Born and raised in Somerset, Massachusetts, Matt O’Brien is a military veteran who brings discipline, dedication, and passion to the game of golf. After completing his service, Matt pursued his dream of a career in golf, earning his degree in Golf Course Management and Operations and his PGA card in 2018. Since then, he has continued to grow as a respected professional in the industry by becoming Specialized in Golf Operations in 2021. Matt enjoys playing golf, watching sports and spending time with his wife Kristina and two children Mason and Madilyn.
We had the chance recently to go On Course with Matt to learn a little bit more about his love of golf and journey to becoming the Head Golf Professional at Seminole Legacy Golf Club, the prestigious home of Florida State University Men’s and Women’s Golf.
What is your earliest memory with golf?
When I was growing up, I played hockey up in Massachusetts and didn't really play much golf. Nobody in my family plays golf. Not my parents or anybody. So I started playing a little bit with buddies, just hacking around the golf courses up there. While I was in the military, I was fortunate enough to play with some pilots at Turtle Bay in Hawaii. I joke now that it would be impossible for me to get a tee time over there now so I'm thankful that I had that opportunity early in on in my golf journey.
When did you realize that golf was going to be more than just a hobby for you?
My dad owned a business but I decided in my early 20's that I didn't want to take it over. I then had to make sure that I did something that I truly loved and never had to regret that decision. At this point, I was playing more golf and I realized how much I loved being around the people. I loved engaging with club members and developed a real passion for tournament golf. I learned about the Golf Academy of America in Altamonte Springs and decided to head down to Orlando. I got my degree and then ended up here in Tallahassee to launch my career. I started my career here when it was Don Veller Seminole Golf Course then had the chance to stay in town and head over to Southwood Golf Club where I would become the head golf professional.
I stayed close to the coaches, players and staff at FSU. They kept me in the loop on the Jack's (Nicklaus) plan to redesign and renovate the course. Fortunately enough, those relationships allowed me to be named the head golf professional when we opened back up as Seminole Legacy in 2020.
What makes being the head pro at Seminole Legacy Golf Club so special?
I think a lot of it is the traditions of Florida State and Florida State athletics. Being around the competitive golfers and watching them take their next steps. Whether they are on the PGA Tour or coaching in the NCAA or running successful businesses. You feel like you have a little part of it...being a part of the team and being around the players and the traditions. It's just one big family. If you know anything about Florida State, it runs deep with the alumni, the players, and the coaches.
What is your favorite spot on the course?
Hole twelve is where it all starts. The back nine is unbelievable! Twelve, is one of the most picturesque holes on the golf course. Thirteen is a good long par three. Fourteen is a long par five with a green that has a very tough pin placements that make it very difficult. Fifteen is a short par three. Sixteen is a downhill par four. Seventeen and eighteen are probably two of the best finishing holes in Florida. They're just awesome finishing holes on the golf course.
Who's in your dream foursome? And we will say Seminole Legacy is undergoing renovations so you can't play here.... where are you playing?
Let's go down to the other Seminole (Seminole Golf Club - Juno Beach, FL) and go visit a former Seminole Matt Cahill (Head Golf Pro) down there. It would be a lot of fun to go play down there!
My dad doesn't play golf, but he would definitely be in the foursome just to be with him and enjoy the conversations. I'd probably throw Brooks (Koepka) in there.. another former Nole. And then it gets tough but let's throw Jack (Nicklaus) in there. And then it's a toss up but we'll go with Scottie Scheffler just because he has the hot hand right now. That would be fun to see.
There are so many good golfers out there, so many people you'd love to enjoy the golf course with. Former Noles, Luke Clanton and Lottie Load would be fun. Lottie is lighting the world on fire!
I'll go with Brooks, my dad, Jack and then sneak Scottie in there as well...