Kyle Baumann is the PGA head professional at Dye’s Walk Country Club in Greenwood.
He is also the general manager of the full-service private club, which began operation in 1961. Holes 10 through 18 were designed by world-renowned course designer Pete Dye.
A lifelong southsider who attended Roncalli High School, Baumann has been at Dye’s Walk since December 2013. Before that, he served 12 years as the head pro and general manager of Winding River Golf Course in Indianapolis.
He was also the head boys varsity golf coach at Perry Meridian High School for five years while at Winding River.
Baumann, 35, lives in Greenwood with his wife, Lesley, and their 4-year-old daughter.
What follows is a Q-and-A interview with Baumann.
How many years have you played golf? How did you get started?
I started playing golf when I was about 8 years old. My father and grandfather started me in the game. I attended many junior clinics and lessons over the years with many rounds of golf at the local city golf courses.
Did you play in high school and/or college?
I did not play in high school or college, competitively. However, I did play regularly with my friends and family. It wasn’t until I started in the business that I got more serious about the game.
What do you enjoy about playing the game?
I enjoy many aspects of playing the game, socializing, networking, competition, being with friends and business associates, being outside and enjoying a beautiful facility.
What do you enjoy about teaching the game?
Teaching is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my profession. In teaching you can take a student’s game and turn it around so they can enjoy the game better.
Whether the student is a recreational player or a competitive player, the accomplishment you feel as a teacher shows in your student’s accomplishments.
What do you enjoy about your job?
The biggest enjoyment for myself is the diversity of my job. One day I may be helping with the grounds crew, the next I will be running a large tournament or hosting a large banquet.
I also enjoy managing and improving the overall operation from year to year. One of the most positive aspects of my profession is that people come to Dye’s Walk Country Club for recreation. This allows me to work in an environment where most people have a great attitude and want to have a good time.
I very much enjoy the relationship-building and social aspect of my profession.
As the head pro, how difficult is it to find time to play and work on your own game?
It is very difficult. There is a large demand on my time, which leaves little time to practice or play.
What is a typical day like for you during the playing season? What time to you start? What time to you go home?
The time varies due to family needs, events, tournaments and lessons. Typically, (I work) Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What makes Dye’s Walk a unique course?
We have very unique features at Dye’s Walk. This dates back to 1961, when Pete and Alice Dye built what is now our back nine. This development was the first nine holes ever built by Pete Dye.
Being directed by a board of directors and structured as a 501C7 not-for-profit, member-owned facility is a unique feature that we posses. This allows us to return all proceeds back into the improvement of the overall facility.
We have an extensive men’s and women’s tournament schedule (and) dining and member-only events. The biggest attraction to our facility is that the members make Dye’s Walk what it is. We have many successful individuals who care about each other and the overall success of the facility. This is a big reason why we are able to constantly improve the facility and (have) recruited over 105 new members since December 2013.
The beautiful clubhouse, bar, manicured golf course and superior customer service are just a couple more features that sets up apart.
Does your wife play golf?
Lesley does not play, but my 4-year-old daughter is showing growing interest in the game, which gets me even more excited about the future.
