The golf staff at Avon Oaks will work to ensure that you have a good experience every time you play the course or visit the golf range. Led by our head pro Matt Stroud, he and the staff are committed to delivering a quality golf experience. All are available for lessons by appointment.
Matt Stroud, PGA - Head Golf Professional
Originally from Norwalk, Ohio, and a graduate from The Ohio State University, Matt started his career in 2012 working for Scioto Country Club in Columbus and Firestone Country Club in Akron. Matt joined the staff at Avon Oaks in August of 2017, where he served as First Assistant in 2019. Matt is in his third year as Head Golf Professional and is a full PGA member. Matt enjoys teaching juniors on Thursday mornings and playing in section events on Mondays. Matt was the 2021 PGA Section Recipient of the Patriot Award, and is a Northern Ohio Folds of Honor Chapter Board Member. Matt spends his free time working with Folds of Honor and enjoys spending time with his wife Ariel in their new home in North Olmsted.
Erin Craig, PGA
Erin is back with us at Avon Oaks after spending the last 7 years working at The Turn and North Olmsted Golf Club, as well as Club Walden. She is the 2020 Northern Ohio PGA Youth Player Development Award winner as well as the 2024 Patriot Award winner. She also received the 2023 and 2024 Game Changer Award presented at the PGA Show in Orlando for her work with PGA Jr League and PGA Family Golf. Erin lives in Fairview Park with her dog, Rigby, and 3 cats, Charlie, Springsteen, and Magnolia. Erin is excited to be back amongst old friends and is looking forward to making new ones!Austin Masturzo - 1st Assistant Golf Professional
Austin Masturzo is in his third season as assistant golf professional at Avon Oaks. Austin began golfing at age 4 and has been playing competitively since age 7. He has played in numerous local, national and international tournaments. He played golf for 2 years at John Carroll University before transferring to The Ohio State University. Austin is currently working toward obtaining class A PGA membership. Austin loves spending time with his family and dog, traveling the world, giving golf lessons and helping others grow their love for the game of golf.
Eric Oakes -Assistant Golf Professional
Eric, a native of Elyria, OH, discovered his passion for golf at the age of 13, the same year he began caddying. He played for four years at Elyria Catholic High School before continuing his journey at the University of Cincinnati, where he was a member of the club golf team while pursuing a business degree.
With 20 years of experience in the golf industry, Eric is currently in his first year of the PGA program and is working toward becoming a Class A Professional. Outside of golf, Eric enjoys spending time with family and friends and is always looking for ways to grow and improve within the game of golf. He recently joined Avon Oaks and is eager to connect with the Avon Oaks community.
Elise Illius, PharmD – Golf Shop Manager
Born and raised in Westlake, Ohio, Elise began playing golf when she was in 2nd grade, right here at Avon Oaks, as a participant in the junior golf program. She went on to play for the varsity girls golf team at Westlake High School, and has remained an avid golfer ever since. In May 2022, she graduated from The University of Toledo as one of the Valedictorians of her class, with her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree.
Elise began working at Avon Oaks in 2017 in the bag room, and was promoted to shift captain in 2018. She is very excited to be serving the members as the Golf Shop Manager. As the former president of three different pharmacy organizations while at Toledo, she is looking forward to putting her leadership experience to work in this role, and learning more about the golf industry. When not golfing, Elise enjoys spending time with her family, taking her golden retriever on walks, running, and is a huge Tom Brady and Cleveland Guardians fan.
Dan Bell - Men's Locker Room Manager
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