Every now and then, a story reminds you how many different paths can lead to a life in golf. For Sean Minogue, that path ran from the fairways of New York to the deserts of Iraq to the polished pro shop at Willow Oaks Country Club in Richmond, Virginia.
A Marine veteran, former history teacher, and now the club’s Pro Shop Manager, Sean’s journey isn’t the typical one you hear in golf retail circles, but that’s exactly what makes it so instructive. His blend of discipline, empathy, and curiosity has helped him redefine what a golf and tennis shop can represent inside a modern private club.
Sean has a great story, and just like you, he's also a part of the Grow Golf community. So, grab some coffee, take a few minutes, and let's Grow Golf.
-Rich
From Combat Discipline to Club Culture
“I grew up in New York and got my first taste of golf working as a caddie and in pro shops as a teenager,” Sean said. “The events of 9/11 hit close to home for my community, and I felt called to serve, so I joined the Marine Corps, spending four years on active duty with a deployment to Iraq. When I came home, golf became a refuge for me.”
After leaving the service, Sean attended the Golf Academy of America, eventually settling in Virginia—his wife’s home state. He worked as an assistant golf professional before using the GI Bill to earn degrees in History and Teaching. When the world shut down during COVID, his first year in the classroom became entirely virtual.
“It was a frustrating experience that left me feeling disconnected,” he recalled. “So, I took a step back, which brought me back to Willow Oaks, where I had previously worked as an assistant. The timing turned out to be fortuitous—the club was taking ownership of the golf shop and a new manager role opened up. Though I had no merchandising experience, my history with the club and eagerness to dive in helped me land the position.”
From Combat Discipline to Club Culture
“My time in the Marines, especially in combat, taught me that success depends on everyone doing their job well and paying close attention to detail,” Sean explained. “In both the military and hospitality, no role is too small—any breakdown can lead to failure. That’s why I emphasize to our frontline staff that their performance directly shapes the member and guest experience.”
GG POV: Sean’s leadership perspective bridges two worlds that rarely intersect: military precision and private-club service. It’s a reminder that excellence in hospitality starts the same way it does in combat: clarity of mission and accountability for every role on the team.
Teaching also left its mark.
“When I began teaching, I realized I had to change my delivery to get through to students. That ability to adapt my communication based on who I’m talking to serves me well here. Members often just want the facts, while vendors appreciate when you share the bigger picture so you can strategize together.”
Learning the Merch Game from Scratch
Sean entered the merchandising world without prior retail experience—but he found allies.
“The AGM (Association of Golf Mechandisers) has been an invaluable resource,” he said. “I came into this role with no retail background, and they provided the resources and education I needed to hit the ground running. They answered questions, connected me with other merchandisers, and offered webinars that were second to none.”
That support network helped him shape a clear buying philosophy.
“I do my best to prioritize what our members want. One of the lessons merchandisers have to learn is to not buy based on your own tastes but on what’s going to sell. Ultimately, my goal is for members to walk into the shop and feel like we’ve anticipated what they want and need.”
GG POV: Sean’s humility here is a model for every merchandiser who starts from scratch. The best buyers aren’t trend-chasers—they’re translators, turning member psychology into inventory decisions that feel intuitive, not transactional.
Building a Culture Through Retail
Four seasons later, Sean now oversees the golf, tennis, and fitness shops at Willow Oaks. What drives him isn’t just numbers—it’s culture.
“Seeing the growth and year-over-year sales is rewarding, but even more than that, it’s the feedback from members. These spaces are an extension of the club and our brand image. When members say how happy they are with the merchandise or when someone recognizes one of our hats out of state, that tells me we’re doing something special.”
Balancing Life, Family, and the Long Season
“It’s no secret the hours in golf are long,” Sean said. “I’ve learned to set boundaries and carve out family time. Managing a busy shop isn’t a one-person show. Learning to delegate and trust my staff is key to being fully present at home. At the end of the day, it’s not life or death—and maybe my time in the Marines helped me keep that perspective.”
“I hope to continue to build upon the momentum we’ve established. I want our members to think of no place else than their Willow Oaks shops. I’ve also set a goal for us to earn an AGM Platinum Award and be recognized among the top 100 golf shops worldwide.”
And if he could tell his younger self one thing?
“Be patient and know there’s no clear roadmap. Trust that your experiences will connect in ways you can’t see yet. The people you meet and the perspective you gain will lead to opportunities you never imagined.”
The Bottom Line
Sean’s journey reminds us that golf is full of second acts. What matters isn’t where you start, but how you lead, serve, and grow along the way.
Have questions? Let's connect on LinkedIn or send me a note today (hello@growgolf.co).
EXTENDED: Reminder for the Grow Golf Referral Program!
Here's how it works:
1) Share Grow Golf with your teammates or industry friends using your custom referral link (you’ll find it below).
2) If 3 of your colleagues sign up, I’ll send you a $10 gift card to Dunkin', Starbucks, (or your favorite coffee spot). It's easy. Do it today, let me buy you coffee tomorrow!
| |
| Share your unique referral link |
3 Referrals
$10 Starbucks Gift Card | 5 Referrals
Shout-Out in Newsletter | 10 Referrals
Personalized Grow Golf Case Study |
|
Check your referrals |
|
Share your unique link |
|
[SHARE_URL GOES HERE] |
|
Share on social |
    |
| |
| Powered by Viral Loops |
| |
