1st Assistant Golf Professional
830.336.4653
mbober@cordilleraranch.com
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Family Members: Wife-Marissa, Son-Henry, Daughter-Brighton, Son-George
Where did you go to school?
I attended Texas Tech University and received a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management.
How did you become interested in the golf industry?
My Dad was an avid golfer. He introduced me to the game at an early age. It’s a great game for so many different reasons but the best parts of working in the industry are the ability to improve my game by playing regularly and the different people I’ve been able to meet and connect with along the way. There’s a special culture that happens at clubs between employees and members. I’ve met some of my closest friends at the courses. This eventually led me to be involved in golf full-time.
What are your professional goals?
I am currently a PGA of America Class A Professional and was elected to membership in 2020. My goal is to be a Head Golf Professional and run my own golf operation.
How did you become employed at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch?
The Director of Golf, Corey Roberson, hired me at Preston Trail back in 2014. He always found ways to improve me professionally and exposed me to all aspects of a golf operation. An opportunity at Cordillera Ranch came up and I knew this would help me grow and improve my skill set as a Golf Professional. The golf operation at Cordillera Ranch is forward-thinking and is always finding ways to improve the experience for the members and staff.
What past work history prepared you for The Clubs?
I started at the Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas as a Front Desk Associate for three years. I began my training as a golf professional at the Preston Trail Golf Club in Dallas, then I moved to Royal Oaks Country Club and stayed there for five years as an Assistant Golf Professional.
What has been your most rewarding professional experience?
Raising money for Junior Golf is always rewarding. Randy Smith’s Great 108 has raised over $1,900,000 since 1983 for Junior Golf in the North Texas Section. Each Golf Professional would play 108 holes in one day while giving a playing lesson to a different junior each nine holes. It was something we loved to do and helped raise money for a good cause.
What has been your greatest personal challenge?
Shortly after my wife and I got married, I was not satisfied with my career in the hotel industry. I knew I wasn’t passionate about my work, and I couldn’t see myself continuing in my position long term. I knew golf was always something I loved and enjoyed being around. In 2013, my wife and I moved in with my in-laws so I could chase the dream of playing professionally. After a short time, we both realized this was not going to work out. In February of 2014, I was fortunate enough to be hired at Preston Trail Golf Club as an AIT (assistant in training) and I began my training as a Golf Professional. I was able to meet and befriend pros at various courses and after a short period of time I realized this is where my passion lies.
Anything that would surprise others about yourself?
I swing the club left-handed but everything else I do is right-handed!
What is your most meaningful personal experience?
My most meaningful personal experience was in 2018 when my son Henry was born and sadly passed away three days later. His short life changed every aspect of my life and I strive to be better in everything I do because of him.