Taylor is a third generation golf course operator. His mother's father, J.D. Rees, started Willow Brook Golf Club in 1930. Four years later he built a nine hole course, replacing the driving range. Taylor's mother, Margaret, with her sister and brother, ran Willow Brook after their father's death until 1959 when Taylor's parents bought 91 acres of land in Castleton and developed a driving range and a putt-putt course followed by construction of 18 holes in 1967. Taylor helped to design and build the course with his dad Joe.

Taylor graduated from Purdue University in 1969 with an Agronomy degree, and became superintendent at the family course until more property was purchased in 1986 in Noblesville, and StonyCreek was born. Taylor built and designed StonyCreek Golf Club, with the help of family and friends, and has been the sole operator of StonyCreek since 1999. Taylor says, "I believe we have benefited in being a viable business, using INGCOA and NGCOA resources. In that vein, I hope I can help fellow owners survive and thrive in the future."

Taylor and his wife Rosie have one daughter, Megan, who's husband Bill VanValer is now superintendent at StonyCreek. Taylor resides in McCordsville, about eight miles south of StonyCreek.

Special Movie Offer for INGCOA Members

The independent film, Golf in the Kingdom, is being shown at the Eastside 9 Theatre in Lafayette, Indiana and the Saginaw 12 Theatre in Saginaw, Michigan for a limited time. Goodrich Theatres is offering a Buy One, Get One ticket for INGCOA members for the Lafayette showing starting December 2 for one week only.

Golf in the Kingdom is adapted from Michael Murphy's 1972 classic novel, a best-selling work of fiction about the game of golf. En route to India in 1956 in search of enlightenment, a young American philosophy student, Michael Murphy, takes a Scottish detour to the "links of Burningbush." Seeking to enjoy one last round before giving up his beloved game, he is unexpectedly paired with a mysterious and mischievous golf pro. A wild adventure on and off the links ensues, where Murphy's perception of golf and life are indelibly changed.

See more and watch the movie trailer at:

http://golfinthekingdommovie.com.

Click here for a printable coupon....

Chip Essig, President of Essig Golf Management, has been named 2011 Golf Professional of the Year by the PGA of America. Essig is co-owner of Hickory Stick Golf Club in Greenwood, Indiana and is an INGCOA member. He was previoulsy named Indiana Section PGA 2011 Golf Professional of the Year.

The coveted award was announced during a Rules Committee Members dinner at Atlanta Country Club where Essig was officiating this year's PGA Championship. He has worked three US Opens, ten PGA Championships and The Masters. Essig follows fellow Hoosier Jack Barber, PGA Professional at Meridian Hills Country Club in Indianapolis, who received the award in 2009. He also follows his father Don Essig, III, who was awarded the same recognition in 2007. Chip Essig will be inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame in 2013.

Essig has served on the Indiana Golf Foundation since 2000, the IGA/PGA since 2001, and the USGA Men's Amateur Public Links Committee since 2000, the Special Olympics Golf Sports Management Team since 1996, and the PGA Rules Committee since 1998, and the USGA Public Golf Committee 1997-1999. Essig received the award among 22,000 PGA members nationally. He will be recognized during the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in late January.

The 2012 NGCOA Annual Conference in Las Vegas in February promises to deliver more educational sessions than ever before. With a full day of education on Tuesday, and sessions on Friday, along with all the educational opportunities at Angel Park Golf Course on Monday, attendees will find more fresh ideas and profit strategies than at recent conferences.

Linda Rogers, Incoming NGCOA President, spoke about the NGCOA Conference recently, "I hope INGCOA members will join me in Las Vegas for the 2012 NGCOA conference. I have attended the conference for nearly 20 years and always look forward to learning the latest in industry trends and innovative ideas to help keep our business in front. Every year, we have been able to gather ideas from operators across the country, and then implement them at our course. The additional revenue has more than paid for the cost to attend the conference. I also really enjoy the chance to visit with longtime friends, and make new ones. After all, we're all in this together."

Plan to join your Indiana colleagues in Las Vegas and take home all you need to start strategizing for a great 2012 golf season. See all the highlights of this year's NGCOA Annual Conference and the Golf Industry Show details at: www.ngcoa.org/ac2012/.