Meet our Golf Staff

Fred was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He grew up playing junior golf in the Atlantic City area and played four years of high school golf at Mainland Regional High School where he graduated in 1976. In 1978, Fred attended the University of Alabama where he played college golf. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing in 1983. After graduation, Fred joined the P.G.A of America and became a Class "A" member in 1988. He was the assistant professional at Ashbrook Golf Course from 1984 to 1989. He also worked as an assistant professional from 1985 through 1989 through the winter golf season. In 1990, Fred was hired by Isla Del Sol Y & CC as the Director of Golf. In 2015, Fred was named the West Central Chapter PGA Golf Professional of the Year and in 2016 he received the West Central Chapter PGA Patriot Award. He is currently serving as the West Central Chapter PGA Tournament Chairman.

We are pleased to announce that Chris Hewitt has been selected as Isla’s new Golf Course Superintendent! Chris has maintained our course for 27 years. He was the Assistant Superintendent under Kevin Sunderman for the past 17 years. Chris has played an important role in building the values of our Grounds Crew and shares our vision for the club’s future. He understands what is needed to provide quality course conditions and will strive to meet our members’ expectations. Chris also has the experience to oversee large-scale inhouse projects like those conducted since creation of our Golf Course Master Plan. He has good relationship and experience working with our Golf Course Architect, Richard Mandell.

Billy has played a key role in integrating Golf Genius into our tournaments and is currently training group leaders on how to use the platform for weekly player sign-ups. A graduate of James Madison University with a degree in Sports and Recreation Management, Billy has been a valued member of the Isla team since 2022. As Pro Shop Manager, Billy will oversee the Pro Shop in the Director of Golf’s absence. His responsibilities include managing the cart staff, rangers, and starters, including hiring, supervision, and training. He will also continue to support the planning, promotion, and execution of all golf activities.

Charlie is available for private lessons, he has been teaching the game of golf at Isla for the past 3 years since joining the PGA of America. Director of Golf Fred Curtis, has given Charlie guidance through his 3 years of instruction with knowledge on affective teaching methods. He has guided players from all different levels of the game from beginner-pro and junior-senior. He has lead many members and non-members to an improved and more consistent golf game. He has competed at a professional level in various tournaments and qualifiers such as U.S. Open Qualifiers, Korn Ferry Tour Monday Qualifiers, and PGA Section and Chapter events. Charlie looks forward to guiding our membership to improve their golf game.

We are also excited to welcome Hollie Grchan to our Pro Shop team as one of our new golf professionals! Hollie is an experienced golf professional and PGA Associate, she has been in the golf business for almost a decade and worked at the Vinoy for 6 years. Hollie along with Reece, will be assisting Charlie with the seasonal golf clinics. Hollie is very experienced in Golf Genius. Join us in giving her a warm welcome and take advantage of the expertise she brings to enhance your golfing experience!

Another golf professional to join our ranks is Reece Ulrich. Reece joins us from Streamsong and is a new PGA Associate. He will be assisting with the seasonal golf clinics, tournaments, golf genius, and other professional needs in the golf shop here at Isla. Reece looks forward to advancing his career and providing professional assistance to all our members here at Isla Del Sol.

Garrett Mitchell will be available on Sundays to help staff the Pro Shop. He will be in on Sundays to assist members with tee times and any other Pro Shop needs. Garret worked for the USGA in New Jersey before moving down to St Petersburg. He works full-time as a Senior Club Performance Analyst with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.