Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Honors & Awards
Golf Industry Background
Heart of Inclusion Award New Jersey Institute of Disabilities (2025) Recognized for leadership, advo
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RYAN C. KAYTON

Huntington Station,NY

Summary

I am a relationship-driven business professional with experience leading multi-state operations, cultivating strategic partnerships, coordinating complex logistics, and delivering exceptional client experiences across the golf, nonprofit, hospitality, and service industries.

Currently serving as Manager of Adaptive Golf for the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA), I oversee programming throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut while working closely with executives, healthcare organizations, foundations, schools, country clubs, corporate sponsors, large scale donors, participant families, and community leaders.

Throughout my career, I have built and managed large-scale programs, developed strategic partnerships, coordinated high-profile events, supervised teams, and created meaningful experiences for clients and stakeholders. These experiences have strengthened my ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, communicate effectively, and maintain long-term professional relationships built on trust, responsiveness, and service excellence.

Outside of work, I am a competitive golfer and current 3-handicap player. At one point I got my handicap down to a +1, which was a lot easier when my job didn't revolve around helping everyone else play golf! These days, I spend more time organizing clinics than practicing my own game—but I wouldn't have it any other way.

My professional background has been built around relationships, hospitality, operations, logistics, and creating memorable experiences—skills that naturally align with luxury travel, private aviation, concierge services, and serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clientele.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager, Adaptive Golf

Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation (MGA)
Elmsford, NY
02.2024 - Current
  • Achieved significant engagement of participants across NY, NJ, and CT through effective strategic growth and operations management of an adaptive sports initiative. Successfully coordinated over 100 annual clinics and events, enhancing participant experience. Strengthened partnerships and maintained effective instructor networks, fostering positive relationships with families, sponsors, and partner organizations.
  • Managed budgets and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to design educational programs promoting youth involvement in golf.
  • Mentored team members, fostering professional growth and improving overall performance metrics.
  • Analyzed program effectiveness, recommending improvements based on participant feedback and outcomes.
  • Oversaw marketing strategies to increase awareness of foundation initiatives within the community.
  • Established partnerships with local organizations to expand outreach efforts and resource availability.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.

MGA Liaison, Corporate Partners Working Group

Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
01.2026 - Current
  • Collaborate with business leaders, nonprofits, educational institutions, and corporate partners to support workforce development initiatives and strategic partnerships.
  • Established partnerships with external organizations, expanding resources and support for university initiatives.
  • Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with organizational objectives.

Golf Instruction & Client Development Professional

Multiple Facilities
All Over Suffolk County, NY
10.2022 - Current


Facilities: Back Nine Golf – Farmingdale, NY | Northport Golf Course – Northport, NY | Pickle N Par – Melville & Smithtown, NY | X-Golf Commack – Commack,

Delivered 200+ private lessons, group clinics, and player development sessions annually for golfers ranging from beginners to competitive players.
Designed and implemented individualized coaching programs utilizing TrackMan, Foresight GCQuad, Golfzon, Full Swing, and video analysis technology to assess performance and accelerate player improvement.

  • Cultivated and maintained a 90%+ client retention rate through personalized instruction, consistent communication, and results-driven coaching strategies.
  • Coordinated and led instructional clinics, camps, corporate outings, and community engagement events, serving golfers of varying ages, abilities, and experience levels throughout Long Island.
  • Leveraged advanced launch monitor and simulator technology to analyze club speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, and dispersion patterns, translating data into actionable player development plans.
  • Generated and sustained a strong referral-based client portfolio, with a significant percentage of new business originating from repeat clients and word-of-mouth recommendations.
  • Advised golfers on practice planning, course management, equipment selection, and long-term player development strategies to support measurable improvement and scoring goals.
  • Collaborated with facility ownership, management teams, and industry professionals to enhance instructional programming, increase participant engagement, and elevate the overall client experience.
  • Developed customized improvement plans that enhanced ball-striking consistency, distance control, scoring performance, and on-course confidence.
  • Managed instructional schedules and client relationships across four premier golf and entertainment facilities, maintaining exceptional service standards and customer satisfaction.
  • Established a reputation for delivering high-touch, personalized coaching experiences that resulted in strong client retention and referral growth.
    Successfully integrated industry-leading golf technology and performance analytics into instruction to provide objective feedback, measurable benchmarks, and data-driven player development.
  • Delivered instruction and player development services across multiple high-volume facilities while maintaining outstanding client engagement, professionalism, and service excellence.

Golf Operations & Customer Experience Manager

Dietz Golf Corperation
Northport, NY
03.2017 - 02.2024

Progressed through multiple operational, instructional, hospitality, and leadership roles over seven years at Crab Meadow Golf Course (Northport, NY) and Dix Hills Golf Course (Dix Hills, NY).

Career Progression

  • Outside Service & Cart Operations Attendant
  • Pro Shop Attendant
  • Food & Beverage Lead
  • Assistant Golf Instructor
  • Golf Operations & Customer Experience Manager

Key Accomplishments

  • Managed daily operations of high-volume golf facilities serving thousands of guests annually.
  • Oversaw customer experience initiatives, staffing, scheduling, and operational logistics.
  • Coordinated tournaments, outings, leagues, instructional programs, and special events.
  • Supported retail operations, inventory management, merchandising, and purchasing.
  • Delivered exceptional hospitality and service standards across multiple departments.
  • Built strong relationships with golfers, guests, instructors, vendors, and community stakeholders.
  • Trained and mentored staff members while supporting leadership initiatives.
  • Developed expertise in operations management, hospitality, customer service, and business administration.

Pro Shop Attendant

Cherry Valley Club
Garden City, NY
06.2020 - 11.2021

Supported daily operations at one of Long Island's premier private clubs while providing exceptional member service in a high-expectation hospitality environment.

Key Accomplishments

  • Assisted members and guests with merchandise sales, tee time management, and daily club operations.
  • Supported tournament administration, member events, and private club programming.
  • Maintained professional communication with members, guests, golf professionals, and management staff.
  • Delivered a high-touch service experience focused on attention to detail and member satisfaction.
  • Developed experience serving affluent clientele within a luxury private club environment.

Tournament Operations Personnel

Metropolitan PGA
Elmsford, NY
06.2019 - 08.2022
  • Coordinated tournament logistics and participant services.
  • Worked directly with club leadership, sponsors, golf professionals, and competitors.
  • Assisted with registration, scoring systems, and event administration.
  • Supported the successful execution of professional and amateur championships.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Marketing & Business Strategy

St. Joseph's University
New York

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - NCAA Division III Men's Golf Team

St. Joseph's University
New York

Skills

  • Client Relationship Management
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Business Development
  • Corporate Relations
  • Operations Management
  • Event Planning & Logistics
  • Team Leadership
  • Account Management
  • Marketing & Brand Development
  • Data Analysis & Reporting
  • Fundraising & Sponsorship Development
  • Executive Communication
  • Customer Experience & Retention
  • Strategic Planning

Certification

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

  • USGA Adaptive Golf Evaluation Certified
  • Adaptive Golf Certified Coach (GSGA)
  • Els for Autism Certified Golf Instructor
  • PGA HOPE Awareness Training
  • TrackMan University Certifications
  • CPR/AED & First Aid Certified
  • NFHS Sports Certified Specialist
  • Mental Training for Performance
  • Coaching Adaptive Sports
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Concussion in Sports
  • TPI Level 1

Timeline

MGA Liaison, Corporate Partners Working Group

Adelphi University
01.2026 - Current

Manager, Adaptive Golf

Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation (MGA)
02.2024 - Current

Golf Instruction & Client Development Professional

Multiple Facilities
10.2022 - Current

Pro Shop Attendant

Cherry Valley Club
06.2020 - 11.2021

Tournament Operations Personnel

Metropolitan PGA
06.2019 - 08.2022

Golf Operations & Customer Experience Manager

Dietz Golf Corperation
03.2017 - 02.2024

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - NCAA Division III Men's Golf Team

St. Joseph's University

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Marketing & Business Strategy

St. Joseph's University

Honors & Awards

Heart of Inclusion Award – New Jersey Institute of Disabilities (2025), Golden Eagle Award – St. Joseph's University (2023)

Golf Industry Background

  • 3 Handicap Golfer
  • NCAA Division III Men's Golf Team – St. Joseph's University New York
  • Manager, Adaptive Golf – MGA Foundation
  • Head Golf Instructor – Back Nine Golf
  • Former Golf Manager – Dietz Golf Corporation
  • Head of Short Game Operations – U.S. Adaptive Open
  • Head of Range Operations – U.S. Adaptive Open Qualifier

Heart of Inclusion Award New Jersey Institute of Disabilities (2025) Recognized for leadership, advo

Recognized for leadership, advocacy, and dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities through adaptive sports programming.