The golf staff at Avon Oaks will work to ensure that you have a good experience every time you play the course or visit the golf range. Led by our head pro Matt Stroud, he and the staff are committed to delivering a quality golf experience. All are available for lessons by appointment.
Matt Stroud, PGA - Head Golf Professional
Originally from Norwalk, Ohio, and a graduate from The Ohio State University, Matt started his career in 2012 working for Scioto Country Club in Columbus and Firestone Country Club in Akron. Matt joined the staff at Avon Oaks in August of 2017, where he served as First Assistant in 2019. Matt is in his third year as Head Golf Professional and is a full PGA member. Matt enjoys teaching juniors on Thursday mornings and playing in section events on Mondays. Matt was the 2021 PGA Section Recipient of the Patriot Award, and is a Northern Ohio Folds of Honor Chapter Board Member. Matt spends his free time working with Folds of Honor and enjoys spending time with his wife Ariel in their new home in North Olmsted.
Dylan Champney - Assistant Golf Professional
Dylan has been playing the game of golf since he could walk. He grew up playing golf with his dad learning the ropes of the game until he started playing in junior events as a teen. He started school in Elyria then moved to Sheffield where he graduated from Brookside High School.
Dylan started working at Avon Oaks in the bag room, working his way up to an intern, and now an assistant pro. He graduated from Keiser University with an Associate's Degree in Golf Management. Now, he has set his sights on the PGM program. He is excited and ready to serve the members in any way possible to help ensure a great experience.
Elise Illius, PharmD – Golf Shop Manager
Born and raised in Westlake, Ohio, Elise began playing golf when she was in 2nd grade, right here at Avon Oaks, as a participant in the junior golf program. She went on to play for the varsity girls golf team at Westlake High School, and has remained an avid golfer ever since. In May 2022, she graduated from The University of Toledo as one of the Valedictorians of her class, with her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree.
Elise began working at Avon Oaks in 2017 in the bag room, and was promoted to shift captain in 2018. She is very excited to be serving the members as the Golf Shop Manager. As the former president of three different pharmacy organizations while at Toledo, she is looking forward to putting her leadership experience to work in this role, and learning more about the golf industry. When not golfing, Elise enjoys spending time with her family, taking her golden retriever on walks, running, and is a huge Tom Brady and Cleveland Guardians fan.
Dan Bell - Men's Locker Room Manager
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