Makala Soleil Gutchess
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented tournament operations professional with four years of progressive experience coordinating and directing high-volume golf events at one of the nation's busiest facilities. Demonstrated expertise in leading staff and large volunteer teams, managing complex event-day logistics, and fostering collaboration across multiple departments to deliver seamless, high-quality tournaments. Proficient in client communication, workflow organization, and real-time problem-solving, consistently making decisive, high-stakes decisions during critical moments to ensure successful event outcomes. Demonstrates exceptional professionalism and operational efficiency, overseeing events from initial planning through day-of execution with a focus on excellence.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Tournament Director
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
09.2024 - Current
- Directed a $1.4M+ annual tournament department, overseeing all planning, logistics, contracts, and execution for high-volume corporate and charity golf events.
- Led a core team of three staff members and coordinated a volunteer base of roughly 100, ensuring seamless event operations through clear communication, delegation, and cross-department collaboration.
- Served as the primary client liaison, managing timelines, expectations, and problem-solving to deliver a consistently professional, high-quality tournament experience.
- Collaborated with the NCAA and Visit Sacramento to host a D1 Cross Country Regional Championship, coordinating logistics for over 450 athletes and accommodating more than 500 spectators, ensuring a highly organized and successful large-scale event.
Tournament Coordinator
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
02.2023 - 09.2024
- Supported event day operations for high-volume golf tournaments, assisting with check-in, cart staging, scoring, signage, contests setup, and overall course preparation.
- Coordinated simple logistics across departments by relaying information, organizing materials, and ensuring event items were ready when needed.
- Provided participant support during tournaments by answering questions, managing rosters, and helping maintain a smooth flow throughout the day.
Attendant/Cashier
Halls Hill Blueberry Farm
07.2020 - 08.2022
- Performed financial transactions.
- Provided customer service.
Education
Advanced Regents Diploma - General Studies
Cortland Jr Sr High School
06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Dryden, NY05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Psychology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2026
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Time management
- Adaptive mindset
- Decision making
- Organizational leadership
- Event management
- Budget planning
- Logistics management
- Volunteer recruitment
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Accomplishments
- Honor Roll (Grades 9-12)
- Highest Honors
Timeline
Tournament Director
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
09.2024 - Current
Tournament Coordinator
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
02.2023 - 09.2024
Attendant/Cashier
Halls Hill Blueberry Farm
07.2020 - 08.2022
Advanced Regents Diploma - General Studies
Cortland Jr Sr High School
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Psychology
Arizona State University