PA with a degree in Business administration, John traveled south to Texas and began his career at the Four Seasons Resort Dallas, Home of the Byron Nelson Golf Classic. After three seasons there as an assistant professional, he was promoted to Head Golf Professional at age twenty-eight.
During his time in Dallas, John had the privilege to make the acquaintance of one of the all-time great of golf, Byron Nelson. “Mr. Nelson was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever encountered in my life. He was humble and personable, free with his advice and a had never met a stranger. One of a kind.” Mr. Nelson held court occasionally with the golf staff regarding the golf swing, the changes in equipment, courses and instruction that helped build the foundation of John’s knowledge. For the next twenty years John held the position of head professional or general manager at several of the finest clubs in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area including Iron Horse G.C., Oakmont C.C. and Riverchase G.C. Prior to moving north to Indiana, he was the head professional at Riverplace C.C. in Austin, Texas.
Over his career in teaching golf, John has hosted or assisted with clinics of some notable teachers including Dr. Gary Wiren, Mike Adams, Ken Venturi and Byron Nelson. In addition to players Jerry Pate, Miller Barber, Don January and long drive immortals Art Sellinger and Mike Dunaway. “All quality instructors want to prepare their students for the challenges that they will face on the golf course during a round; the Swan Lake Resort facilities offer some of the finest that I’ve seen in a long time”. “Our short game (100 yards and in) area is fantastic, a student can simulate just about any type of shot that they would be presented with on the golf course. That type of learning is the most valuable and is retained the longest.”
John’s approach to teaching is student-centric, favoring a flexible method that helps the student become aware their strengths and utilize them to the advantage. In addition, John believes that everyone is good at learning because it is what human’s do best. “Learning golf is a process that is built on what the individual already knows, with that as a reference, learning becomes natural again”.
Chad Hutsell, PGA
Director of Golf
Education:
Butler University, 1994
Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing
Previous Employment:
- The Course at Aberdeen – Valparaiso, IN
- Plymouth Country Club – Plymouth, IN
- Highland Golf and Country Club – Indianapolis, IN
Family:
Wife Emily and Son Nate
Date Elected to PGA Membership:
February 1998
What’s In The Bag:
- Driver: Callaway Epic
- Fairway Woods: Callaway Epic 3 & 5 Wood
- Hybrid: Callaway Apex 3 Hybrid
- Irons: Callaway Apex Pro Crombo 4-PW
- Wedges: Mack Daddy Forged 56 and 60 Degree
- Putter: Odyssey Works #1
- Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X
Shot Shape:
Prefer a lower ball flight moving right to left.
Favorite Team:
Indianapolis Colts
Favorite Golfers:
Tiger Woods, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth
Hobbies:
Ford Mustang enthusiast, watching Motorsports with my son, woodworking and learning to play guitar.
Ryan Steele, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Education:
Methodist College, 2004
Major in Business Administration and Marketing with a concentration in Professional Golf Management
Previous Employment:
- First Assistant Golf Professional at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club – Batesville, IN
- PGA Golf Management University Coordinator at PGA of America – Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- First Assistant Golf Professional at Harrison Lake Country Club – Columbus, IN
Family:
Wife Kara, Son Micah and Daughter Joanna
Date Elected to PGA Membership:
May 2008
What’s In The Bag:
- Driver: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero
- Fairway Wood: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero 3 Wood
- Hybrids: Callaway Apex 3 Hybrid
- Irons: Callaway X Forged UT 4 Iron, Callaway X Forged 5-PW
- Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 50/56/60 Matte Black
- Putter: Odyssey O-Works V-Line Fang CH
- Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X
Shot Shape:
Slight Fade off the Tee an Slight Draw into Green
Favorite Team:
Indiana Hoosiers & Chicago Cubs
Favorite Golfers:
Geoff Ogilvy, JB Holmes and Jordan Speith
Hobbies:
Reading and Watching Movies
Matt Hovermale, PGA
General Manager
Education:
Trine University, 2001
Major in Business Administration and Management
Previous Employment:
- The Course at Aberdeen – Valparaiso, IN
- Lake James Golf Club – Angola, IN
- Zollner Golf Course at Trine University – Angola, IN
- Bridgewater Golf Club – Auburn, IN
Family:
Wife Kristen along with our two dogs Ferris and Bueller
Date Elected to PGA Membership:
April 2009
What’s In The Bag:
- Driver: Callaway Rogue Driver
- Fairway Wood: Callaway Rogue 3 Wood
- Hybrids: Callaway Rogue 2H, 4H and 5H
- Irons: Callaway Rogue 6 – PW
- Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 – 50, 54 and 58 degree
- Putter: Odyssey Versa 330 Mallet White
- Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft
Shot Shape:
Wherever it is going that day.
Favorite Team:
Indianapolis Colts, Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs
Favorite Golfers:
Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson
Hobbies:
Auto Racing of any kind
