Associate of the Month | Keith Balanis
The Golf Department nominates Keith Balanis for August Associate of the Month.
Keith continuously sets a strong example with his positive attitude and strong work ethic . His strong work ethic is evident whether he is working with the agronomy team, at the finish line with guest service or promoting and welcoming guests to LIT #miniDunes. Keith constantly looks to help keep everything in working order looking for damage when golf cars come off the course or checking for alerts on the generator. Keith’s ability to take on different roles around the facility and lead with a strong work ethic while maintain a positive attitude is admirable.
Thank you, Keith, for your dedication to excellence!
Brady Wilson, PGA | General Manager
Brady joined the team at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in the fall of 2012. Originally from Durango, Colorado, Brady attended Fort Lewis College where he earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English Communications. He went on to attend Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI, for post graduate work in Human Resource Development. Brady became a PGA member in January of 2005 and before coming to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, served as the Director of Golf for Troon Golf at Classic Club, the host site for the PGA TOUR’s Bob Hope Classic from 2006-2008. Other Troon properties Brady has served at include Escena Golf Club (Head Professional 2007) and The Glacier Club at Tamarron (Outside Service Manager 1998). Brady also has worked at The Moors Golf Club (Head Golf Professional 2006) and The Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame (Golf Professional 2003-2006). Brady’s first career choice out of college was coaching college women’s basketball, which he did at both Fort Lewis College (1996-1998) and Siena Heights University (1998-2000). Brady can often be found supporting his beloved Colorado sports teams in his free time or playing tennis. Brady is married to his wife Christy and together they have two children, Brooke and Robbie.
Nate Cummings, PGA | Director of Golf
Nate’s golf career began at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in 2013 while attending the Golf Academy of America. He continued his career in the Pacific Northwest at Desert Canyon Golf Resort (Head Golf Professional 2018), where he was elected into membership of the PGA of America and earned his PGA Certified Professional status in the areas of General Management and Player Development. He returned to the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes team in 2020 as Head Golf Professional. Nate grew up in Missoula, MT and is married to his wife, Jenna. In his free time, Nate can be found spending time with family and friends, watching sports, or playing golf.
Ryan Graham | Golf Sales Manager
Ryan joined AK-Chin Southern Dunes in September 2018. Originally from Buffalo, Wyoming, Ryan attended the University of Montana State Billings on a full-ride golf scholarship where he studied business for two years. Ryan then went on to attend and Graduate from the University of Wyoming where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business in 2018. In his free time, Ryan can be found spending time on various golf ranges with family and friends, while also taking his dog “Bogey” on many “good boy” walks.
Dylan Whitbeck | Associate Golf Professional
Dylan is a New York native who moved to Arizona in 2019 with a passion for golf. He is determined to become a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and is currently in level 2 of the program. With dedication and ambition, Dylan strives to make his mark in the golfing world and embrace the opportunities as a member of the Troon family.
Kaitlyn Burton | Administrative Assistant, HR Coordinator
Kaitlyn joined the Troon Golf Family in August 2020. She worked for Aguila Golf Course in Laveen Arizona her initial few years with Troon then transferred to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in November 2022. Kaitlyn and her husband Dustin bought their first house and moved to Maricopa in March 2022 with just their 1 dog and 2 horses. Quickly they added to their farm with 11 chickens, 2 cats, and another dog. In her free time, Kaitlyn can be found spending quality time with her family, camping, horseback riding, off-roading and enjoying all things outdoors.
Danielle Klutz | Food & Beverage Manager
Danielle joined Troon Golf’s family in September 2014. Danielle worked for Ocotillo Golf Course in Chandler Arizona her initial few years with Troon and then transferred to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes and Arroyo Grille in 2017. Danielle has climbed that employment ladder from part time server to her current role of food & beverage manager. Being a local of Maricopa since 2005 Danielle is excited to reach out to the local community and share with them Ak-Chin Southern Dunes and Arroyo Grille.
Danielle Sweitzer | Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Born and raised in Ohio, Danielle moved to Maricopa in September 2021. She joined the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes team as a Steward, quickly moving up to a Line Cook and within 6 months was promoted to her current position as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager. When Danielle is not working hard guiding her team at Arroyo Grille she can be found exploring Arizona! She enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and all things outdoors. Danielle brings patience, consistency, responsibility and self-assurance to her role at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes.
Justin Hilton | Executive Chef
Justin joined Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in June 2021 as Executive Chef. Having worked in the restaurant industry for over 17 years (with 10 of those years as an executive chef), Justin brings flavor, creativity and execution to the Arroyo Grille. Originally from Southern California, Justin has held chef positions at several of the premier restaurants in the region. He and his wife Cassandra have a son named Castin . Justin can be found spending time with his family, playing golf or watching his favorite sports teams.
Wes Haner | Superintendent
