DAYTON, OH — The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to congratulate the newest member of the PGA of America in our section, Ryan Carpenter, PGA! Ryan was elected to membership in April of 2025 and is an Assistant Professional at Coldstream Country Club in Cincinnati.

Welcome Ryan to the Section by emailing him at rcarpenter@coldstreamcc.com

The SOPGA caught up with Ryan to talk about his journey to becoming a member of the PGA of America.

SOPGA: Who or what inspired you to get involved with the GAME of golf?

Ryan Carpenter, PGA: My dad was definitely a big reason I got into golf. I grew up playing baseball, and he was my coach, so sports were always a big part of our relationship. He’s always loved golf, and in middle school, I started going to the range with him. It was another fun way for us to hang out, but once he started teaching me the basics and taking me out to play, that’s when I really started to fall in love with the game.

SOPGA: Who or what inspired you to get involved with the BUSINESS of golf?

RC: One of the most rewarding aspects of being in the golf business is the opportunity to help others and make a positive difference in their day. What really draws me in is the hospitality side of the industry. There’s something special about creating an environment where members feel genuinely welcome and valued. From the moment they arrive on the property to the moment they head home, it’s both our responsibility and our privilege to ensure they have the best experience possible.

SOPGA: What are you most looking forward to pursuing now that you are a PGA of America Member?

RC: Now that I’m a PGA of America Member, I’m excited to keep growing both professionally and personally every day. There are so many great learning opportunities in the golf industry, and I’m really looking forward to making the most of them as I move forward in my career. I want to continue improving my skills, expanding my knowledge, and building strong relationships that will help me contribute even more to the game I love.

SOPGA: What about the game makes you LOVE golf?

RC: Golf means a lot to me. It’s a tough sport that can really knock you down and make you question yourself, but I think those moments are important. That’s how you grow. Not just as a player, but as a person. I love practicing and that feeling when something in your swing finally clicks. It is very easy for me to get lost out there and spend hours working on different parts of the game. Golf always pulls you back in, and that’s why we’re all here, because we love the game.

SOPGA: Have there been any mentors who have assisted your career along the way to PGA Membership that you would like to thank?

RC:I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible mentors throughout my journey, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I graduated from the Mississippi State Professional Golf Management Program, where Adam and Erika Scott played a huge role in guiding me and teaching me the proper way to become a golf professional.

During my six-month internship at Willow Point Golf & Country Club, I had the privilege of working with Matt Sheppard. Matt gave me the chance to experience every aspect of working at a golf course and helped spark a real passion for the golf industry in me. I’ll always be grateful for the time I spent learning from him at Willow Point.

For my final internship, I worked at The Honors Course under the guidance of Henrik Simonsen. Without Henrik’s mentorship and advice, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today. He and his team did an amazing job mentoring me and helping me develop the skills essential to being a great golf professional.

I am incredibly proud of the relationships I have within the golf industry. I have learned so much from them, and I will always be grateful.

Ryan Carpenter, PGA, with SOPGA Executive Director Patrick Salva