Victoria National Welcomes New General Manager: Ron Philo spotlights Dormie Network’s mission of unmatched hospitality
When Ron Philo Jr. arrived at Victoria National over Labor Day weekend for the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, he was walking into a familiar scene. A player and instructor with more than 30 years’ experience in the game, he played that tournament in 1994. Back then, it was hosted by Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club just outside of Portland, Ore., and sponsored by Nike. The excitement was the same, though his role had evolved. In just three short weeks, he’d take on the role of General Manager at Victoria National.
An award-winning PGA Professional and National Champion, Ron brings decades of experience across golf operations, facility management, merchandising, instruction, and event management. He is dedicated to elevating Victoria National’s level of service to match its #43 Best Golf Course in America distinction, as named by Golf Digest earlier this year.
“We have this unique opportunity to be stewards of our members and provide a level of comfort that makes them feel like they’re in their own homes,” said Ron. “From arrival to return, our focus is anticipating their needs.”
Ron’s already crossed paths with Dormie Network members on his own travels across the country, and is thrilled to be part of an organization that encourages travel as a key membership benefit and core component of its business model.
The network’s strategy mirrors what he’s seen be successful in previous roles: “In the golf industry, the destination, private club experience is really what’s working,” Ron said. The executive team’s vision, paired with the opportunity for growth in the pure-golf market, had him fully on board even before he officially stepped into the role. “The staff’s enthusiasm is infectious—I can’t wait to get into the trenches with them.”
Ron’s former roles include Director of Golf for Sawgrass Country Club in Florida and Director of Club Operations at Stowe Mountain Club in Vermont. He also earned Player of the Year and Section Champion numerous times in various sections of the PGA, appeared in seven PGA championships, and was the PGA of America Professional National Champion in 2006.
Ron officially joined the team as Victoria National’s General Manager on September 23.
