New golf pro tees off at Concession Golf Club

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Barry Hinckley didn’t have his first golf lesson until he was a junior in college.
But by that point, the Columbus, Ohio, native had thoroughly studied the game and was playing for Stetson University.

“For the most part, I’m self-taught,” Hinckley said. “I always try to put my best foot forward, so (growing up) I was always reading books, studying and learning. I was very curious.”

Now, Hinckley is hoping to use his knowledge of the game to provide a world-class golf course experience for both members and guests as The Concession Golf Club’s head golf professional.

Hinckley assumed his new role at the end of January.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and my family,” Hinckley said. “This is a great spot. The Concession is a wonderful golf course and facility, and I’m excited to be a part of its growth.”

As the head golf professional, Hinckley is responsible for overseeing all of The Concession’s golf operations, which includes everything from managing tournaments to hiring and training staff. But for Hinckley, his most important task is ensuring members and guests have a world-class golf course experience.

“(The course) is second to none,” Hinckley said.

Hinckley grew up out on the golf course after his father, Larry, introduced him to the sport at a young age. A natural talent, Hinckley played golf all through high school before earning a scholarship to Stetson.

Hinckley graduated from Stetson in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an emphasis in marketing. Hinckley spent the next 10 years playing professionally before moving back to Ohio.
Most recently, Hinckley spent the past five years helping run golf course operations for Scioto Country Club —the home course of golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

“Playing for a living and working for a living are two very different things,” Hinckley said. “I love the fact that it’s different every day.”

When he’s not hard at work, Hinckley, who resides in Lakewood Ranch, enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathy, and two sons, Ben, 3 and Palmer, 5 months. And although Hinckley doesn’t play nearly as much as he used to, he eventually plans to begin competing in the North Florida section of the PGA.

But for now, Hinckley is content learning the ins and outs of The Concession.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].