Derek DiStefano, Certified PGA Professional, Managing Partner/Owner, DWA Golf
Derek is a graduate of the Methodist University PGA Professional Golf Management Program where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Concentration in Professional Golf Management.At Methodist, Derek received an extensive education surrounding the business of golf and management of golf course facilities. Methodist is one of the few universities in the country that pair their Professional Golf Management program with a business degree. As a private university, it also offers a unique opportunity to learning the management of golf through its smaller class sizes, full staff of PGA Professionals, agronomic educational opportunities from a GCSAA Golf Course Superintendent, and a more personalized, focused approach to education. Shortly after graduating from Methodist, Derek earned his PGA Membership and later became a Certified PGA Professional in the area of Golf Operations.Derek’s awards include Northern Chapter of the North Florida PGA Section’s Merchandiser of the Year for Public Courses and Assistant Golf Professional of the Year.
Through his 14 years in the business, Derek has gained hands on experience in the management of semi-private golf courses with a specialization in the dissection of a golf course operation through analyzing specific club programs, revenue and expense management, business systems, facility financials, financial reporting, proforma development for current and future facilities, human resource programs, integrated technology, club marketing including website design and development, and the purchasing of a golf club, including its transition to new ownership.
Jim Houston, CMAA Member/PGA Professional, Director of Operations, DWA Golf
Jim Houston comes to DWA Golf with over 16 years of experience in the golf industry. Jim is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He has been a resident of Northeast Florida for over 29 years, and has worked at some of the finest clubs in Florida, namely TPC at Sawgrass, The Plantation at Ponte Vedra, and Pablo Creek Club. Jim firmly believes a solid team and club membership is based on forging lasting relationships. This is achieved by spending good quality time with each club and fellow team member. This focus has earned Jim the Northern Chapter PGA Horton Smith Award on two occasions, as well as the Acushnet PGA Apprentice Scholarship Award.
Jim’s most recent position prior to DWA Golf was Regional Manager with a well-known golf management company. This position included complete oversight of four clubs and responsibility for over 260 employees. His experience with sound human resource practices, fiscal management, budget development, and good business practices has brought a wealth of experience to DWA Golf and enabled our company to lay the foundation for its long term success.
Walter “Willy” DiStefano, III, PGA Professional, Managing Partner/Owner, DWA Golf
Willy, like Derek, is also a graduate of the Methodist University PGA Professional Golf Management Program. He too earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Concentration in Professional Golf Management.Shortly after graduating from Methodist, Willy earned his PGA membership and serves the organization proudly with his strong support of growing the game of Golf.
Through his 10 years of experience in the golf business, Willy has developed a keen, common sense approach to golf course operations and the development of good businesses practices. Specializing in the areas of facility revenue management, golfer development, tournament operations, predicting the needs of the consumer, and customer service management, Willy brings a unique trait to the table for the modern era of club operations. In addition he has won the Northern Chapter of the North Florida PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year Award for Public Golf Courses each of the last three years.