Luis DeJesus – Hispanic Heritage Month
Q: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up and please explain if there was a story around that.
A: I wanted to be an astronaut! I was always fascinated with space, flight, stars and planets. I spent nights on the roof of our garage with my father looking into space through a telescope that I was gifted for Christmas one year. It was always so exciting to actually find a planet in the distance.
Q: What is one or two interesting facts about your heritage that you would like to share with us?
A: I am a proud Puerto Rican-American and although I was born in Connecticut, I love spending time visiting family in Puerto Rico. The culture is rich in beautiful music, excellent food and a strong community. My family in Connecticut were all raised in that atmosphere, and it created outstanding memories that we reminisce about every time I get a chance to visit home.
Q: Who got you into the business or game of golf and what was your first experience at a golf course/range?
A: My uncle Natanael was the first person to introduce my brother and I to golf. He played with coworkers in a league at a municipal golf course and he brought us to play our first 9-hole round. My first experience learning the game or practicing was at a public course within walking distance from our home. My brother and I did a three-day summer camp.
Q: Was there a mentor that helped guide you along your current career path and was there a piece of advice that helped you along your way?
A: My professional mentor is Peter Pulaski. He was the Director of Golf at The Course at Yale. I spent three wonderful years working for him and he gave me so much insight into the business that gave me the confidence to continue to pursue my goal of being a Head Golf Professional. The best piece of advice he gave me was to be patient – think not only about today but about the future. He helped me create goals for myself and gave me insight on how to achieve them.
Q: How long have you worked for Troon and what has been your career progression at the facility; what do you love most about your job?
A: I started at Raintree in June of 2016 as a Lead Assistant Golf Professional and was promoted to Head Golf Professional in May of 2017. What I love most about my job is the ability to create relationships with members, guests and fellow employees. I pride myself on being a mentor to Assistant Golf Professionals that work with me and passing on the knowledge they need to pursue their career goals.
Q: What do you do in your daily job or life to inspire other minorities to get them interested in the game of golf or into the golf business as a career?
A: My first-time inspiring minorities to play golf was through the First Tee of New Haven Connecticut. Camile Collier, a fellow Assistant Golf Professional at The Course at Yale, and I spent three days a week teaching classes to grow the game with children from five public schools in the area. It was a great experience and sparked my interest in teaching players of all skill levels.
Q: What is your dream foursome for golf (you and three others)?
A: My dream foursome would be Tiger Woods, Chi-Chi Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. Tiger because he changed the game of golf for everyone and made minorities feel like they could dominate the game as he did. Chi-Chi is the greatest golfer to come from Puerto Rico. A country primarily known for baseball and boxing; he excelled in an era of all-time great golfers. Lastly Derek Jeter because he was my favorite baseball player growing up. My passion for golf didn’t start until late in middle school and prior to that my passion was baseball.
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