GOLF STAFF
Brent Allen
Director of Golf
Originally from Conyers, Georgia, Brent Allen attended Heritage High School, where he lettered in varsity for four years in football and baseball. After high school, Brent attended Darton College on a baseball scholarship. He then transferred to Appalachian State University his junior year, but tore his rotator cuff before the season started. Even though this injury ended his baseball career, it introduced Brent to the game of golf.
During his career, Brent has held Assistant Golf Professional positions at Balsam Mountain Preserve in Sylva, North Carolina, Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida, Country Club of Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina Colleton River Club in Bluffton, South Carolina, and the Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, FL. Brent held the Head Golf Professional position at Linville Ridge for 7 years before being promoted to the honored position of Director of Golf.
When Brent is not performing his duties as a golf professional, he enjoys exercising, fishing and working on his golf game.
Jake Gainey
Director of Outside Operations
Jake Gainey, originally from Boone, North Carolina, now resides in Foscoe, North Carolina. After high school Jake worked at a driving range which led to his interest in the golf business. Currently, Jake is pursuing a degree at Caldwell Community College. Jake has been at Linville Ridge since August 2012 and is now the new Director of Outside Golf Operations. In his spare time, he enjoys softball, basketball, golf, coaching baseball, hunting and fishing. During the off season, you can find Jake working in the Christmas tree fields and doing construction.
Steve Sheets
Development & Operations Director
Steve Sheets is a North Carolina native and has been part of The Lutgert Companies’ team since 1984. From his start as a Golf Course Superintendent at Linville Ridge, Steve has been fundamental in assisting with the growth and development of the community. Over his 43-year career, Steve held previous roles such as President of the Eastern and Western North Carolina Turf Grass Association, President of Carolina’s Golf Course Superintendent Association, and served on the Turf Grass Council of North Carolina’s Board of Directors. A passionate golfer, Steve spends his spare time watching and playing the game, as well as skiing and hiking.
Tommy Clark
Course Superintendent
Tommy Clark is a native of the country club industry, having worked in various clubs over the last 29 years. Since 1996, he has played an integral role in keeping the Linville Ridge golf course in pristine condition during the summer, and in healthy shape during the winter. A native of Morgantown, N.C., he holds an associates degree in turf management from Catawba Valley Technical Institute. He was awarded the Bayer Superintendents Awards, and is also a member of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Fluent in Spanish, he also enjoys weight lifting, golf, snowboarding, motorcycle riding and spending time with his family.
