Meet The Desert Pines Team

Jim Anderson, PGA. 
Director of Golf Operations/General Manager

Jim has been the DOG/GM at Desert Pines since October 2001.  He has been in the Golf Business for 25 years, a PGA Member for 18 years and will soon earn "Life Member" status with the PGA.  His engaging management style has earned him many accolades from visiting golfers and has also made Desert Pines one the most sought after public courses on which to work in Las Vegas.

Jim came to Desert Pines from Virginia where he was DOG/GM at the Forest Greens
Golf Club and General’s Ridge Golf Club located in Manassas, Virginia.  Prior to that he
was at Baytree Golf Club, Winter Haven, Florida and Grand Cypress Golf Club and
Resort, Orlando, Florida.

Like most GMs at the better-managed courses, Jim doesn’t get as much time to golf as he
would like, but still plays a great round evoking double takes as he plays right-handed
but putts left-handed.

John Sugawara, PGA.
Head Golf Professional

John has been a member of the PGA since September of 2006 and is currently working through level 1 of the PGM program.  He has been in the golf business for 8+ years starting in February 2000 as a guest service attendant with Walters Golf and with dedication, hard work and a most congenial attitude has worked his way into management. John was previously in the Banking industry and holds a Graduate Degree in Finance from Alberta Tech in Canada.

Now that John’s job description and responsibilities have changed, he finds it challenging to make time for golf.  But when pressed, John says, “I always love a game with any one of my staff and time permitting, I try not to decline any one’s offer to play.”
And when you play Desert Pines perhaps you can get him to explain why he is known as “Johnny Utah.”

Erik Ostlund, GCSAA.
Golf Course Superintendent

Erik has been the Golf Course Superintendent at Desert Pines since July 2007.  He brings over 17 years of progressive course experience to Desert Pines including 11 years as a Golf Course Superintendent directing course operations at 5 Star Resorts, Private Country Clubs as well as High End daily fee facilities.  His experience enables him to provide superior course conditions that are sure to make you, the guest, want to come back again and again. 
Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Erik has spent most of his career in Phoenix, Arizona.  His experience as Superintendent includes The Phoenician Resort, The Westin Kierland Resort, Legend Trail Golf Club, Seville Golf and Country Club as well as LochenHeath Golf Club in Traverse City, Michigan.

His hobbies are no less demanding than his profession.  He is always busy trying to keep the rubber side down while riding his Harley, or keeping a plane in the air as he completes his training for his private pilots license.  All of this and he still finds time to chase a little white ball around at Desert Pines.  

Kristi O'Neal
Food & Beverage Director/Restaurant Manager

Kisti is the engine that drives the F & B operations at Desert Pines. She is responsible for Duffer's Bar & Grill as well as the Practice Center Snack Bar and on-course beverage cart service. Additionally, she oversees the catering of numerous golf outings, business meetings, parties and weddings each year. Kristi is a product of Desert Pines having started there as a bartender in 1997 and like cream rising to the top, she was promoted to F & B Director in 2006