News

Carmel, IN (November 11, 2019) — After four years with Prairie View Golf Club, Senior Assistant Professional Ben Gavin has accepted a new position as an assistant professional with the Fort Wayne Country Club.

Gavin was instrumental in growing many different golf leagues at Prairie View, including the Wednesday Men’s Club group, the Tuesday Ladies League, and the Thursday Night Men’s League.  His administration and communication skills had a deep impact on the league experience for all league golfers. In addition, Gavin was a key member of the special event and outing operations team. He made sure anyone stepping on Prairie View’s property, whether organizer, vendor, coach, player, or spectator, had a positive and lasting memory.

“Ben Gavin always went out of his way to make sure the golfer, whether member or daily play golfer, had an exceptional experience at Prairie View,” said Colin O’Neal, Director of Operations. “Ben was attentive to the golfer’s needs and made sure that they felt welcomed and appreciated. The relationships that Ben was able to forge with members, associates, and staff members was very strong.  Ben is well-respected and well-liked, and we know that will continue at his new opportunity at the Fort Wayne Country Club. He will be missed at Prairie View.” 

“I want to thank the annual members, league members, public golfers, and the Prairie View staff for what was truly a memorable tenure,” Gavin said. “I had an enjoyable experience and was fortunate enough to learn a lot and meet some special people along the way.”

Long regarded as one of the top private golf clubs in the state, Fort Wayne Country Club’s Head PGA Golf Professional Chad Ayers had this to say about Gavin: “In his first several weeks on the job, Ben has already brought new energy to the club and demonstrated professionalism and a great attitude.”

A native of Leesburg, Ind., Gavin learned the game at Tippecanoe Lake Country club and was graduated from Trine University with a BS in Business Administration/Golf Management in 2014. He went on to serve as an assistant professional at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Ind., and Innisbrook Golf Resort in Tampa, Fla., before being hired at Prairie View in 2016.

“Ben Gavin was a tremendous asset to our golf operation at Prairie View,” said Head PGA Golf Professional Jake Peacock. “His willingness to learn, adapt, and lead have allowed him to become a true golf professional. The members and guests at FWCC now have one of the best Assistant Golf Professionals in the Indiana Section.”

Cohoat and O’Neal Management strives to hire, develop, and promote (internally or externally) exceptional talent in every facet of the golf industry. For any questions, please contact one the following members of the C&O team:

Jake Peacock, PGA	jake@prairieviewgc.com	Prairie View Golf Club Head Professional
Lisa Morrissett	lmorrissett@cohoatandoneal.com	AVP, Operations

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Carmel, IN (October 10, 2019) — Last week, Prairie View Golf Club played host to the 47^th annual IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals to rave reviews. Over 1,200 spectators watched 100 girls from 38 schools compete on a championship course that was in the best shape of the season. 40 volunteers assisted staff from the club, the IHSAA, and the Cohoat & O’Neal management team to produce another event of the highest quality. The championship was webstreamed on Saturday via IHSAA.org

“This event was outstanding in so many ways,” said “Doc” O’Neal, Chief Operating Officer for Cohoat and O’Neal Management. “Service, staff, golf course, weather, food, merchandise, attendance, practice range, presentation of the grounds, the award ceremony – it’s a special lifetime memory for all of these young ladies and their families that they will treasure this for the rest of their lives.”

First-time team champions Homestead defeated defending champion (and winners of the last four out of five state finals) Evansville North by 15 shots. Individual champion sophomore Evansville North’s Faith Johnson fired 73-69 to win by 2 strokes over Homestead’s Madison Dabagia. Madison’s older sister, senior Morgan Dabagia, finished in a tie for individual third place and was voted as Mental Attitude winner. For complete results, click here.

We think the C&O team knocked it out of the park, but don’t take our word for it. Here’s what leaders in Indiana golf had to say about the championship:

“I frequently am asked about our state finals venues and the quality of each site. Prairie View is at the top of that list due to the care and investment your team places into the facility.  Coupled with your hospitality, our golf state finals rank among the best in the nation.”

–Bobby Cox, Commissioner

Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc.

“We are proud to call Prairie View the home of the state championship!  Our goal is to provide the very best venue and experience for the student-athletes.  No question this goal is attained with all your work and professionalism. I was able to talk to many college coaches in attendance and they all expressed (social media included) the same thoughts…the fantastic course, the format, the quality of players, all make for what they consider to be, one of the finest championships.”

–Chris C. Kaufman, Assistant Commissioner

Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc.

“In my opinion, championships should feel different from other tournaments held throughout the year by creating an atmosphere that is unique and special for the players and coaches. In addition, championship tournaments should be a tough test of golf and played on a golf course that is manicured and maintained to high standards. Prairie View GC does exactly all of this for the participants, coaches and families involved in the state championship.”

–Brent Nicoson, Head Coach

University of Indianapolis

“Coming from out of state (Kentucky) and having no prior connection to Indiana’s High School State Finals, I was shocked with the presentation and professionalism of the event. I don’t think there is a more well-run high school golf state finals in the nation. Kudos to Prairie View and the IHSAA.”

–John Raque, Assistant Tournament Director

Indiana Golf Office

If you have questions, please contact one the following members of the Cohoat and O’Neal Management team:

“Doc” O’Neal	doneal@cohoatandoneal.com	Chief Operating Officer
Colin O’Neal	coneal@cohoatandoneal.com	Director of Operations
Jake Peacock	jake@prairieviewgc.com	Prairie View Golf Club PGA Head Professional
Lisa Morrissett	lmorrissett@cohoatandoneal.com	Director of Customer Services

As of September 1st, Cohoat and O’Neal is excited to add Harrison Hills (Attica, IN) to the list of courses we proudly manage and operate.

Harrison Hills Golf & Country Club has 200 rolling acres of spectacular views on a 6820 yard championship golf course. Bent grass tees, fairways and greens allow everyone to experience what the pro’s play on every week.  With four sets of tee markers and the removal of 75% of the high grass around the course, we have made the golf course enjoyable for all skill levels. Do not have time for a round of golf?  Come out and enjoy our bent grass driving range with a short game area and two putting greens.  Here are some other reason to head for the hill.

Two more caddies from the Cohoat & O’Neal Caddie Program have been awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship, bringing the total to 10 caddies

A look inside the Evans Scholars Caddie Program. More than one dozen high school seniors across Indiana have been awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship, worth an estimated $120,000 over four years. A director of the Western Golf Association explains how the foundation honors young caddies. Watch the video here.

Wood Wind hires Elliot Elger, PGA as new Head Golf Professional

Elliot brings 2 seasons of experience as Hillview Country Club’s Head Golf Professional (2017-2018) and 5 seasons as Woodland Country Club’s Assistant Golf Professional

Prairie View hires Jake Peacock, PGA as new Head Golf Professional!

Contact

Jake brings 3 seasons of experience as Wood Wind’s Head Golf Professional (2016-2018) and 2 seasons of experience as Prairie View’s Assistant Golf Professional (2014-2015)