Ryan Markham - President

Ryan joined Elk Rapids Golf Club in 2017 and the board of governors in that same season. Ryan has a golf operations background having worked in golf course management at Grand Rapids Golf Club, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and The Chief & Hawk's Eye prior to his current career in cloud communications. Ryan has been instrumental in driving marketing and membership towards a younger generation to ensure the success of the club for the future. He has also been pivotal in the implementation of golf events to the membership serving as the chair for the membership/marketing and golf committee, prior to election as President in October of 2023. Ryan is married with two kids in Elk Rapids Schools, and the family enjoys anything outdoors in the Summer including golfing, boating, cycling, fishing, hiking, and beach days!

Shelley Appelbaum - Vice President

Shelley played her first round of golf at the Elk Rapids Golf Club in 2001 and now, over twenty years later, she is a proud member of the club, a full-time resident in Elk Rapids and I am serving her second term on the Board of Governors, as Vice President. In the world of work, Shelley devoted thirty-five years to the education profession in a variety of leadership roles in Ohio and Michigan. I had the privilege to work with talented students and colleagues during my teaching, coaching and administrative positions in both public, parochial and higher education environments. I enjoyed all of the opportunities on my professional journey and my passion is to contribute with integrity and enthusiasm in my volunteer roles in this phase of my life as well. My family and friends all know that my lifetime love of golf (a game that my mother taught me to play), is meaningful to me; I am truly honored to play at the Elk Rapids Golf Club and I will continue to do my best to serve a robust, talented and passionate membership.

Phil Anderson - Treasurer

Hello fellow golfers! Phil has been a dedicated and experienced member of the club since 2015. He is currently in his first term on the Board of Governors and serving as the Treasurer for the Elk Rapids Golf Course. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional financial management skills, he plays a vital role in ensuring the financial well-being of the golf course. Phil is commitment to accuracy and integrity and a trusted and reliable member of the team. In addition to his financial expertise, he brings a positive attitude and a passion for the sport of golf to all of his roles at the Elk Rapids Golf Course. In addition to his duties on the Board, Phil is President of the Wednesday Mixed League. He also has a solid background in financial matters as Accountant for his church and as chairman of the Finance Committee. Phil has also served as chair of the Visions and Strategic Planning committees and as President of the Church Council for two years. In his working career, he served as Purchasing Manager and earned his CPM certificate. When he is not playing golf, Phil is usually walking his two dogs or working in his garden.

Ted Shaw - Board

Ted has been a ERGC member since 2017 after enjoying the course since the early 90’s. Shortly after he joined the Board of Governors, focusing on facilities and marketing. Ted is mostly retired, which allows frequent rounds at ERGC, seeking snow for Cross Country and chasing trout on the AuSable River.Thoughts on ERGC: "I’ve seen quite a transformation these past few years with a strong Board of Governors, amazing exterior and interior enhancements to our Clubhouse and a staff that can’t be beat! I look forward to the next 100 years."

John Steele - Board

John Steele and his wife Dawn have been members of the Elk Rapids Golf Club since 2013 and they regularly participate in the leagues, outings, and events at the club. They have made many new friends through our membership after transplanting in Elk Rapids from downstate Michigan.Their adult twin sons also enjoy ERGC when they can. John enjoys golf, pickleball, biking, kung-fu and skiing. Dawn and he enjoy travel golf and love to experience new destinations. John retired after serving 45 years in law enforcement and public administration at the local and state level. He has experience with several organizations where the mission is serving members and has experience with government organization strategic planning. He earned a BA in Political Science and an MPA in Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. John has been on the Board of Governors since 2022 and hopes to be of service to the club and members whether elected to the board or asked to serve in another capacity.

Jim Benitez - Board

Jim joined the Elk Rapids Golf Club Board in 2018 and has been a member of the Golf Club since 2013. He is currently employed as a Vice-President for Accelerate Education and is responsible for their International Division. Previously, Jim was Co-Founder of Aventa Learning. Jim and his wife, Barb have four daughters- Lauren, Erin, Katelyn and Riley and have been in Northern Michigan since 2005 and Elk Rapids area since 2013. Lauren is currently in Fiji where she works in Community Economic Development and Erin is an Engineering major at the University of Michigan. Katelyn will soon be attending the University of Wisconsin and Riley is in Middle School. Jim has visited all 50 USA States and Capitals, has skied every state and has golfed 41 out of 50 states- just nine to go! He is frequently reminded of what a special place ERGC is and he is honored to serve the members by serving on the Board.

Pamela Smith - Board

Pamela is a new member of the board in 2024 but not a new face around the club. She has been a member of Elk Rapids Golf Club since 2017 and has enjoyed playing in the Ladies and Mixed leagues. She currently serves as the President of the Ladies’ league and is the club's Newsletter editor. She became very familiar with the operations of the club during employment in the pro-shop during the 2020 season. Prior to 2020 Pamela had a 30-year tenure with CGI, a global technology consulting company, as Vice President of Global Financial Services Solutions. She has senior management level expertise in organizational development, staff management, fiscal administration, and strategic planning. Besides finding Pamela on the golf course you can find her on the pickleball court or hiking with her two dogs.

Kay Romska - Board

Kay has been a member of the Elk Rapids golf course for twenty-eight years. She is serving her second term as a board member and served as president of the Elk Rapids Golf Club board in the past. She considers it a privilege to serve with the other board members and to serve the members of the club. Kay is excited to be a part of a group who takes every opportunity to grow and improve our gem. She is looking forward to another great season for all of us!

Mitch Rinek - Board

Mitch has been a long time golfer and occasionally a man “impersonating” a golfer. Mitch has enjoyed a cottage/home on Elk lake since 2000 with his wonderful wife Nancy for 52 years and is blessed with 2 married sons and 2 granddaughters. Mitch's career was as a Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in private practice for 41 years in the Lansing and East Lansing area. Mitch has been a member of ERGC for 8-9 years and on the Board of Directors for 4 years. He serves as Co-chairperson of the Personnel Committee and the Green Committee. His focus as a Board member is to keep ERGC fiscally sound, approve appropriate spending, and to keep the club staffed by the best personnel in the Northern Michigan region. He takes great pride in our newly renovated Donald Ross course, outstanding clubhouse and grounds.

Brenda Corner - Board

Brenda has completed 2 terms on the ERGC Board of Governors, and will complete her third term in 2025. She finds it rewarding to represent and serve the members of ERGC, while being part of a team that has been involved in so many exciting improvements to the club. Brenda retired from the State of Michigan as a caseworker in 2007. That same year she and her husband Larry became members of ERGC and she started her second career as a full time recreational golfer! She looks forward to working with fellow board members and great staff as they continue to improve the facilities and the course which will lead to a great golfing experience for all.

Ellen Baird - Secretary (non-voting member)

Ellen has been a member of the Elk Rapids Golf Club since 2019. She plays in the Ladies league and is a sub for the Mixed league. Since October 2022 she has served as Secretary (a non-voting position) to the Board and is currently on the Bylaws Committee. She is grateful for the opportunity to become involved and enjoys interacting with members and those waiting to become members. Ellen began her career working in law offices and retired from Jackson National Life Insurance Company as a compliance consultant. She takes full advantage of all the outdoor recreation the area has to offer and works diligently each year at trying to improve her golf handicap. Her favorite golf partner is her husband, Tom.

Brian Taylor - Historian (non-voting member)

Brian Taylor and his wife Deborah moved to Elk Rapids in 1980 to raise their family in this beautiful area and wonderful community. After years on the wait list they finally became members of ERGC in 1993. After retirement, Deborah (AT&T) served as a Board member for three years (2008-2010). After a 25 year career in the insurance industry, Brian served three terms (9 years) on the Board from 2013 to 2021. During that time he chaired the Membership/Marketing committee, the Insurance Committee, the Greens Committee and the History Committee. During his tenure on the History committee, the Elk Rapids Golf Club was named a Michigan Historic Site--one of only three courses in Michigan so designated. Brian was honored to be named Club Historian when the Board chose to officially create the position a few years ago. Our Club has a truly extraordinary story which he encourages you to read about on our website. Brian has had the good fortune to be a part of the Club's renaissance and its return to--and embracing of--our Donald J. Ross course design heritage. The future is bright for ERGC.