Corporate Biographies
Jeffrey C. Smith
Principal / Chief Executive Officer
Following graduation from the University of Missouri – Columbia, Jeff began his career with McDonnell Douglas Corporation where he had the opportunity to develop his skills in marketing, financial planning/analysis, and strategic planning within a Fortune 500 company. An opportunity from a PGA club professional led him to the PGA of America as the Executive Director of the Association’s Gateway Section. During his ten years with the PGA, this not-for-profit organization increased its revenue ten-fold through aggressive marketing of programs which ultimately provided benefits to its 400-plus members. Prior to his departure, he was awarded “Honorary PGA Membership” by the section.
In 1993, Jeff began working on a proposal for an upscale 18-hole public golf course with his long-time friend, Dennis Walters. This project, now known as The Missouri Bluffs Golf Club in St. Charles, Missouri, served as the foundation for what is now Walters Golf Management. In 1996, Jeff left the PGA of America and took his current position with Walters Golf Management. Since that time, the management company has grown beyond their expectations, currently responsible for the management of twenty properties and over 800 employees.
Jeff’s ability to recognize the needs of the customer, the trends of the golf course and housing industry, and the pulse of the economy, has enabled the WGM team to provide their properties with sound advice regarding both long and short-term financing, and realistic goals in regards to return on investment and cash management.
Jeff’s innovative thinking and down-to-earth attitude have been instrumental in the success and development of the construction management and agronomic sector of the Walters Golf Management entrée.
Jeff often speaks at regional and national golf conferences, serves on the advisory board of Midland States Bank of Chesterfield, and has served as co-host on the popular sports radio talk show, “Fairways & Greens”, which has aired since 1992 and broadcasts annually from some of the most prestigious events in America.
Jeff is well-known for his philosophy that “you are often judged on the last project you completed”. His ability to manage and market projects undertaken by WGM has provided good insurance that WGM will be judged well. New business development, as well as the ongoing oversight of the properties managed by WGM, continues to provide challenges for Jeff that “make it exciting to head to the golf course early everyday with or without my clubs”.
Lucy Hughes
Principal / President
Ph: 636-484-6336
Lucy Hughes brings a rare blend of operational expertise, hospitality instinct, and marketing fluency to Walters Golf Management. As President and Principal Partner, she is both visionary and hands-on, known for building more than strategies. She has led ground-up construction of golf courses, clubhouses, fitness centers, and pools, along with major renovations and facility expansions across multiple properties. Her work includes the original clubhouse at Missouri Bluffs, full clubhouses at The Links at Dardenne and Golf Club of Wentzville, and major development at Whitmoor Country Club, where she led the completion of the back 18 holes, clubhouse expansion, and design of the first fitness facility and pool. Raised by a father and grandfather who both held the rank of two-star general and served in two wars, Lucy grew up with discipline, adaptability, and high expectations. That foundation shaped a leadership style rooted in precision, accountability, and the ability to thrive in an industry where conditions are always shifting.
From the first turn of soil to the first guest walking through the door, every course and clubhouse she touches is shaped with purpose, care, and the kind of detail that transforms a structure into an experience. Recent work includes the complete rebuild of Woods Fort’s clubhouse, Horizon Event Center, and Pro Shop, along with the renovation of Stonewolf Golf Club. At Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville, Illinois, she led a full clubhouse renovation and reimagined the formal dining space, which went on to double food and beverage revenue after its 2013 debut. Lucy works closely with ownership groups and private country club boards to bring each project to life with clarity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of both member and guest expectations.
That level of execution is built on more than thirty years of experience in course development, clubhouse design, and operational strategy. Lucy began her career in 1989 in food and beverage and steadily expanded her role into senior oversight of vendor partnerships, HR infrastructure, policy creation, and training systems throughout the Walters portfolio.
She is a long-standing member of the Club Managers Association of America, a past president of the St. Louis CMAA Chapter, and a respected voice in the regional golf community. In 2013, she was named one of St. Louis’ Top 25 Most Influential Business Women, recognized for both her professional accomplishments and her charitable work with The First Tee of Greater St. Louis and Boys Hope Girls Hope.
Lucy’s impact extends beyond the projects she builds. She is a mentor by nature and reputation, known for bringing out the best in her teams through clear communication, high standards, and a genuine investment in people. Her proven track record makes her a leader worth listening to, but it’s her approachable teaching style that makes others want to learn. She continues to shape the next generation of managers and staff across Walters Golf Management, creating a culture that reflects her own commitment to excellence. That same care is evident in every detail of her work, from how a guest is welcomed to how a space makes them feel.
Aaron T. Gleason
Principal / Corporate Vice President
Aaron has been a leader in the golf industry for over two decades, bringing a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to golf course management, revenue optimization, and technology-driven innovation. A PGA Member since 2002, he began his career in the golf business in 1998 and has remained committed to helping golf operators maximize profitability and efficiency ever since.
As the Co-Founder of Dynamic Revenue Services and Golf Geek Software, he has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing how golf courses approach pricing and marketing. By leveraging demand-based pricing models and automated marketing
strategies, his work has helped courses nationwide increase revenue while improving the overall golfer experience. His expertise in revenue management has positioned him as a trusted advisor for operators looking to navigate the evolving landscape of the golf industry.
Since joining Walters Golf Management in 1999, he has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success. His leadership and strategic vision led to his becoming a partner in 2013, where he continues to drive innovation and operational excellence across the portfolio of managed properties.
Passionate about the business of golf, Aaron is dedicated to helping operators stay ahead of industry trends, implement cutting-edge solutions, and create sustainable growth strategies. His ability to blend technology, data-driven insights, and deep industry knowledge has made him a key influencer in the golf course management space.
Kelli Kirchoff
Principal / Chief Financial Officer
One of our own… As a Saint Charles County native, Kelli fell in love with the game of golf as a participant in the junior golf program at Whitmoor Country Club. The time spent honing her golf game proved valuable as it set the foundation for a competitive junior golf career that eventually led to individual medalist honors at the Missouri Class 4-A State Championship while attending Francis Howell High School. These accomplishments allowed Kelli the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level as a member of the University of Missouri Golf Team. During her four year career as a Tiger, Kelli participated in the NCAA National Championship, two U.S. Women’s Amateurs and was a four-time Academic All-American named by the National Golf Coaches Association.
Kelli graduated summa cum laude from the University of Missouri with a Masters Degree in Accountancy. After graduation, she began her career in public accounting at Ernst & Young, LLP in the Assurance and Advisory Business Services Line. During her tenure at E&Y, Kelli earned her license as a Certified Public Accountant and was promoted to Senior Auditor where she led engagement teams through the corporate audit process for several large publicly traded companies.
Kelli’s professional experience coupled with her extensive golf background make her uniquely qualified to serve as our Partner / CFO. In this role, Kelli manages both the accounting staff and financial statements of each WGM property to maintain an efficient operation.
Denis Barron
Director of Agronomy
Denis Barron is a seasoned expert in golf course agronomy and management, with a distinguished career spanning multiple leadership roles. He served as a golf course superintendent at Lake Valley G&CC and Cherry Hills Country Club, later advancing to general manager at Cherry Hills CC. He played a pivotal role in transitioning Cherry Hills to CC of St. Albans, as well as overseeing Greenbriar Hills and Whitmoor CC. His expertise led him to the position of Director of Agronomy at Walters Golf Management, where he influenced turf management at a high level.
Beyond golf course operations, Denis has been instrumental in product development, contributing to the formulation and sales of White Gold and Salt Exit fertilizers. He founded and successfully grew Eco-Green Technologies, Heidco, and Agro-Logics, later selling these ventures. Today he owns Denis Barron Consulting LLC, which has provided agronomic and management consulting services to 25+ courses.
His leadership extends to industry organizations, having served as newsletter editor for the Mississippi Valley GCSA for five years and as president of both the Mississippi Valley GCSAA and the Missouri Valley Turfgrass Association. A Penn State graduate in Agronomy, he remains an active member in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the Sports Field Managers Association.
Denis has overseen the construction of several premier golf courses, including the Tom Fazio Missouri Bluffs GC, Keith Foster Gateway National Golf Links, Links at Dardenne, and Golf Club of Wentzville, and is currently Project Manager of the construction of Normandie Golf Club. He is presently consulting for 15 golf courses and two school districts, focusing on grounds and athletic field management.
A thought leader in modern turf management, Denis closely follows advancements in water use efficiency and technology, soil moisture management, salinity tools, and more recently drone technology, and autonomous mowers. His strong analytical skills allow him to interpret water quality data and implement effective management, restoration, and preventative measures. His deep knowledge of lake ecosystems, aquatic biology, chemistry and ecology enables him to address challenges like nutrient levels, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, turbidity, and algal blooms.
Denis holds a commercial pesticide applicators license for turf, ornamentals, and aquatics, ensuring compliance with best industry practices. In addition to his consulting business, he is partner in D&L Sports, LLC.
2025 © Walters Golf Management
Phone: 314.569.8914
Address: 9909 Clayton Rd Suite: 222
St. Louis, MO 63124
