Meet Our Staff

Meet the team behind the sucess of the Shining Rock Golf Club

Administraive

LOU PAPADELLIS

General Manager

Lou is entering his 14^th season as General Manager of Shining Rock Golf Club. He has been in the golf industry for 32 years and is a graduate of Boston College. Lou has been here since day 1 and has propelled Shining Rock into one of the Premier Public Golf Courses in New England. In his years at Shining Rock, the club has won several awards including the Top Ten Public Courses in New England, Best Public Golf Course West of Boston from Boston Magazine. He is looking forward to many more successful seasons at Shining Rock Golf Club.

PATRICK GLEASON

Superintendent

Shining Rock Golf Club welcomes Patrick Gleason. Patrick graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, he completed two turfgrass internships at Bethpage Black in Long Island, New York, and Wannamoisett Country Club, in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduation, he spent 3 years as an assistant superintendent at Bethpage, including preparing the Black Course for the 2019 PGA Championship.

After studying away from home, he wanted to get back to living and working in his home state of Massachusetts. Patrick accepted the First Assistant Superintendent position at Hopkinton Country Club in 2020 and assisted in the full revamp and transformation of the golf course to where it is today.

He is extremely excited to start a new chapter at The Rock and put forth great playing conditions for years to come. He is a big New England sports fan and enjoys spending time with his dog Jameson who comes to the golf course everyday with him.

SAM GIFFORD

Golf Shop Manager

After twelve years at Hopkinton Country Club, Sam started at Shining Rock in 2020 and became Pro Shop Manager in 2022. He strives to make every golfer feel like they are home. Sam is the proud father of two athletic daughters who recently took up golf. He loves to play basketball, softball, and golf and is a nationally ranked-dart player.

VINCE FORTE

PGA, HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL

Vince is beginning his first season as the Head PGA Golf Professional at Shining Rock Golf Club. With over 20 years of experience in the golf industry, he has held prestigious positions across both South Florida and New England. In Florida, he served as the Director of Golf at Banyan Cay Resort & Golf in West Palm Beach. In New England, he has worked at Sakonnet Golf Club, Newport Country Club, and Wannamoisett Country Club, and was the Head Golf Professional at the Country Club of New Bedford.

Throughout his career, Vince has had the privilege of learning from some of the top teaching professionals in the country. His passion lies in helping golfers of all ages and skill levels improve their game, and he looks forward to working with members and guests at Shining Rock.

When he’s not at the club, you’ll most likely find him at a hockey rink somewhere in New England, cheering on his two boys, Rocco (10) and Luca (7), as they compete. Vince is thrilled to be part of the Shining Rock Golf Club team and is eager to contribute to the club’s success.

Harry Rose

PGA & Teaching Professional

Hi, my name is Harry Rose and I have been a PGA and teaching professional for over 25 years. In that time I have taught over 15,000 lessons working with people of all ages from 5 to 90. I especially enjoy teaching a variety of ability levels from beginners to high school, collegiate and professional players and have concentrated on providing individual and group lessons, as well as clinics.

In 2020 I was honored to be the recipient of the Deacon Palmer Award. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you at Shining Rock Golf Club.

Sincerely,
Harry Rose, PGA Professional

Ellen Mabee

Office Manager

Ellen Mabee has been with Shining Rock Golf Club since the beginning days! She is Shining Rocks Office Manager and Lou’s right-hand person. She enjoys time with her canine companion Artie and enjoys going for walks, traveling, chocolate, and spending time with her family. She is looking forward to many more seasons at Shining Rock Golf Club.

Restaurant

KEVIN WATSON

Head Chef

In his 10th season at Shining Rock as a member Kevin worked with the culinary team on a menu revamp as well as part time with the agronomy crew. Kevin joins the team this season full time running food and beverage operations after 6 years as Vice President of business operations at Locals 8 Hospitality group and 13 years on the Legals Seafoods Senior Culinary management team. In his 27th year as a chef Kevin is looking forward to continually innovating food and beverage options for the membership, event patrons and residents of the Northbridge area.

STEVE O’TOOLE

Associate Chef

Steve is in his 14th year with Shining Rock. His passion for cooking comes from family. Steve started in the business working alongside his family at O’Toole’s Pub, a family run restaurant for over 20 years.

Steve recently celebrated 25th anniversary to his lovely Bride Cindy. He attended Arizona State and has been honored by winning the coveted 2020 Readers Choice Best Restaurant Award. Though his time away from the kitchen is limited, Steve enjoys playing golf, riding his Harley and traveling.

RACHEL BURGOS

Restaurant Manager

Rachel began working at Shining Rock back in 2017 as the Pro Shop Supervisor and Marketing Administrator. She was a recent graduate of Northern Arizona University hoping to work with the public in an event-based capacity. She lived in Massachusetts and then in Arizona growing up and moved back with her family after graduating college.

She excels at customer service and loves the Shining Rock community. She takes pride in her work and contributing to a pleasant and enjoyable work environment. After the last two years, working as a medical customer support specialist. Rachel is looking forward to many more successful seasons at the Shining Rock Bar and Grill.