During a recent conversation, Kolby shared that his interest in golf started when he picked up a club for the first time at age 11. Back then it was just something fun to do with friends. But that changed around age 15, when he got a job at the local public course as a cart attendant. From there, his love for the game grew and he joined his high school golf team in his sophomore year. “Along the way, I discovered the Professional Golf Management Program at Eastern Kentucky University, which led me to attend college there. During my time at EKU, I was fortunate to meet several mentors who greatly influenced my career, including Charlie Schuyler and Tony Pancake. Those relationships opened doors to opportunities across the country, including working several professional events such as the 2014 PGA Championship, the 2015–2017 Masters Tournaments and the 2017 BMW Championship. Each step along the way helped shape my path and led me to the incredible clubs and leadership opportunities I’ve been fortunate to be part of,” said Kolby.

Although he’s from Tennessee, Kolby is actually no stranger to this part of Texas, and he’s glad to be back. “My uncle worked at the University of Texas, and throughout my childhood I visited two or three times a year — exploring the campus, attending football games, and always making a stop at the Co-Op for new gear!” he said. His first trip to San Antonio was in 2002, when his family drove down from Austin to watch the Spurs vs. Lakers game. “It was my first NBA game ever. I got to watch some of the all-time greats: David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Shaq and Kobe.” Those childhood visits eventually led to his first college internship at the UT Golf Club and ultimately planted the seed to return to Texas one day.

In 2018, Kolby met his wife, Thayna, in Scottsdale through mutual friends. She had already been there for two years on a work exchange program and had to return to Brazil shortly after their first meeting. But they had already clicked and they continued their long-distance relationship for three-and-a-half years before getting married in October 2021. Kolby added, “I would travel to visit her often and have now been to Brazil 10 times (though I’m still not fluent in Portuguese!). No kids yet — we are looking forward to planting roots and making San Antonio home.”

Professionally, Kolby is very well-respected by his peers in the industry, is known as a great team builder and very highly regarded by the members where he has served. Most importantly, Kolby is excited about joining The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch team and getting to know our great membership. He shared, “As the Head Golf Professional at Paradise Valley, I was proud of the accomplishments and operational improvements we made as a team. With a ‘One Team, One Operation’ mentality, we implemented several key initiatives to enhance the member experience. I’m excited to continue the great traditions established at Cordillera Ranch and will strive to build upon the exceptional culture while relentlessly pursuing efforts to ensure we have the best Club in Texas. Having spent time in Texas and the Austin area growing up, I’m looking forward to returning to a familiar area and contributing to the successes of a phenomenal Club.”

Outside of his passion for golf, Kolby’s other interests include the outdoors and football. So, as our visit came right after pro football’s season finale — the Super Bowl — we had to ask where his allegiance lies! This is Texas, after all. And Kolby came clean, “As a Titans fan, I can only hope they make it back to the big game sooner rather than later after a 26-year drought. Maybe one day we’ll see a Cowboys vs. Titans matchup! On the college field, growing up in a house divided between Tennessee Vols and Texas Longhorn fans, I never had to worry much since they rarely played each other, and never in football. That changes this fall when the Vols host the Horns in Knoxville and a Manning returns to Neyland Stadium. I’m guessing I won’t truly know who I’m rooting for until kickoff!”