As Director of Golf, Doug has been a member of The Grove team since February 2014. Doug is a native of Broussard, LA, and is a 1995 graduate of the Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program at Mississippi State University. Prior to The Grove, he served as Director of Golf at Spring Creek Ranch (Jack Nicklaus Design) for three years. Doug was also a member of the golf professional staff at The Golf Club of Tennessee (Tom Fazio Design) for 16 years. He began his golf career as an intern in 1994 and quickly moved up the ranks to be named Head Golf Professional in 2001. Doug prides himself in leading his staff by example and is passionate about providing a world-class experience for The Grove membership in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
How did you get started playing golf? What got you interested?
Golf began for me at the early age of 4 years old. My dad has always had the golf bug and the only way for him to get out to play was to take my brother and me with him to the course. I wasn’t sure if I liked it much at first because I was always getting scolded for not knowing the proper etiquette and how to behave on a golf course. After learning etiquette the hard way, I decided it was a fun sport that my brother and I could play together, even though he was almost two years older than me. Once we got “the bug,” we spent every waking moment outside of school at the golf course. I even began working at the course at the age of 12 and worked my way into managing the small Pro Shop at 18, until I went on to college. I have the record of being the youngest player to shoot a score in the 60s, with a score of 69, at the age of 13. It’s always been pretty fun for me because even though I was small in stature, I could compete with the big guys, which is not the case in most sports.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
I have formed friendships with people I probably would not have met without the opportunities to play golf and work at The Grove. We have a great group of caring people who have chosen to make The Grove their home.
“I really enjoy my work at The Grove. Every day is new and interesting. I am always focused on the member experience. If someone is displeased about any aspect of The Grove, I find out why and do everything within reason, to improve their time with us. I enjoy playing golf with the members and building those relationships with them and their families”- Doug Oubre, The Grove’s Head Golf Professional
Any advice for someone who is too intimidated by the game and never played?
Just understand that everyone has been where you are as a beginner. Golf is a process and it does not come easily for most. It takes work. If you don’t take yourself too seriously, it could be a game or hobby for a lifetime.
What are your goals and aspirations for golf at The Grove?
I want to provide the best possible golf and club experience in the Southeast to our members and their guests. Golf courses can be memorable for their layouts, design, and conditioning–which are all important. Unfortunately, these days, clubs disregard the service aspect. I want to impress our golfers with our service and I want them to remember how they are treated by our team. I stress to my staff the importance of building relationships. This is a key ingredient to achieving this goal. We don’t want to be a stuffy club where people don’t feel welcome. That’s a recipe for disaster.
What do you find most unique about the course and club at The Grove?
The Grove course in Middle Tennessee is spectacular and is in the best condition of any club in the state. I can’t think of any other club in Tennessee that has the total package we offer: spectacular golf, food, and service. We have a set of amenities that is second to none, from the spa, swimming, tennis, fishing, fitness center, equestrian center, The General Store, kids’ camps, and more. What a great place to be a part of!
Are you working on any new programming, improvements or golf events?
Golf for men is pretty consistent at this point. We remain focused on growing female and junior participation in the game of golf. We are excited about the scheduled ladies’ and junior clinics and about growing the participation on our PGA Junior League team. We are all about growing participation in the game for all segments and skill levels.