Briarwood Country Club welcomes a new golf professional

Briarwood Country Club welcomes a new PGA Professional, Andy Pellows, as its new Director of Golf. Andy comes to Briarwood from Greenwich Country Club in Greenville, Connecticut where he served as head golf professional for ten years.  After recently moving his family back to Scottsdale, Arizona to be close to family, he was looking to be a part of a private club and found the opening at Briarwood Country Club to be an apparently excellent fit.

Andy’s journey began in Glen Cove, New York where he was born and spent most of his early years. At Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut he played on the Varsity Golf Team, and his passion for golf was recognized. Upon graduation he was sure of his goal to become a club professional; however, before he settled into the demands of reaching that goal, he chose to do what he called a “cross country tour”.  He stated that when his travels reached Arizona, he loved it so much he stayed for over a year.
He worked at the Phoenix Country Club as a caddy master and starter but family matters called him back to the East coast, and that is where he turned pro and joined the PGA. In the 90’s his parents moved to Arizona; so Andy became a “snowbird” spending his winters in Arizona and his summers in Connecticut. During one of those winters he met his wife Maria, whom he married in 1994. 

Now “permanently” in Arizona, he became the First Assistant Golf Professional at the new public facility called Club West Golf Club. Andy remained there for three years and then went to Paradise Valley, which was a private club. Always looking for an opportunity to advance in golf, after six years at Paradise Valley, Andy moved his family, which now included son Drew, to Greenville, Connecticut to become head golf professional at Greenwich County Club.

Andy’s next chapter now begins at Briarwood County Club. When quizzed about his” vision” for the club, he said it was a little early to comment; he is on a “listening tour” with the members at the club. He praised Briarwood for its friendly and active members, the loyal and committed staff, and the great golf facilities. He has been amazed at the number of groups which are already available for every level of golfer, like the 9 & 18 hole women’s group, the many men’s groups, Lady Putter’s and now the new Men’s putting group.

Teaching is Andy’s passion. When asked about his teaching style he quipped, “I enjoy watching you learn more than me teaching”. He is excited to see the members of Briarwood CC embracing the “tee it forward” concept for those who have found they have lost distance as they age and for others for whom it just increases enjoyment of the game. He says, “It is all about enjoying the game of golf”.

While their new Head Professional is settling into his new position, Briarwood members are looking forward to getting to know Andy and all that he can bring to the club.