Management Profiles

• Danny Baron, Director of Golf

  Danny Baron has joined The Course At Wente Vineyards as its new director of golf. Baron, 30 year-old, is responsible for the daily operations of the Greg Norman-designed golf course, as well as the clubhouse grill.

  Known as an ambassador of the game with a knack for creating attractive programs for men, women and junior golfers, Baron moves into his new position after serving as general manager and director of golf at Trilogy Golf Club in Rio Vista. There he handled the golf, food and beverage, sales and marketing, and maintenance departments.

  “Danny is a dedicated and enthusiastic professional whose experience managing all facets of golf club operations are a perfect fit for The Course At Wente Vineyards,” said Christine Wente, vice president of marketing for the Wente Vineyards lifestyle businesses. “His experience in promoting a team-oriented atmosphere will enhance our ability to provide exceptional guest services and build quality customer relations.”

  Born and raised in Louisville, Ky., Baron played four years on the golf team at the University of Louisville, was named captain for two years and made the Conference USA All-Academic Team. Graduating with honors with a degree in business marketing, Baron chose a career in the golf business, starting in 1990 at Seneca Golf Course in Louisville.

  In 1996 he joined the prestigious Polo Fields Golf and Country Club in Louisville, where he worked nine years and was head golf professional from 2002-2006. Baron also continued his education, earning a PGA Certification in General Management in February, 2006.

  Baron moved West in 2006 to join Trilogy Golf Club in Rio Vista, where he was instrumental in developing Trilogy’s “Learn to Golf” program that contributed to more than 80 Trilogy members taking up the game of golf for the first time.

  Baron and his wife, Shannon, also from Louisville, are both wine enthusiasts and avid college football fans – for rival teams. Danny is a Louisville Cardinal fan, while Shannon roots for the Kentucky Wildcats. They live in Brentwood.

• Steve Ficovich, Head Golf Professional

  With extensive experience in all aspects of golf management, Steve Ficovich joined the golf team at Wente Vineyards in December of 2003. He oversees daily operations, including staff, training, merchandise and guests services.

  A veteran instructor, Steve coordinates individual and group lesson programs, as well as specialized clinics for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

  Prior to Wente Vineyards, Steve was on staff for 11 years at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, where he was head professional from 1999-2003. Steve worked with a number of legendary athletes, including Jo DiMaggio and Tiger Woods, as well as celebrities like singer-songwriter Neal Young, who took lessons from him at Half Moon Bay. Steve also caddied for Young in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

  A lifetime resident of Saratoga, Steve studied occupational therapy at De Anza College in Cupertino, and then started his golf career in 1991 as an assistant professional at Palo Alto Hills Country Club. The next year he moved on to Half Moon Bay, where he started as an assistant pro and then assistant director of golf.

  An avid fisherman who also enjoys hunting quail, dove, chukar and pheasant, Steve lives in Saratoga with his wife and three daughters.

• Glenn Matthews, Superintendent and Director of Maintenance

  A former golf professional who started working in golf shops as a teenager, Glenn Matthews oversees maintenance on the golf course and directs landscape operations throughout the Wente Vineyards property.

  Born and raised in San Diego, Glenn is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he majored in soil science, with a minor in viticulture – an ideal combination for The Course at Wente Vineyards. He also has a degree in horticulture.

  Although he started out as an aspiring tour pro and has been a golf instructor as well, Glenn transitioned into the course maintenance side of the industry, first joining the staff at Singing Hills Country Club in El Cajon, and then at San Luis Obispo Country Club. He joined the team at Wente Vineyards in mid-2003 as assistant superintendent and soon was elevated to his current role that fall.