Founders Group International Names Tom VanHoogen Head Golf Professional At Grande Dunes Resort Course
Founders Group International, Myrtle Beach’s premier golf course ownership group, has named Tom VanHoogen the new head golf professional at Grande Dunes Resort Course, one of the company’s flagship properties.
VanHoogen has worked in the Myrtle Beach community for nearly 20 years, beginning as a golf cart attendant at Willbrook Plantation. The 2003 Coastal Carolina University graduate earned his first head professional job in 2011 when he took the reins at Wild Wing Plantation’s Avocet Course.
Prior to taking over at Grande Dunes, VanHoogen served as the head pro at Founders Club and River Club, a dual position he held for four years. He has worked within the FGI family of courses throughout his career.
“Tom has been successful at every stop in his professional journey and he is ready to take over at the Grande Dunes Resort Course, one of our most popular properties,” said Matt Daly, FGI’s director of golf operations. “He has the work ethic and creativity to help elevate the experience at Grande Dunes, and we look forward to Tom’s continued success as a member of the FGI family.”
VanHoogen took over at Grande Dunes, a course that has been ranked among the nation’s top 100 layouts, as it reopened following a four-month greens, bunkers and clubhouse renovation project. He will be responsible for all aspects of the course’s day-to-day operations.
He succeeded Joe Dipre, who became FGI’s Regional Operations Manager for its south end courses.