Luke Smith, PGA
Director of Golf
Luke grew up on the South coast of England and has been playing the game of golf since he was 8 years old. At the age of 12 he began working behind the counter on the weekend at a local course near his house. By the age of 17, he was enrolled in the PGA program and after 3 years became a Class A professional and worked as an Assistant Professional in England. In 2001 he relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina and worked at Stonebridge Golf Club, a semi-private facility bordering South Carolina. He eventually transitioned to the Head Professional role at Pine Lake Country Club and worked there for 13 years. In 2016, Luke was invited to play in the Folds of Honor Pro-Am at Milburn Country Club. Shortly after the tournament, the Director of Golf position became available and Luke was hired. Luke maintains his PGA Professional status in both the United States and United Kingdom and in 2021 was awarded the Midwest Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year!
Zack Proffitt, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Zack was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, but was raised in a town just south of Denver, called Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Golf first entered his life at 12 years old when he starting caddying for Columbine Country Club. Zack started playing golf his freshman year of high school, where he qualified for state three times and received a scholarship to play for Dodge City Community College. After two years, he attended the PGA Program at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs where he obtained his PGA Class A certification. Zack enjoys teaching juniors, conversing with members, and learning about the golf swing.
Dakota Soukup, PGA
First Assistant Golf Professional
Dakota Soukup grew up in Nebraska and Kansas, where his passion for golf began at an early age. He continued his golf career at both Barton County Community College and Park University, competing at the collegiate level while building a strong foundation in the game and the golf industry. Following graduation, Dakota dedicated himself to gaining valuable experience in all areas of club operations. Prior to joining Milburn Country Club in the summer of 2024, he served as the Lead Assistant Golf Professional at St. Andrews Golf Club, where he managed many aspects of the club’s day-to-day operations and member experience. In May 2026, Dakota achieved a major professional milestone by being elected to PGA Membership. He is passionate about teaching the game, merchandising, and creating memorable experiences for members and guests. Dakota takes pride in building relationships and helping golfers of all skill levels enjoy everything the game has to offer.
Nestor Porter, PGA
Assistant Golf Professional
Nestor was born in the city of El Paso, Texas and grew up in nearby Anthony, New Mexico where his influential Mexican heritage led to Nestor growing up bilingual. In high school, Nestor tried out golf and he was immediately hooked and fell in love with the game of golf. During his senior year of high school, Nestor knew that he wanted to make golf his career and he was accepted into the PGM Program at New Mexico State, where he worked internships at The Valley Club in Sun Valley, Idaho, Martis Camp in Truckee, California (near Lake Tahoe) and Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado. After graduating from college, Nestor was able to obtain his PGA Class A Membership in January of 2021 and obtained a job at The Powder Horn in Sheridan, Wyoming where he spent nearly 2 years learning about many aspects of golf course operations. Nestor then decided to pursue other opportunities and accepted the Assistant Professional role at Milburn Country Club in 2023. Nestor’s biggest passions in the golf industry are tournament operations and club fitting.