Jacob Hill
Jacob Hill brings a wealth of experience to Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, with a strong background in club management, player development, and merchandising. Throughout his career, Jacob has been dedicated to elevating the golf course experience and cultivating a welcoming, vibrant golf culture. He has held key positions at top clubs including Pensacola Country Club, Shark’s Tooth Golf Club, Indian Bayou Golf Club (Head Golf Professional), and Shalimar Pointe Golf Club (General Manager).
A Northwest Florida native, Jacob grew up competing in local junior tournaments such as the Daily News Junior Tour, hosted right here in Fort Walton Beach. He is passionate about giving back to the community that helped shape his lifelong love for the game.
Golf Course Director
Steve Ashmore
Steve, a passionate golfer with a single-digit handicap since his teens, has been working at the golf course for nearly 15 years following his retirement from law enforcement. Last spring, he stepped up as interim operations coordinator after the previous coordinator retired. In addition to overseeing daily operations, Steve regularly assists customers with online reservations, handicap inquiries, USGA rules, and a wide range of other issues. He still calls it the best “retirement job” ever.
Golf Operations Coordinator
Branden Zapalski
Branden is a dedicated Lead Assistant Golf Professional with a solid background in club operations, tournament coordination, and golf instruction. A 2023 graduate of the Professional Golfers Career College in Hilton Head, South Carolina, he has gained valuable experience at esteemed clubs such as Berkeley Hall Club in Bluffton, SC, and Shalimar Pointe Golf Club. Branden’s passion for the game and commitment to player development inform his teaching philosophy, which emphasizes strong fundamentals and tailored improvement plans. He is driven to elevate the member and guest experience through professionalism, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for the game.
Lead Assistant Golf Professional / Tournament Director
Richie Edwards
Superintendent
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 (Bay and Lake nines), designed by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate, opened in 1981. The Marsh nine followed in 1986 (Fazio and Jan Bel Jan), and the Magnolia nine opened in 1991 (Jerry Pate). Richie was promoted to Assistant Superintendent in 1985—these were key learning years in his career.
In 1995, Richie accepted the Superintendent position at Holiday Golf Course in Panama City Beach, where he led numerous improvements, including:
- New cart paths throughout the course
- Extensive drainage work
- Greens and tee renovations
- Full grow-in of an 18-acre executive course
- Redesign of the course into a 9-hole Par 3
- Maintenance facility upgrades
- Tree planting across the property
Under his leadership, the course and overall property saw major improvements between 1995 and 2018.
In January 2018, Richie became the Superintendent at Ft. Walton Beach Golf Course. With strong staff and city support, he has helped improve course conditions, install a new irrigation system, and continues to oversee upgrades to greens and tee boxes.
Richie has been a GCSAA member for 33 years (27 as a Class A member) and a Gulf Coast Chapter member for 30 years.
Ross Hebert
Lead Assistant Superintendent
Ross holds a bachelor’s degree in Plant and Soil Science with a specialization in Turfgrass Management from Louisiana State University. With over 23 years of experience in the golf industry, he has served in various assistant and superintendent roles throughout Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida.
As the Lead Assistant Superintendent at Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, Ross brings a deep understanding of turfgrass management and a strong commitment to course excellence. He is passionate about maintaining high-quality playing conditions and continuously improving the overall golfer experience.
Outside of work, Ross enjoys playing golf, fishing, hiking, and spending time with his children, particularly through coaching their sports teams. He is enthusiastic about the future of Fort Walton Beach Golf Club and remains dedicated to helping the course reach its full potential.