Our Team
John Stahlschmidt
Senior Director of Player Development
Serving since 2021
About John
John is excited to join the Woodlands Country Club as the Senior Director of Player Development.John has a rich and illustrious golf background both as a player and instructor. A native of St. Louis, MO, John played collegiately at the University of Alabama, where he was a four-year letterman and captain of the 1998 squad. After a short professional playing career on the mini-tours, John turned his attention to teaching. From 2000 to present, John has taught at some of the best facilities in the world including TPC Scottsdale, TPC Sawgrass, Camelback Golf Club and Trump National Doral, Miami. John has also trained under industry greats including Hank Haney, Jim Flick and Rick Smith. John has given over 20,000 lessons and is dedicated to one simple mission- “Help You Improve!
Roland Thatcher
Director of Golf
Serving since 2021
About Roland
Roland’s connections to the Woodlands Country Club run deep. He took his first lesson on the driving range of the Tournament Course in 1987 and participated in the junior programs at the Club through high school. After leading McCullough High School to a Texas state championship, Roland attended Auburn University where he was an All-American and SEC individual champion. Roland turned professional after graduating and played the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour for 17 years, winning three Korn Ferry events and one international event. He is proud to be affiliated again with The Woodlands CC serving as Director of Golf. Roland enjoys passing on lessons he has learned from playing at the highest level with the best players of his generation.
Matt McConnin
Director of Club Fitting
Serving since 2022
About Matt
Matt McConnin grew up in Greenwich, CT playing many sports. After graduating from University Michigan - Ann Arbor, he moved to San Diego to pursue his dream of becoming a golf professional. In 2000, Matt officially became a PGA Member. He then opened/operated his own golf instruction and fitting business, in Southern California, for 20 years. Matt continued his formal education and obtained 3 Master's Degrees in Business while working as the Director of Career Development at the Golf Academy of America. In 2019, Matt moved to Texas with his wife, Valerie and son, Boaz. Shortly after that, he became the Director of Player Development, at Las Colinas Country Club, in Irving. He further honed his skills as a Tour Van Fitting Specialist at PGA Tour Superstore in The Woodlands before being named the Director of Club Fitting at The Refinery. Matt is certified in many cutting-edge game improvement technologies, including Trackman, and he is thrilled to help you with all your golf club fitting needs.
Allen Riley
Player Development Professional
Serving since 2008
About Allen
Class A PGA Professional - Certified Golf Psych Instructor - Certified Master Club Fitter - Specialized in short game, full swing and on course tactics for scoring
Joyce Trus
Player Development Professional
Serving since 2022
About Joyce
Female golf coach form Mexico City. Played collegiately at University of Oklahoma. 10 years' experience in several countries (Mexico, Australia and Singapore). Played some LPGA events. I specialize mostly in women and kids. TPI Certified and US Kids Certified
Carlos Gorbena
Player Development Professional
Serving since 2012
About Carlos
Originally from Mexico, Carlos has been an instructor and director of golf for many different Mexican cities. He coached the Mexican Junior Team in tournaments throughout Mexico and the United States. Carlos is one of four bilingual instructors at the Performance Center. He specializes in both junior golfers and advanced players.
Franci Betancourt
Instructor Emeritus
Serving since 2009
About Franci
Franci hails from Venezuela, where he is a founding member of The Venezuela Association of Golf Professionals (PGA). He is one of the most accomplished players from his region, representing it in 3 Golf World Cups.
Franci has been most recognized for his teaching accomplishments, receiving numerous accolades worldwide, including teacher of the year in his native country. He has coached the top south American players for the last 40 years, specializing in the under-18 group, focusing on fundamentals and respect for the game. Franci is the coach of 3-time PGA Tour winner Jhonattan Vegas and PGA teacher of the year Kevin Kirk.
Craig Kanada
Player Development Professional
Serving since 2022
281-863-1423
About Craig
After 4 yrs. on PGA Tour, 12 yrs. on Korn Ferry Tour(2 wins in 2006), 2 yrs. Canadian and Asian Tours, winning 1990 Western Am, 1991 Pacific NW Am and recently playing 3 PGA Champions events, Craig is ready to teach members and guests the best of what he's learned and experienced about the swing and how to score to the best of your abilities. Led the PGA Tour putts per round(2001) and is a Certified Level 2 SAM Putting Instructor. Coached numerous junior camps and teams. 1986 AJGA All-American.
Susie Redman Kirk
Player Development Professional
Serving since 2009
About Susie
Redman, a PGA Class A Member and former LPGA member, played in over 500 professional events worldwide earning over $1,000,000. While Susie relates well to the female golfer, she also focuses energies on the senior adult, special needs children, and executing a successful off-campus physical education program in conjunction with the Conroe Independent School District.
Johnny Montes
Player Development Professional
Serving since 2023
About Johnny
Johnny Montes, a native of New Mexico, has dedicated the past decade to teaching and growing the game of golf. His expertise lies in guiding golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite players, to discover their distinctive swing. By focusing on each individual's unique abilities and harnessing the power of technology, Johnny swiftly develops tailored strategies to elevate their golf game.
James Larkin
Player Development Professional
Serving since 2009
About James
James is a class A PGA Professional certified in teaching and coaching and has played professionally since 2002. Specialties in instruction include: focus on the development of advanced skilled players of all ages, as well as teaching full swing and short game to ladies, seniors, and juniors. He is also a certified IFPA Personal Trainer.