Hazeltine National Golf Club Names Thomas Barksdale as General Manager

Hazeltine National Golf Club has named Thomas Barksdale, PGA, as the Club's new General Manager. Barksdale joins Hazeltine following his tenure as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas, and will oversee all aspects of Club operations while leading Hazeltine into its next chapter of championship golf and exceptional experiences.

The appointment follows a comprehensive national search conducted by Hazeltine's Board of Governors in partnership with the PGA of America Executive Search team. Throughout the process, the Board sought a leader who exemplifies integrity, collaborative leadership, operational excellence, and a deep appreciation for the traditions and culture that have made Hazeltine one of the world's premier golf clubs.

"Selecting the next General Manager was one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to the Board," said Club President Dan L. Johnson. "Thomas distinguished himself throughout the process with his genuine leadership style, commitment to member service, and thoughtful vision for the future. He understands the importance of honoring Hazeltine's championship heritage while continuing to elevate the member experience, and we are confident he is the right leader to guide the Club into its next chapter."

Barksdale joins Hazeltine following the successful hosting of the 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship as the Club continues preparations for the 2029 Ryder Cup, when Hazeltine will become the first club in the United States to host the Ryder Cup on two occasions. His experience leading nationally recognized private clubs, combined with his commitment to service excellence and organizational leadership, positions him to guide the Club during one of the most significant periods in its history.

"I am truly honored to join Hazeltine National Golf Club and become part of a place with such an extraordinary history and reputation," said Barksdale. "My career has been shaped by a deep respect for the game of golf, a passion for service, and a belief that the finest clubs are defined by the people, experiences, and relationships they cultivate every day. Hazeltine represents the very best of those values, and I look forward to working alongside the Board of Governors, team, and membership to preserve the Club's remarkable heritage while continuing to create exceptional experiences for generations to come."

Barksdale brings more than a decade of leadership experience at nationally recognized private clubs and has built a reputation as a thoughtful, approachable, and steady leader. Throughout his career, he has focused on creating exceptional member experiences by empowering talented teams, building strong relationships, preserving the traditions that define great golf clubs, and thoughtfully preparing them for the future.

A native of Porterville, California, Barksdale earned a degree in Economics from St. Mary's College of California, where he attended on scholarship. His leadership philosophy has been shaped by the values of hard work, integrity, and service, as well as a lifelong appreciation for the game of golf and its ability to bring people together. He and his wife, Jacqueline, will relocate to Minnesota as he assumes his new role and look forward to becoming part of both the Hazeltine community and the greater Twin Cities area.

"Hazeltine occupies a special place in the game of golf," Barksdale said. "Its championship legacy is matched only by the strength of its membership and the pride its people have in this Club. I am excited to support an outstanding team, build lasting relationships with our members, and help ensure Hazeltine continues to set the standard for excellence in private club hospitality and championship golf."

About Hazeltine National Golf Club

Founded in 1962, Hazeltine National Golf Club is in Chaska, Minnesota. The championship course was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later refined by his son, Rees Jones, to meet the evolving demands of major championship golf. In 2023, Hazeltine partnered with Love Golf Design to develop a comprehensive master plan, led by World Golf Hall of Famer and 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III. Throughout its history, Hazeltine has hosted numerous national and international championships, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, U.S. Women's Open, KPMG Women's PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open, and U.S. Amateur Championship, and will become the first club in the United States to host the Ryder Cup twice when it welcomes the matches back in 2029.