Golf Staff & Lessons

Dave Carlisle has 29 years of golf and hospitality experience with a strong background in guest service. He most recently served as the general manager of Eaglerock Golf Course in Billings, Montana. Before Eaglerock, Carlisle was the head golf professional at Kissing Tree Golf Club, a Troon-managed facility in San Marcos, Texas. During his career, Carlisle has served as an assistant golf professional, head golf professional, teaching professional, director of golf, and general manager. He has worked at public and private golf facilities, with stops in Maui, Hawaii, Aspen, Colorado, and clubs throughout Texas.

J.J. joined the Club at Forest Ridge team in September 2011, bringing extensive experience from esteemed clubs such as The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City and Fairfax Golf Club in Edmond. Previously serving as the Director of Golf, J.J. has now transitioned into the role of Assistant General Manager at Forest Ridge. As a Class A Professional, J.J. continues to contribute his expertise to the club's success in many areas.

Dustin Semsch is a Class A PGA Member, of 12 years, with 30+ years’ experience in the golf industry.  He has held many titles over the years at various Country Clubs, Semi-Private Courses, Public Courses and Non-Profit golf sectors.  He is coming to us from Oklahoma City where he served as the Director of Golf for the First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City for the past 13 years.  Prior to his tenure at the First Tee, he held the title of First Assistant Golf Professional at Fairfax Golf Club, a semi-private golf club in Edmond, OK.  

Dustin has a passion for Junior Golf and is excited to bring enthusiasm with him to Forest Ridge as well as provide the ultimate golf experience for all members and golfers.  Dustin was nominated and awarded the 2020 PGA South Central Section (Western Chapter) Player Development Award, voted on by his peers.  As an accomplished amateur golfer, his awards and accomplishments included; All American Collegiate Golfer for University of Central Oklahoma, Multiple Collegiate Individual Titles which included an Individual Conference Championship, Two time Division II National Championship competitor, reached top 20 individual ranking in DII Golf, Qualifier for 101^st US Amateur Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA.

Dustin brings a wide range of knowledge and expertise with him to The Club at Forest Ridge.  He is excited to join the team in creating one of the most superior golf environments in the Tulsa area!

John has been the golf course superintendent at Forest Ridge since 1988.  His first job on a golf course was in 1978 at Quail Creek Golf & Country Club in Oklahoma City.  He spent 3 years there before moving to Tulsa to work at Southern Hills Country Club.  John was at Southern Hills for 8 years, the final 6 as the assistant superintendent.  

Brett Freeman is an Oklahoma native. Following college, Brett began his career as a golf instructor and was a long time disciple of the legendary PGA instructor Manuel de La Torre (World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame). Brett’s teaching philosophy is that everyone has a golf swing within them. The concepts he teach help them discover their swing and play their best golf. There’s no ONE way to swing a golf club, everyone is uniquely different and can leverage that to improve their game.

Brett has instructed multiple state champion golfers and over 100 high school students of Brett’s have gone on to play golf in college. He also works with PGA, LPGA, and Korn Ferry tour players. Brett is excited about the future of instruction at Forest Ridge and the entire staff’s commitment to helping golfers play their best.

James Gonzales, Membership Director at The Club at Forest Ridge, brings a diverse background to his role. Originally from Albuquerque, NM, and an alum of Broken Arrow High School, James served with 1/1 in the Marine Corps as a 0341, transitioning to real estate and insurance before joining us in the Pro Shop in February 2023. His passion for golf is evident in both his professional and personal life, making him a perfect fit for his current position. James is known for fostering a welcoming atmosphere at the club, ensuring members have an exceptional experience. Outside the office, he enjoys hitting the golf course and is a big coffee guy.

Ben is the new Hospitality Manager and an Assistant Golf Professional at The Club at Forest Ridge. He has lived in Edmond his whole life, but he is excited to start his new journey in Tulsa. He is currently working to achieve his Class A PGA status and further his knowledge and skills in the game of golf. He is looking forward to meeting everyone around the club!

Nolan Pope, joined the team at Forest Ridge in March 2023, and was born and raised in North Richland Hills, Texas, just outside of Fort Worth. He began playing golf at the age of 10 and went on to play at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, earning all-conference honors. Nolan completed his degree with a bachelor's in marketing. Currently, he is enrolled in the PGA management program, working towards becoming a Class A PGA Professional. Golf and instruction are his passions, and he looks forward to representing the club and helping its members improve their game in all aspects.