Meet the Member: Ricky Lyons, PGA
Ricky Lyons, PGA – Building Community, On and Off the Course
For nearly three decades, Ricky Lyons, PGA, has built his career around a love for the game, a commitment to his members, and a passion for mentorship within the Southern Texas PGA. Born in Houston and raised in Hillsboro, Ricky was first introduced to golf by his grandfather, spending summers at Elkins Lake in Huntsville and attending junior golf camps starting at just eight years old. What began as a childhood hobby quickly grew into something more, leading him to compete in junior events and eventually walk on to the Sam Houston State University golf team, where he played for three years before deciding to pursue a career on the professional side of the game.
Ricky’s early years in the golf industry were shaped by the incredible PGA of America Members he worked alongside. From Ken McDonald, PGA, at BraeBurn Country Club, to Paul Marchand, PGA, at Shadow Hawk Golf Club, and Bruce Davidson, at River Oaks Country Club, each left a lasting mark on how Ricky approaches leadership and his role as a PGA Member. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” Ricky says. “They each had their own approach, and I learned so much from watching them. I still call on them when I need advice.” That foundation helped him grow into leadership roles at several prominent Houston-area clubs before stepping into his current position as General Manager at Big Easy Ranch, where he oversees one of the region’s most unique destinations for golf, hunting, and outdoor experiences.
Transitioning into executive management wasn’t something Ricky originally envisioned, but it became a natural next step. While many PGA Members hesitate to make that move out of fear of losing their identity as “golf pros,” Ricky views it differently. “As PGA Members, we understand how a club operates,” he explains. “It’s about surrounding yourself with the right people and leading them well. You don’t have to know everything — you just need to create an environment where your team and members thrive.” Ricky leads by being present, preferring to manage “by foot” rather than staying behind a desk. He encourages his staff to stay active on the course, connect with members, and build relationships that create a stronger sense of community within the club.
A member of the Southern Texas PGA since 1997, Ricky has spent nearly 30 years contributing to the growth of the Section and currently serves as Secretary on the STPGA Board of Directors. One of his biggest priorities is helping younger professionals find their path in the industry. He’s passionate about mentorship and encouraging aspiring PGA Members & Associates to seek opportunities that broaden their experience — whether that’s exploring seasonal positions across the country, traveling with members to create lasting memories, or simply stepping out from behind the counter to spend more time on the course. “I think too many young pros get stuck behind the desk,” Ricky says. “Golf professionals need to be out there with the members — on the grass, on the range, and on the course. That’s where the relationships are built.”
Away from work, Ricky’s world revolves around his family. He and his wife, Anna, are proud parents to their nine-year-old son, Wyatt, whom they adopted at birth. “Wyatt has been the biggest blessing in our lives,” Ricky shares. “Most of our free time is spent at his baseball games or traveling together as a family.” From spring breaks in San Diego and summer trips in the Smoky Mountains to a week at St. Andrews in Scotland, Ricky and Anna are focused on giving Wyatt experiences they didn’t have growing up — creating memories that last far beyond the fairways.
Looking back on his journey, Ricky is grateful for the relationships, mentorship, and opportunities the game of golf has given him. “I’ve been blessed to work with great people, learn from incredible mentors, and build lifelong friendships through this game,” he reflects. “At the end of the day, it’s about taking care of people — your members, your team, your family. That’s what drives me.”
