Sequim Gazette staff

The Cedars at Dungeness just appointed Garrett Smithson as its head golf professional.

General Manager Bill Shea said he promoted Smithson on July 20.

“Garrett has a unique ability to make anyone feel great as they come through the door,” Shea said.

“It can be a 90-year-old player, someone coming from Seattle, or a 5-year-old kid picking up the game.

He is a unique individual who makes those people feel welcome and want to continue with the game.”

Smithson began as a bartender for the 7 Cedars Casino before Shea approached him to consider being a golf professional. After a year as a pro shop attendant, Smithson passed a 36-hole course test to start his apprenticeship.

“This is a big deal for me and my family,” Smithson said. “Everyone here has had a huge hand in helping me get where I am today.”

During his apprenticeship, Smithson said, he received 60 pounds of books to basically “earn a degree in golf”  — overseeing outside services, managing the range, pro shop inventory and more.

Smithson said he’s had a love for golf his whole life which stems from his grandfather, who instilled the passion in him early on.

As the head professional, Smithson said his goals all tie into one theme — “to promote the game of golf and grow (the Cedars) into one of the premiere places to golf in the Northwest.”

“What Garrett brings to the table is tons of energy and a passion to grow the game,” Shea said.

“His drive to build leagues for all ages and skill levels (merchant, junior, high school, special olympics, etc.) is the direction we want to go.”

Smithson took over Sequim High School’s girls golf program in 2007 and plans to keep doing it even with a busier schedule.

“It’s something I love doing and it would be hard to stop doing it,” he said.

Smithson plans to continue giving lessons, which he and Shea said were an important part of building relationships.

Opening up the assistant golf professional position is to be determined.

Smithson takes over for Jeff Lindsey, who was the head professional for six years and with the course for 10 years.

Shea said Lindsey was a great professional and highly respected member of the PGA and the Sequim community.

“He served the club well and we wish him the best,” Shea said.

For more information on the Cedars at Dungeness, 1965 Woodcock Road, call 683-6344.