Getting to Know: Matthew Creech, PGA

Sand Ridge

Getting to know Matthew Creech, PGA, Head Golf Professional and Director of Operations at the Mayfield Sand Ridge Club.

Matthew Creech

American Golfer: When did you start playing golf?
Matthew Creech: Swung a cut down 7 iron in the back yard at age 7, didn’t play an 18 hole round until age 14, shot 135 and then played another 18 the same day and got down to 110.

AG: How did you become a golf professional?
MC: Worked as an intern for Charlie Wood at Mayfield in College…hired as an Assistant Golf Professional after graduating, then entered the PGA of America GPTP (Golf Professional Training Program), which is a three-year self-study program en route to becoming a Class A PGA Professional.

AG: Why did you choose a career in the golf industry?
MC: It’s what I like and what I’m good at ... I never considered anything else.

AG: What’s your favorite thing about being a golf professional?
MC: Coaching (helping people)

AG: How can we grow the game of golf?
MC: Cut down on the length of time it takes to play

AG: What’s the most common mistake amateur golfers make on the course?
MC: Aiming right … Which then causes them to swing across their body in the downswing

AG: Is there a shot you dread?
MC: Not really … Open to any and all challenges.

AG: How can golfers in the Midwest stay sharp over the long, winter months?
MC: Find a great PGA Pro and take ‘winter lessons’ … There are so many quality indoor facilities nowadays, the off-season is a wonderful time to make swing improvements and sharpen up the motion (including; putting, short game & full swing)

AG: What’s your “dream foursome” (living or dead, golfer or non-golfer)?
MC: My dad, my wife and my son.

AG: What course tops your “bucket list” to play?
MC: St. Andrews