For most of his 25 years as a golf professional, Dirk Schultz has made Beaver Creek Country Club his business address. Starting July 17, Schultz will have a new location as he becomes the director of golf at Maryland National Golf Club in Myersville, Md.
Schultz, who recently turned 58, will say goodbye at Beaver Creek on July 16, his last day as head golf professional, a position he has held on two different occasions. His current tour of duty at Beaver Creek began in 2006, and he was also the head pro there from 1998-2001. He then went to Black Rock before coming back to Beaver Creek.
“I’ve made a lot of friends while at Beaver Creek,” Schultz said. “Importantly, I have to think of my family and what is best.”
Most golfers coming into the pro shop Tuesday and Wednesday were in shock after the news began circulating Monday that their pro was leaving. Golfers would usually be greeted with a big smile from Schultz when he was manning the pro shop desk.
As the director of golf at Maryland National, Schultz will continue his presence within the Middle Atlantic PGA, playing in tournaments representing his new employer.
“Down the road, I hope we are able to be in a position to bring some section tournaments to Maryland National,” he said.
Ethan Lester, a managing partner of Maryland National, made the hire of Schultz on Monday.
The Maryland National website said: “With his success on the golf course and extensive work experience, he is a fantastic addition to the Maryland National Golf Club family. We look forward to incorporating Dirk’s knowledge, experience and following in the community to our golf operation.”
Schultz said one of the things he enjoyed the most at Beaver Creek was golfing with members.
“I always was able to play with different people at different levels that I enjoyed,” he said.
A little irony comes Saturday in the Washington Metro Golf Association Team Championships. In the first round of play, Schultz will be leading the Beaver Creek contingent against Maryland National.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Golf pro Dirk Schultz leaving Beaver Creek for Maryland National