Zac Gavlak, PGA General Manager
Zac has mentored under some of the finest PGA Golf Professionals in the country which has created his unique skill set and servant leadership style that fits perfectly with Mapletøn Golf Club. During Zac's time at the Yellowstone Club in Montana, he mentored under Steve Satterstrom who comes from the Cherry Hills lineage in Denver Colorado.
After attaining his class A membership into the PGA of America Zac moved on to Milburn Country Club in Overland Park Kansas and mentored under Randy Hunt who was previously the General Manager at Prairie Dunes in Hutchinson Kansas. It was through these great mentors where Zac learned the skills of what it takes to be a well-rounded PGA Professional at some of the best private clubs in the country.
Zac has received some of the highest honors as a PGA Professional being named 2023 Private Facility Promoter of the Year and 2021 Dakota Chapter PGA Golf Professional of the Year in the Minnesota Section. These awards are the highest honors the Association can bestow on a working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA Professional. This award embraces a wide range of services executed by the club professional.
Zac is married to Gretchen Richter a South Dakota native and SDSU Graduate. They have two wonderful girls Adalyn (11) and Lauren (9).
Kristen Kuchta, Business Developement Manager
Kristen, originally from Yankton, South Dakota, grew up working on her grandparents' dairy farm. After graduating from Yankton High School, she moved to Parker, SD. For the past 16 years, Kristen has been a dedicated employee at the Country Club of Sioux Falls (CCSF), where she earned an associate degree in accounting.
During her tenure at CCSF, Kristen held various roles, starting as an event server in 2006. She progressed through the ranks from Assistant Food and Beverage Manager to Banquet and Events Director, eventually becoming the Membership Director. In this role, Kristen successfully grew the club's membership to a 10-year waitlist, showcasing her extensive knowledge and experience in the private club industry.
In early September 2022, Kristen briefly served as the Business Development Manager for Amy Stockberger Real Estate before returning to the private club sector. She is now dedicated to helping realize the vision of Mapletøn Golf Club.
Mike Nelson, Director of Agronomy
With 35 years of experience in the turf management industry, Mike has developed and established high-end destination golf experiences. Introduced to golf at an early age, he cultivated a passion for the game that, combined with his agronomic understanding, has led to a successful career in turf management. His experience in building and growing four golf courses and consulting on others has provided him with numerous opportunities to tackle unique challenges requiring creative problem-solving and attention to detail. He values integrity and understands the importance of establishing a strong culture and maintaining high standards.
Mike is dedicated to mentoring students and turf professionals, many of whom have advanced in the industry to become Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents. He and his wife, Michelle, have three boys and an Australian Shepherd named Nova. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and hockey, and spending time with his family. Relocating from the Iowa City, Iowa area, he looks forward to becoming a part of the Sioux Falls community.
Tyler Kropuenske, First Assistant Superintendent
Born and raised in Beresford, South Dakota, our new Assistant Superintendent is thrilled to return to his home state to join this exciting project. He brings with him a rich background in turf management and horticulture, having earned his degree from Southeast Technical College. His passion for sports began at a young age, with golf as his first love before transitioning to baseball during high school, only to return to golf in college. Over the years, he honed his expertise as a turf grass intern at prestigious private clubs like Oakland Hills Country Club and Seminole Golf Club, where he developed a strong network of mentors and friends. Most recently, he spent three years at Hazeltine National, solidifying his understanding of championship-level course conditions. With five years of industry experience under his belt, he is known for his strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. He takes great pride in mentoring students and young turf professionals, helping them navigate the early stages of their careers. When he's not working, you can find him enjoying a round of golf or a game of baseball, watching sporting events, or adding to his sports memorabilia collection with his dad and brother.