Shannon Donlon, Golf Professional

Shannon Donlon
Assistant Golf Professional
The Olympic Club,
San Francisco, CA

Assistant Golf Professional Job description: Teaching, Running Tournaments, Merchandising the Golf Pro Shop, etc.

Shannon grew up in San Jose, CA. Although her parents enjoyed golf, they had little time to devote to the sport while raising their family. Shannon remembers, however, that there were always golf clubs in the garage.

Shannon earned a softball scholarship to Hawaii Pacific University and while there, she played volleyball and softball. She has a Degree in Economics from San Jose State University.

After finishing college her first job was working at a golf course.  Because she was athletic and loved sports, she started hitting balls on the golf range and received coaching from the Golf Professionals on staff.  As she enjoyed competition, Shannon began entering local tournaments at the amateur level, playing 20 to 25 events a year. After 5 years as an amateur, she decided to become a Golf Professional. The first year she played in the “Players West” Tour on the West Coast and then played the “Futures Tour” competing on the East Coast ,in the Mid-West and the Southern States.

Undicided about continuing as a touring Golf Professional, she returned to California and managed a restaurant for a year. After a year, she knew golf was calling her back again. She was hired by Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, CA. and worked her way up to the position of Head Golf Professional. While at Poppy Hills as head pro, she managed the staff, which included hiring and training. She was also the buyer and merchandiser of the Pro Shop, as well as director of new golf programs and manager of marketing activities.

In addition to her passion for golf, Shannon says a positive attitude, good health, an enjoyment of people and working outdoors are all qualities that benefit successful Golf Professionals.

Now that Shannon is the first woman Professional at The Olympic Club she would like to develop her teaching career and play more golf!

She favors golf clothes that have a tailored look. She likes classic styles that are comfortable with a little stretch. Recently married, she enjoys swimming, running, the symphony and reading.