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.

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 and Teegan, and daughter Brinley.

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.

Bryan is a native of Sarasota, FL, most recently working with Troon Golf as a Regional Controller and River Strand Golf & Country Club in Bradenton, FL as the CFO. With a diverse background in the golf and country club industry, Bryan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Controller. Over his 15+ year career, Bryan has worn many additional hats, including golf professional, outside service attendant, banquet server, and newsletter editor, to name a few. This unique blend of roles has provided Bryan with a comprehensive understanding of the industry from multiple perspectives. Bryan holds degrees in Accounting, Professional Golf Management, and Sports & Hospitality Management. His educational journey began at Florida International University, where he initially attended school to play baseball. He then transferred to the University of Florida, and later attended Colorado Mountain College and the Professional Golf Management school at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Kerry was born and raised in New Jersey and moved here in 1999. She is the proud mother of two men, Colin and Hunter, and has been married to her husband, Don, for 30 years. She received her Associates degree many years ago and is currently working towards her Bachelor's degree in accounting. In her spare time, she loves fishing, traveling, time with family, and watching sports. She has been a part of the Lemon Bay family for over 10 years and always enjoys working with the staff and membership.

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.

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, daughters, Sullivan, Emmett, & Hollis, and Miniature Australian Shepard, Ryder.

Laura Simone graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Hospitality Management. After completing her studies, she spent five years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where she gained invaluable experience and met her husband, Matt. Laura then chose to dedicate the next 14 years to raising their three wonderful children—Taylor, Ryan, and Emily—a period she feels truly blessed to have had. When she returned to the workforce, Laura joined TPC Prestancia as a Club Concierge before moving to River Strand Golf and Country Club, where she worked in Accounting and Human Resources. Laura became part of the Lemon Bay family in April 2025 and is thoroughly enjoying working with the staff and membership.

Hannah joined our team in March 2024. She grew up in the neighboring town of Port Charlotte, FL, and is a graduate of the Florida State University Hospitality program. Hannah has a passion for the private club industry and looks forward to getting to know the wonderful membership at LBGC.

Chris Ingalls is a Saint Petersburg native who relocated to Englewood in 2016. Playing golf in high school sparked a passion for the game and the science behind keeping a course pristine. Chris is enrolled at Florida Gateway College to advance his knowledge of horticultural science and obtain his Agribusiness degree. He has been married to his wife, Alexis, since 2019. In his spare time, Chris enjoys fishing, hunting, and rooting for Tampa Bay sports teams. 

Chef Michael is a native of Toms River, NJ, but has called Englewood home for over 40 years after his family relocated to Englewood to purchase and revitalize the Lock and Key Restaurant, followed by the Gulf View Grill. Through these ventures, he has had the privilege of serving this community and creating memorable dining experiences. Chef Michael fosters open communication and ensures that each dining experience surpasses our membership's expectations. After two highly successful restaurant endeavors, Chef Michael is eager to continue his culinary journey here at Lemon Bay.

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. Cindy’s hobbies include time with family and swim meets as a USA Swimming Official.

Returning for his second season from Worcester Country Club, Tanner is a graduate of Allegheny College with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. His enthusiasm for golf and passion for member relations make him an invaluable part of our team. When not at the club, Tanner enjoys fishing, hunting, and being outdoors.

A proud Michigan State Spartan, Max joins us from a number of prestigious clubs across Michigan and California. He’s an avid sports fan, loves playing golf, and brings great energy to the team.

Originally from Highland Park, Illinois, Tyger comes to Lemon Bay after three years at Exmoor Country Club in Chicago. He’s working toward his PGA Membership and brings a strong passion for both teaching and the game.