DEREK MORRISON, PGA

 Position: Director of Golf
 DOB: 11/19/1971
 Children: Son Devon & Daughter Caimhe
 Residence: New Smyrna Beach
 Favorite Sports Team: St. Louis Cardinals
 Favorite Quote: "A plan without action is a dream. Action without a plan is a  nightmare."

Born and raised in Salem a small town in Southern Illinois, Derek packed up and moved to Florida in 1994 following his passion for golf. Securing the position of Assistant Professional at Imperial Lakes in Bradenton, Florida, he experienced every aspect of the golf operation. Continuously building his knowledge from inside the Golf Shop, outside cart attendant, to mowing greens and fairways.  He stated that these experiences, although at the time he did not recognize it, were the most important in shaping his path into the Golf Professional he is today. 

In 1996, Derek was hired as the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Sugar Mill Country Club.  For five years, Derek polished his skills and developed strong ties with the membership and the New Smyrna Beach Community.  In 2002, the Head Professional position at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club was offered and accepted.  Derek quickly rose through the ranks eventually becoming the Director of Golf responsible for 2 Golf Shops, staff, and 45 holes of golf.

After seven years at Plantation Bay, Derek is once again at Sugar Mill accepting the Director of Golf position. "Sugar Mill and the members are like family”, Derek stated on his return.  This is very evident when you are around Derek and experience the interactions he has daily. A day in the life of a Golf Professional involves many tasks, but his day always begins with a ride around each of the 27 holes, checking on the golf course conditions and future beautification projects, all while taking in the beauty of the sun reflecting off the morning dew. 

Member of the PGA of America since 1998, Derek has been nominated for many awards by his peers and winning the Merchandiser of the Year award in 2014 and 2016.  Callaway Golf voted Derek into their Golf Professional Hall of Fame in 2018  and has been published in numerous local and national publications on his teaching techniques.

Derek's passion for golf has led him down a road that has created a family and a home with Sugar Mill Country Club. He truly lives up to the saying, Do what you love and love what you do.