Golf Maintenance Coordinator
Richie began his career in 1980 at what would become Bluewater Bay Golf Course and Resort, joining during its early construction phase. The original 18 holes — the Bay and Lake nines designed by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate — opened in 1981. The Marsh Nine (Fazio and Jan Bel Jan) followed in 1986, and the Magnolia Nine (Pate) opened in 1991. Promoted to Assistant Superintendent in 1985, Richie gained invaluable experience during these formative years.
In 1995, Richie became Superintendent at Holiday Golf Course in Panama City Beach, leading major improvements such as new cart paths, drainage upgrades, greens and tee renovations, a full grow-in of an 18-acre executive course, and the redesign of a 9-hole Par 3. He also modernized the maintenance facility and enhanced the property through extensive tree planting. His leadership brought significant progress from 1995 to 2018.
Since January 2018, Richie has served as Superintendent at Fort Walton Beach Golf Course, where, with strong staff and city support, he has improved course conditions, overseen a new irrigation system, and continued upgrades to greens and tees.
Richie has been a GCSAA member for 33 years (including 27 as a Class A member) and a Gulf Coast Chapter member for 30 years.