Ireland 2003 Adare Manor

James Tony Wilkins draws on more than 25 years of experience as a golf professional. He entered the industry as an outside services staff member, a position that he held while working toward his bachelor's degree at David Lipscomb University. After graduating, James Tony Wilkins joined the staff at Meridian Valley Country Club as first assistant professional. In this position, he managed a full staff and oversaw event management while also teaching private lessons and clinics. He then transitioned into the associate professional role with Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. Over the next four years, he taught more than 300 private lessons and instructed several four-day camps. Also responsible for the management of corporate events and the training of outside services personnel. He left Sahalee to become head professional at Rainier Golf and Country Club in Seattle. Successful in managing all golf operations, Mr. Wilkins also introduced club storage and range programs as well as a new retail inventory program. He enhanced the club’s instruction program with the creation of the Rainier Golf Academy and the club's first three-day junior camp, in addition to a family night targeted at increasing participation. In 2012, he left Rainier to return to Sahalee. As director of instruction, he has taught hundreds of private lessons using the latest pedagogical best practices.