About Matthew

Matt has extensive experience in Private Clubs, as well as significant tenure with Invited, where he has served at several Invited properties. Matt is a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America and the Club Management Association of America. He and his wife Ashley are the proud parents of 2 children, Dylan and Jackson.

About RJ

RJ Dunkle joined the White Columns staff as the Director of Tennis in January 2013. RJ has been a USPTA certified instructor for 29 years and loves to work with all levels of players. RJ has worked at Dunwoody Country Club and Bridgemill Athletic Club. He has worked in Australia and owned his own business as an independent tennis professional. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, RJ went on to playing college Tennis at Western Michigan University. After having a great college career by setting the record for most wins in western Michigan history, he went on to playing on the ATP for 3 years. RJ has been inducted into the Dayton Tennis Hall of Fame as well as the Western Michigan Hall of Fame. RJ still loves to compete in the ALTA and National Senior Events. Occasionally you will find him even playing a round of golf!

About Heidi

Heidi Ramaekers is a Certified USPTA Elite Tennis Professional with more than 28 years of experience instructing women, men, and juniors of all levels. Heidi has coached numerous USTA ladies’ teams to the state, sectional, and national level. After picking up a racket at the age of 14, she attended Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy and received a full division one scholarship to the University of Nebraska. Heidi’s passion for people is apparent both on and off the court as she consistently strives to help people become the best version of themselves.

About J.D.

J.D. grew up outside Philadelphia in Reading, Pennsylvania. Before turning full-time to golf, he played Division I baseball at Penn State University, winning an All-Conference award his sophomore year. J.D. then transferred to West Chester University outside Philadelphia where he graduated in 1994 with a B.S. in Education. J.D.’s professional career began that same year when he started competing in the Philadelphia Section of the PGA of America while working as an Assistant Professional at the esteemed Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, PA. He worked his way through the PGA’s Professional Golf Management program and was elected to membership as a Class-A professional.

About Mitch

Mitch has extensive background in the golf industry. He is a Class A PGA Professional, Club Fitting Certified, caddied on the PGA tour and is motivated by giving Members the best golf experience possible.

About Tyler

Tyler Lacik grew up in Fredericksburg, VA, and was introduced to golf upon moving to Charlotte, NC. He quickly fell in love with golf and agronomy while working at TPC Piper Glen. While at TPC, he received his Turfgrass Management degree at Central Piedmont Community College. Tyler was promoted through the ranks at TPC and was presented the opportunity to become the Assistant Superintendent at Firethorne. After a short time at Firethorn, Tyler was promoted to the Golf Course Superintendent. With Tyler’s vast experience and knowledge in bent grass greens and his love for agronomy, he is looking forward to providing premier course conditions at White Columns Country Club. When he’s not working or playing on the golf course, Tyler enjoys spending time with his dog or being out on the water.

About Kelley

Born & raised on a farm, I grew up in upstate NY surrounded by a big family. Farming runs deep throughout my family so it seemed like a dream come true to fall in love and marry into a local family full of restaurateurs. Working & learning from big corporations like T.G.I.Friday’s and The Marriot hotels and also family-owned and operated businesses like the Sedgwick Restaurant Group, I realized my true love for this business. Since beginning my journey in August 2016, I am very grateful & humbled to be part of the amazing team here at White Columns. The genuine care & respect from members & staff alike keep me motivated and looking forward to many more memories to come.

About Michael

Combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with simple straightforward preparations Chef Michael creates dishes that satisfy all palates. Born in a suburb of New York City, Michael discovered his fascination for food and cooking at an incredibly early age. His first taste of the restaurant industry was at his aunt’s restaurant in Vermont. At 15 was hired at a local restaurant and truly began his culinary journey. Michael attended the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, and graduated with honors. Since May of 2020, Michael has been using the culmination of all his experiences to give the members of White Columns Country Club an amazing dining experience.