Town Contracts with PGA Golf Pro for the Guilford Lakes Golf Course

Information released by the First Selectman's office Wednesday

GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Lakes Golf Course Commission is happy to announce that with the opening of the golf course on April 1, newly hired PGA Golf Professional Mike Papp will be on board with some exciting new improvements to the course.

Mike, an independent contractor and Master Golf Teaching Professional, will be available to give lessons to kids and adults. He will be working with Parks and Recreation Director Rick Maynard to create a Junior Program.

In his career Mike ran many junior programs, which had participation rates of 85-100 kids. He would put together a year-end tournament and hand out trophies and awards to all the kids. Mike was also voted Best Teacher in a Connecticut five years in a row by Golf Magazine from 1998-2002.

“That’s how you keep people coming back to the course” said Papp. “You teach the learners and turn them into paying customers.” To sign up for Guilford breaking news alerts and more, click here.

He plans to create a teaching area in the back and will work on developing a co-relationship with the area driving ranges. Mike is also looking to create a ladies program and build an after work league. In addition to his teaching duties, he also will be managing a fully stocked golf shop, complete with new clothing and a new logo.

Mike has plans for clubhouse improvements, which include grab and go food from the Little Store, which will also be selling items from the grill on Mondays and Saturdays and the addition of tables, chairs and a second television so players can relax before or after their game.

“I am very excited about being a head pro again and moving here from New Milford,” said Papp. “Guilford is a beautiful town and I hope to do great things for the course.”

Mike’s services have been retained for six months from April 1st through September 30th. According to First Selectman Joseph Mazza, having Mike serving as the golf shop attendant, among his many other duties will eliminate the need for one of the current attendants.

“We are very excited to have a pro of Mike’s caliber to teach the kids how to play golf and to help us market this beautiful course,” said Golf Course Commission Chair Chris Hodgson.