Schedule of Events

MORE ABOUT OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Brendan Walsh was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up just outside the city in a remarkable golf family of fifteen, where he was the twelfth of fifteen children. Immersed in the game from an early age, golf quickly became both a passion and a lifelong calling. He went on to attend the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology—an educational foundation that has shaped his people-centered approach to leadership, instruction, and mentorship.

His professional golf career began in 1985 at Sankaty Head Golf Club on Nantucket, Massachusetts, as an Associate Professional. He then served as Associate and Assistant PGA Professional at Ridgewood Country Club in Ridgewood, New Jersey from 1986 to 1990, while also gaining valuable winter experience at Cypress Run Golf Club and Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs, Florida. In 1991, he was appointed Head PGA Professional at The Patterson Club in Fairfield, Connecticut, a role he held until 1997.

In 1998, Brendan joined The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, beginning what would become a landmark tenure in American golf. From 1998 through 2025, he served as Director of Golf, overseeing all facets of the golf operation while building a nationally respected culture of service, excellence, and professional development. In 2026, he transitioned into the role of Golf Ambassador, continuing to represent the club, mentor professionals, and support the game at the highest level.

A PGA Member since 1988, Brendan has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the Association. His service includes Education Chairman roles with both the New Jersey Assistants PGA and the Metropolitan PGA, Board Member of the Metropolitan PGA, multiple terms on NEPGA committees, and long-standing service on the NEPGA Board of Directors. He served as NEPGA Secretary from 2024–2025 and became Vice President in 2026.

His impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including two Horton Smith Awards, NEPGA Golf Professional of the Year, NEPGA Merchandiser of the Year, the Bill Strausbaugh Award, and the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Golf Professional of the Year Award. He has also been named a Golf Digest Top Teacher in the State continuously since 2000. Among his proudest achievements is mentoring more than forty assistants who have gone on to become Head Professionals.

Brendan has been closely involved with some of the game’s most significant championships, including the 1990 U.S. Senior Open, the 1999 Ryder Cup, the 2013 U.S. Amateur, and the 2022 U.S. Open—all contributing to his reputation as a trusted leader on major championship stages.

He has been a Titleist Staff Member since 1990 and served on the Titleist Leadership Council from 2010 to 2013. Beyond golf, he serves on the Board of the Boston Chapter of Folds of Honor, supporting families of fallen and disabled service members.

Brendan and his wife Desiree, married for 33 years, are the proud parents of three daughters: Audrey, Caroline, and Gabrielle.

MORE ABOUT OUR PANELISTS

LESLEY HAWKINS

Lesley Hawkins is a keynote speaker, leadership developer, and podcast host on a mission to help leaders own their worth and lead with authentic conviction. With a career built leading teams in the global sporting goods industry, she knows firsthand what it takes to lead through challenge without losing yourself in the process.

Through transformative keynotes, The Leader's Table leadership program, and honest podcast conversations, Lesley helps individuals and organizations stop performing and start leading from a place of genuine worth. Known for her empathy, wit, and refreshingly straight talk, she equips leaders to define their value, trust their voice, and create the kind of impact that transforms teams, culture, and business results.

OWEN RUSSELL

Owen Russell is a Master Superintendent with over 30 years of experience delivering elite playing conditions and leading complex golf course operations. He is currently the Golf Course Superintendent at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where he manages all maintenance operations for the golf course, practice facilities, clubhouse grounds, and parking areas. Previously, Owen spent 18 years at Markland Wood Golf Club, overseeing more than $9 million in capital improvements, including major bunker renovations, bentgrass green conversions, and practice facility upgrades, consistently completing projects on time and on budget.

Highly regarded for his environmental stewardship and leadership, Owen has extensive experience working with regulatory agencies in highly controlled floodplain environments and was recognized with a TRCA Honor Roll Award for a permitted creek revitalization project. A graduate of Penn State University’s Turfgrass Management Program with Highest Distinction, he holds the Master Superintendent designation from the CGSA and is the Immediate Past President of the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association. Owen is a frequent speaker and published author, sharing practical insights on golf course construction, recovery, and long-range planning.