Dane Bohrer, Facility Manager  
dbohrer@empiregolf.com

Dane Bohrer is the Facility Manager of both the Ancil Hoffman and Cherry Island golf courses. Dane got his start with Empire Golf in 2001, when he assumed a management position as the merchandiser at Cherry Island Golf Course. There he increased sales over 200% in two years.  Since that time, Dane has been promoted to positions of increased responsibility within Empire Golf, including Head Golf Professional at Cherry Island, and later Head Golf Professional at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course. As the Facility Manager at both Cherry Island and Ancil Hoffman, Dane oversees all aspects of the both course's operations. He is in charge of customer service, staff development, merchandising and retail sales, marketing and advertising, golf car and range functions, as well as the instructional programs at both facilities.

Dane's philosophy of success is centered upon building relationships with our customers. It is this “above and beyond” approach to operations, along with his outstanding work ethic, that have made Dane an invaluable member of Empire Golf's Management Team.

Dane is a graduate of the University of New Mexico with a degree in business. He learned the golf business from the ground up, “in the trenches”, if you will. During the golf explosion of the 80's and 90's Dane owned two golf retail stores in the Sacramento area. His genuine approach to sales and customer service is refreshing when you consider the amount of misinformation the shopper is faced with in today's competitive market. Dane is a native of Dayton Ohio and currently resides in Sacramento with his wife, Lisa. If you're looking for Dane and don't find him at the golf course ... read the Sacramento Bee's fishing report. The odds are that Dane has hitched up the bass boat and headed out fishing.

Joel Baker, Head Professional
jbaker@empiregolf.com

Kurtis Wolford, Golf Course Superintendent
kwolford@empiregolf.com

Kurtis Wolford is the Golf Course Superintendent at Cherry Island.  Kurtis was hired by Empire Golf in the spring of 2005, when Empire Golf assumed the responsibility of golf course maintenance operations at Cherry Island.

Kurtis was born and raised in Redding, California.  When he was just seven years old, he began playing in recreational junior golf programs.  During his teen years, he worked on a local driving range shagging balls. 

Kurtis received a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Horticultural Science from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California.

Kurtis has worked in the golf course industry during his entire career and considers himself a steward of the environment.  In his spare time he enjoys reading, photography, playing golf, fly fishing, skiing, and camping – anything that is outdoors.

Derek Smith, Food & Beverage Manager
dsmith@empiregolf.com

Derek Smith is the Food & Beverage Manager at the Cherry Island Bar & Grill.  Derek brings a wealth of experience in restaurant and banquet operations and has worked in the hospitality industry all of his career.  Most recently, Derek served as Food & Beverage Director at the Davis Indoor Sports Center from Aug 1999 until March 2006.

Derek considers himself a self proclaimed “Coffee Guru,” having managed several coffee shops throughout the years and working as a coffee roaster for several years as well. 

Derek is also an accomplished jazz drummer, as well as guitar player, and won the Sacramento “SAMMIE” award in 2001 for best jazz band with his group “West Coast Rhythm Section.”  Derek enjoys snow skiing, golfing, camping, gardening and spending time with his wife Julia and their two cats.