Special to the Times Vedette
A new management structure for the 18-hole Lake Panorama National golf course has been created, according to a release from the Lake Panorama Association, which noted that the change was made as an effort to continue refining the business model and working toward profitability.
The new structure includes the creation of a director of golf position. Joe Wells has been hired to fill this new position and will assume the role Nov. 1. Management of the 9-hole Panorama West golf course is not impacted.
Wells will oversee daily LPN golf activities and manage the golf department budget. He will provide leadership for golf tournaments, leagues, outings, stay-and-play golf packages and special golf events, and build relationships with annual passholders, guests, staff and resort partners.
Another key responsibility for the director of golf, according to the release, is maintaining a strong working relationship with Topside Lake, Inc., which is Lake Panorama National’s food and beverage tenant. Wells’ longstanding relationship with Topside Lake, Inc., which operates The Captain’s Pick bar and restaurant, banquet facilities in the LPN clubhouse and the Spikes snack shop, will provide an opportunity to achieve shared success for both entities.
“One of our goals for this new structure is to improve coordination between the LPN golf operation and the LPN food and beverage operation,” Royce Shaffer, LPN Director of Operations, said. “We believe having Joe in this role will lead to continued growth in golf outings, special events and resort revenue. Although LPN, LLC and Topside Lake, Inc. remain separate entities, we believe this restructuring effort will create a synergy that benefits both our customers and our bottom line.”
A lifelong golfer with deep ties to Lake Panorama, Wells brings 20 years of executive leadership in hospitality and multi-unit operations to the role. He is entering the PGA Professional Golf Management program and will serve as a PGA Associate while pursuing Class A PGA status.
Implementation of this new management structure eliminated the position of head golf professional. This position was held for the last six years by Rob Riggins, who departed the LPN, LLC at the end of the 2026 golf season.
Michael Kleinwolterink has served as the pro shop manager since 2018. Kleinwolterink remains on the LPN staff as golf operations manager, taking on expanded responsibilities in support of the director of golf.
LPN, LLC is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Lake Panorama Association.