Damon started with Lemon Bay Golf Club in December of 2021. He has been in the club business for over 20 years and holds several certifications including the CCM (Certified Club Manager) designation from CMAA.

Cindy has been at the Club since its’ inception in 1989 as Executive Secretary. She describes Lemon Bay as a true fairy tale, taking a bankrupt partially completed golf course to the superb course that we now have with members who are delightful and caring. The renovation project in 2023 will provide our members with an extraordinary course that they can enjoy for many years to come. Cindy is proud to be a part of the “A Better Shot” Junior Golf Foundation.
Cindy resides in Englewood with her husband Garry. Their son, Danny, and his wife, Amy, have two sons Eli (5) and Ethan (2) who are fortunate to live nearby. They have an 8 year old dachshund named Miles. Cindy’s hobbies include time with family and swim meets as a USA Swimming Official.

Michael joined Lemon Bay in 2017. Michael Durett is a 30-year veteran of the food and beverage industry. Originally from Western New York, Michael moved to Florida in 1986 and began his culinary career in Sarasota where he worked for Charlies Crab (a Muer Corporation). Working for the Muer Corporation was the beginning of his love of the food and beverage industry. After working with his original mentor, he moved on to do an apprenticeship in Atlanta Georgia for 3 years before returning to Sarasota. Once he was back in the great state of Florida he accepted his first Sous Chef position at Laurel Oak Country Club. Michael excelled at his position and was promoted to Executive Chef. His next stop was at River Wilderness Country Club where he was the executive chef. Prior to coming to Lemon Bay Michael had been the Executive Chef at Lakewood Ranch Country Club for 9 years.

Please call the Grille on extension 209 to place orders or reservations.

Ben has been teaching the game of golf for over 35 years. He began his career at Pinehurst, working under Don Padgett. He went on to work in the metropolitan section for New York for 15 years, and moved to Sarasota in 2006. His passion for teaching the game is unmatched. Ben resides in Placida with his best friend, Willy, a Havanese.

Ryan grew up in Rotonda West, FL and played most of his golf at Lemon Bay Golf Club growing up. He graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida and obtained his Class A membership in 2012. While attending college Ryan worked at Pelican Sound Golf and River Club for 4 years before joining the Lemon Bay Golf Club Staff. Ryan has been part of the team for 8 years has earned the position of "Head Golf Professional”.

He lives in Englewood, Florida with his wife Chelsey, sons Jace (10) and Teegan (1), and daughter Brinley (3).

As a graduate of Adrian College, in Michigan, with my degree in Business Administration with a focus in Sports Management I am looking forward to getting to know all the great people of Lemon Bay and the surrounding community! After being born in Orlando and then moving out of state I am looking forward to getting back to the sunshine state after so many years. After 4 years of college golf I am excited to continue my golf career and get started with such a great staff. Some hobbies include hockey as well as fishing!

Eli joined our team in October 2021. Eli was born and raised in Ohio and began working on golf courses at the age of 17. Following four seasons at the renowned Kirtland Country Club, Eli decided to pursue a career in the golf course management industry full-time. He moved to Bethlehem, PA to help prepare Saucon Valley Country Club for the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open Championship. After four years and 3 golf course renovations at Saucon Valley, Eli decided to head south to experience “warm season grasses,” beginning at Avila Golf and Country Club in Tampa. Over the past 10 years in Florida, Eli has overseen the renovation of each club he has worked at, most recently taking the lead at Cypress Creek Golf Club in Ruskin, Florida, after overseeing the North Course renovations at The Club at Mediterra in Naples. Eli, his wife, Amanda, and two beautiful daughters, Gwyndolyn (6) and Penelope (2), are all very excited to make the move to Englewood and join the team at Lemon Bay!

Kevin Cooper
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Kevin Cooper was born and raised in Alfred, New York. He attended SUNY Alfred for Precision Machining and Manufacturing and is currently pursuing his CTEM certification through the GCSAA Equipment Manager Certification Program. Kevin's experience and adoration for hands-on trades stems from working with his father as a teenager for their family business. Kevin has been an employee of Lemon Bay Golf Club since 2011. Kevin enjoys outdoor activities and volunteering at Lemon Bay High School. He currently resides in Port Charlotte, Florida with his wife, Christine, and Miniature Australian Shepard, Ryder.

Colby Smith grew up in Middlesex New Jersey and went to Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania where he graduated with a degree in accounting. He received his MBA in Hospitality Management from Florida Atlantic University in 2022. After working in Pennsylvania for 3 years as a Corporate Accountant for PH Glatfelter he moved to Florida to work at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club as an Assistant Controller. He joined Lemon Bay Golf Club in January 2022 and currently lives happily in North Port Florida with his wife, Kirstin Smith and two cats, Lego and Ryder.

I was born and raised in New Jersey and moved here from the Jersey Shore area. in 1999. I am the proud mother of 2 men, Colin and Hunter, and have been married to my husband, Don, for 30 years. I received by Associates degree many years ago and am currently working towards by Bachelor's degree in accounting. In my spare time I love fishing, traveling, time with my family, and watching sports. I have been a part of the Lemon Bay family for over 10 years and always enjoy working with the staff and membership.

Currently, I am the HR Administrator with Lemon Bay Golf Club. I have been with the club for 26 years, and actually met my husband here. So when I say Lemon Bay is just like home… I really mean it because many family members have also been part of the Lemon Bay family. My work experiences both past and present include: retail assistant, programmer, troubleshooter, business analyst, server, food & beverage manager and now payroll, benefits and human resource administration. I am a dedicated employee and always put 100% of myself into the task at hand. I believe I should set an example for all to follow and use a positive attitude to encourage others to work hard and succeed. In my free time, I like to travel, cook, spend time at the beach, watch sunsets, entertain and play games with friends and family."

Joining the team from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, it is a true honor to work for such a prestigious club. I am a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, where I studied in Sport/Event/Entertainment management. Throughout my time in school, I developed the skills to help me succeed in the golf industry. I’m extremely pleased to meet all the members I’ve heard so many wonderful things about and expand my knowledge as well as experience. It has been a few years since I’ve had the opportunity to live down in Florida and I’ve urged to get back out on the course and do what I love. When I’m not on the golf course, some of my hobbies include watching football and cooking!

Brady began his employment as a Greencap. He has a passion for golf and is currently in the PGA Apprentice Program.